World Learning Selected for Administration of the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program

Publication Date: November 10, 2021
Publication Location: WASHINGTON
Contact: Kate Casa   |   [email protected]

World Learning has been awarded funding to administer the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD Program) through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).  

In addition to the base award that will support approximately 265 students from all world regions, this year’s award also includes additional funds to support approximately 50 students from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries through the Billion Futures framework.  

“We are pleased to continue this longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of State on the Global UGRAD Program,” said World Learning CEO Carol Jenkins. “World Learning believes in the transformational capacity of exchange programs like Global UGRAD to make the world more sustainable, peaceful, and just. We are particularly pleased that FY21 funding will support additional students from ASEAN countries and we look forward to supporting all students on this important program.” 

The Global UGRAD Program promotes mutual understanding by providing one-semester scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students from underserved and underrepresented communities in all world regions for non-degree, full-time study in the United States. Students attend accredited four-year colleges and universities and receive intensive English language instruction as necessary, as well as opportunities to engage in community service, professional development workshops, and cultural enrichment activities.  

More than 70 countries and other areas participate in the Global UGRAD Program each year. Students are hosted by approximately 80 U.S. colleges and universities in 39 states, which showcase the depth and breadth of the U.S. higher education system. In turn, students serve as cultural ambassadors of their home nations, share their culture with U.S. peers, and contribute to the internationalization of their host campuses.  World Learning will hold an open call for applications in early 2022 so that interested four-year colleges and universities can apply to become future Global UGRAD host institutions. Please email [email protected] for more details. 

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program is a U.S. Department of State program with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning. 

World Learning Inc. is a thriving global organization made up of The Experiment in International Living, the nation’s most experienced provider of intercultural exchange programs abroad and virtual for high school students; School for International Training, offering accredited undergraduate study abroad programs through SIT Study Abroad, including the comparative International Honors Program, and internationally focused master’s degrees, certificate programs, and a doctorate through SIT Graduate Institute; and World Learning, a global development and exchange nonprofit organization.