The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) provides 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. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and aims to recruit undergraduate students 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.

Finalists 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 twenty hours of community service. There will also be an arrival orientation and an in-person end-of-program workshop.

Program Goals

To promote mutual understanding between people of the United States and other countries.

• Provide a fulfilling exchange experience to drive academic, cross-cultural, and leadership competencies for students from Global UGRAD countries;
• Enhance students’ academic knowledge and professional skills needed to pursue long-term academic and career goals;
• Cultivate students’ comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the U.S.;
• Facilitate opportunities for students to establish social networks with U.S. host institutions and local communities;
• Empower students to engage constructively in the civic life of their local and global communities.

Financial support

Global UGRAD is a fully funded exchange program that covers students’ travel to/from the U.S., university tuition, room and board, health insurance, required books, and monthly stipend for incidental expenses. Participants will live in campus housing facilities with American peers and will be required to participate in twenty hours of community service.

Eligibility Requirements

Competition for the Global UGRAD Exchange Program is merit-based and open to students who:

• Are at least 18 years old at the start of the program;
• Are citizens of Uzbekistan, currently residing and studying in Uzbekistan;
• Are currently enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs in good standing at any accredited university in Uzbekistan;
• Have completed at least one semester of study prior to starting their Global UGRAD Program;
• Have at least one semester or an equivalent term to complete at their home institutions at the conclusion of the Global UGRAD Program. The Global UGRAD program cannot be the final academic term of a student’s undergraduate study;
• Can demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities;
• Have a solid command of written and spoken English. Finalists and alternates will be required to take the TOEFL iBT test and achieve a minimum score of 48. The cost of TOEFL will be covered by the program.
• Are able to begin studies in the United States in August 2022 (fall semester) or January 2023 (spring semester);
• Are eligible to receive and maintain the U.S. student exchange visa (J-1) required for the program; and
• Are committed to returning directly to their home country after the completion of the program.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications must be submitted online no later than January 6, 2022. Applications must be completed in English. Please note that you will not be able to edit your application after the deadline!

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