The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) is a initiative that brings emerging leaders from various countries to the United States, offering them the chance to experience U.S. higher education, develop crucial professional skills, and immerse themselves in new cultures and values. This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. Government, and administered by World Learning.

Since 2008, World Learning has provided this opportunity to more than 2,500 Global UGRAD students. Graduates of the program leave the U.S. equipped with the tools to become leaders in their respective fields and communities. Many Global UGRAD alumni go on to receive Fulbright grants, secure prestigious international internships, and pursue careers in business and government in their home countries and regions.

The program is open to students from a wide range of countries, and its goals include fostering mutual understanding between the United States and other nations, promoting academic, cross-cultural, and leadership competencies, enhancing academic and professional knowledge, developing a nuanced understanding of the U.S., and facilitating social connections with U.S. institutions and communities. It also encourages participants to engage positively in the civic life of their local and global communities.

The eligibility criteria for the Global UGRAD Program include being at least 18 years old, a citizen of a participating country, currently residing in that country, enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student with at least one year remaining at their home university, having completed secondary education in their home country, possessing a strong command of written and spoken English (with language training available for some finalists), and being able to start studies in the U.S. in August 2023 or January 2024. Participants must also be eligible to receive and maintain the required U.S. student exchange visa (J-1) and must be cleared by a physician to participate in the program. Additionally, they must commit to returning to their home country after completing the program. The selection process for the program is highly competitive and merit-based, focusing on academic excellence, leadership potential, and readiness for study in the U.S.

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