Application Review Criteria

GOALS: The candidates’ goals should align with the goals of the program – to encourage their leadership potential, commitment to civic engagement and community service, and interest in mutual understanding between their home country and the United States. Since the program is limited to one semester and participants do not receive degrees, it is important that their goals are flexible and realistic.

ACADEMICS: Global UGRAD is a non-degree program. Participants may not be able to transfer credits from their U.S. host university to their home university. Candidates should be aware that participation in the program might delay their graduation from their home university. Neither World Learning nor their U.S. host institution can guarantee enrollment in specific courses for the purposes of transfer.
All students must provide official university transcripts with their current academic standing. Students should be in good academic standing at their home university to be considered for the Program.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ABILITY: A TOEFL score is not required at the time of application; however, a TOEFL score is required for participation in the program. World Learning will provide Posts/Commissions with a voucher for the selected finalists and alternates to take the TOEFL exam. Please note that a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 48 is required for Program participation. In the event a TOEFL test cannot be taken, a Duolingo test can be taken, however, Duolingo scores are not widely accepted by host universities.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: It is ok if the student has not completed community service in their home community, but their application should show that they understand the importance of community work and show an inclination to volunteer while in United States and upon returning home. They will be required to do 20 hours of community service in the United States.

REFERENCES: One reference must be academic and written by a professor or assistant professor from the candidate’s major field of study. A second reference may come from a non-academic aspect of the candidate’s life and work. World Learning provides reference forms on the application portal.

PLAGIARISM POLICY: Plagiarism in any part of your application will result in your disqualification from participating in the Global UGRAD Program.