Deadline: 06-Jan-23
The U.S. Embassy in Albania seeks applications for Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) to provide a diverse group of emerging student leaders with a scholarship for one semester of non-degree academic study at a U.S. college or university.
Global UGRAD is a program of the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and aims to recruit participants from under-represented 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. The program is highly competitive, and merit based. Finalists will be selected based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and their preparedness for study in the United States.
All participants will be enrolled in full-time, non-degree, undergraduate coursework chosen from their host institution’s existing curriculum. Participants will be required to take one, 3-credit U.S. Studies course to enhance their understanding of the United States. Participants will live in campus housing facilities with American peers and will be required to participate in 20 hours of community service activities. Many Global UGRAD alumni have built upon to the experience to receive Fulbright grants, obtain prestigious international internships, and work in business and government in their home countries.
Fields of Study
Global UGRAD is open to all academic fields of study and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability.
Eligibility Criteria
The Global UGRAD Program is open to anyone who is/has:
- Applicants are over 18 years of age.
- Applicants must be a citizen of Albania.
- Applicants must be studying in Albania.
- Scholarships will be granted to students who are currently enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs only, having completed a minimum of their first semester of study. Participants must have at least one semester or an equivalent term to complete at their home institutions upon completion of the Global UGRAD Program.
- Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
- A solid command of written and spoken English (English Language training for some finalists is possible);
- Preference will be given to those who have had little or no experience in the United States or outside of their home countries.
- Eligible to receive and maintain a U.S. student exchange visa (J-1) required for the program.
- Applicants are required to return directly to their home country after the completion of the program.
Ineligible
Individuals in the following circumstances are not eligible for the Global UGRAD Program:
- Citizens and permanent residents of the United States.
- Individuals currently studying, residing, or working outside of their home country.
- Local employees and immediate family members of the U.S. missions abroad who work for the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); employees are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment.
- Current World Learning employees and their immediate family members.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Albania.
For more information, visit https://al.usembassy.gov/education-culture/educational-exchange-programs/2016-2017-global-ugrad-student-application/