About the Program

A program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) provides emerging student leaders with a scholarship for one semester of non-degree academic study at a U.S. college or university. The program is designed to increase participants’ understanding of the United States and enhance their leadership skills through academic coursework, community service, and professional development activities.

During the exchange semester, Global UGRAD students live and learn on-campus alongside their American peers, complete 20 hours of community service, and enroll in full-time undergraduate coursework, including one U.S. Studies course. Students also participate in an end-of-program workshop in Washington, DC, to develop their leadership skills further, network with their global cohort, and prepare for re-entry. Upon returning home, Global UGRAD students apply the new knowledge and skills gained during the program to enact positive change in their local communities and join a global network of over 3,000 UGRAD alumni.

This program aims to recruit participants from underrepresented backgrounds who have not had other opportunities to study in the United States. Successful applicants can expect an in-depth exposure to U.S. society, culture, and academic institutions, as well as opportunities to enhance their professional skills.

Students cannot choose their host institution and will be placed at the most appropriate host institution based on students’ academic interests. All participants will be enrolled in full-time, non-degree, undergraduate coursework chosen from their host institution’s existing curriculum.

Failure to meet the academic requirements of the university and UGRAD program (poor grades, failure to submit assignments or attend class) may result in dismissal from Global UGRAD. Participants must remain in good academic standing with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning in partnership with the Fulbright Commission in Nepal.