UGRAD Nicaragua - Fully Funded Global Undergraduate Exchange Program 2018-2019, USA

Publish Date: Nov 13, 2017

Deadline: Dec 31, 2017

Global Undergraduate Exchange Program UGRAD

 

The U.S. Department of State and World Learning are pleased to announce the open competition for the Global UGRAD Program for undergraduates for the 2018-2019 Program.

Last day to submit your application : Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

Program Description

The Global UGRAD program provides scholarships for one semester of study in a non-degree program in all fields at a university in the United States. The goal of the program is to provide a substantive exchange experience at a U.S. college or university for a diverse group of emerging undergraduate student leaders. Ideal candidates for this program must show leadership skills through a sustained high level of academic achievement, commitment to community and extracurricular university activities.

Program Design

Global UGRAD participants will be enrolled in undergraduate coursework at a U.S. college or university to allow ample opportunity for substantive interaction with U.S. faculty and student peers, and for exposure to U.S. academic and classroom culture. Global UGRAD participants will live on-campus with U.S. peers. The program will include a pre-departure orientation in the U.S. Embassy in Managua, a virtual arrival orientation in the United States, and an in-person end-of-program workshop in Washington, D.C.

Important: All academic fields of study are eligible. Per J-1 visa regulations, interested applicants in majors such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology or other clinical fields of study, please be aware that direct patient care, including animal care, is not permitted, and therefore academic coursework and/or program activities at participating U.S. institutions may be limited.

Campus Placement

The Global UGRAD program will place students at the most appropriate host campus based on students’ academic interests.  The Global UGRAD Program includes a diverse roster of host campuses throughout the United States, including colleges and universities in rural and urban areas, and Minority Serving Institutions.

Students may indicate a preference for a fall or spring semester placement but final placement will be made by the implementing organization in conjunction with ECA.

Credit Transfers

This is a non-degree program and there is no assistance with credit transfers between participants’ host and home institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to check with their home institutions whether any credits accumulated during the Global UGRAD program will be transferred.

Course Availability

The Global UGRAD program cannot guarantee the availability of specific courses students may choose before traveling to the United States.

Community Service and Required Courses

Students will be required to participate in a minimum of 20 hours of community service activities during the program.  Students will also be required to enroll in at least two courses in their major and at least one course in a U.S. Studies field, such as U.S. history, literature, art, or government.

Code of Conduct and Academic Performance

Students must adhere to the host campus code of conduct as well as the terms and conditions of the Global UGRAD program. Participants must remain in good academic standing with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Failure to meet these requirements may result in dismissal from the Global UGRAD program.

Financial Support

The Global UGRAD Program provides for students’ round trip airfare to the United States, travel allowance, university tuition, room and board, health insurance, required books, monthly stipend for incidental expenses, and student visa.

Orientations for finalists

  • Global UGRAD students will attend a pre-departure orientation in the Embassy to get details about their travel and program prior to departing for the United States.
  • World Learning will provide a pre-program online professional and academic skills training before traveling to the U.S.
  • World Learning’s staff will provide virtual arrival orientation in the United States.
  • Global UGRAD students will attend a re-entry leadership and career development workshop in Washington, D.C. prior to their trip back to Nicaragua.

Eligibility

Global UGRAD is open to all academic fields of study and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability.

This program is highly competitive and merit based. Finalists will be selected on the basis of demonstrated leadership trough academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.

Note: We encourage all students, including those with disabilities, to apply to the Global UGRAD Program. All qualified applicants will be considered for the program.

The Global UGRAD Program is open to anyone who meets the criteria below:

  • A citizen of Nicaragua currently residing and studying in Nicaragua;
  • Between 18-24 years of age by Sunday, December 31, 2017
  • Enrolled in a fulltime undergraduate degree program at an accredited public or private university
  • Must have completed at least first year of university studies.
  • Have at least one semester or equivalent term remaining to graduate by May 2019*.
  • Not enrolled in final year of studies at the time of application.
  • Should demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
  • A solid command of written and spoken English, strong enough to study in a U.S. university. A TOEFL equivalent of 500 or higher (61 TOEFL IBT).
    Note: You need not have taken a TOEFL exam. Pre-selected students will be invited to come to the U.S. Embassy to take a free TOELF exam.
  • Has sustained high level of academic achievement (university cumulative percentage: 80%).
  • Priority given to economically disadvantaged students, or those who represent a minority or disadvantaged group.
  • Have had little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of their home country.
  • Able to begin studies in the United States in January 2019.

*Thesis or professional practices to be completed at the end of your studies are not considered classes. The Global UGRAD program cannot be the final academic term of a student’s undergraduate study.

For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.


This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

https://ni.usembassy.gov/education-culture/youth-programs/

Similar Opportunities


Disciplines

Any

Study Levels

Undergraduate

Opportunity Types

Scholarships

Eligible Countries

Nicaragua

Host Countries

United States