Global UGRAD Exchange Program 2021-2022 Announcement
Application deadline has been extended until March 15, 2021 4:30 p.m. Dhaka time
U.S. Embassy Dhaka is pleased to announce the call for applications for the Global UGRAD Exchange Program. It is a semester long, non-degree undergraduate exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Global UGRAD is an intensive academic program with a purpose to provide undergraduate student leaders with in-depth exposure to U.S. society, culture, and academic institutions by engaging in substantive academic exchanges at colleges and universities across America. This program will provide full scholarships to outstanding students from countries around the world– including Bangladesh – for one semester of non-degree undergraduate study at accredited U.S. institutions for a semester in fall 2020 or spring 2021. Priority will be given to underrepresented and underserved applicants. All academic fields of study are eligible. Scholarships will be awarded for one semester (approximately four months) depending upon the applicant’s interests and availability, as well as placement options and the availability of funds.
Global UGRAD participants will be enrolled full-time in undergraduate course work chosen from a host institution’s existing curriculum to allow students ample opportunity for substantive interaction with U.S. faculty and students and exposure to U.S. academic and classroom culture. In addition, to help ensure students are successful in their new academic environments, host institutions will offer tailored instruction on topics including academic research and writing, critical thinking, time management, note-taking, and studying for and taking tests. Participants will live on campus with American peers.
Participation in community service activities is mandatory. Additionally, an internship component will be offered for all participants during the academic component of the program. Internships will be related to the participant’s field of study and/or career plans.
Scholarships will be granted primarily to students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in their home country.
Candidates should be highly motivated, non-elite or underprivileged undergraduate students from colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. All candidates should know and speak English well. Applicants should have little or no prior experience in the United States or other foreign countries.
To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, interested candidates must:
- Be Bangladeshi citizens under 25 years of age (at least 18 years of age) and not dual citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., or any other country.
- Be currently enrolled as full-time undergraduate students, having completed at least one semester or have one semester remaining upon return to their home institution.
- Be proficient in both written and spoken English at a level sufficient to engage in university-level study.
- Have demonstrated leadership skills.
- Be committed to returning to their Bangladesh universities upon completion of the program.
- Have little or no prior experience in the United States.
- Be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program and community service.
- Be adaptable and ready to engage in American university life, prepared to share accommodations with Americans of diverse backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, and able to adjust to cultural and social practices different than those in Bangladesh.
To find more information and to apply, please visit: www.worldlearning.org/ugrad
Application Package
A complete application package will include:
- A completed and signed application form, with the following supporting documents:
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- One passport-size photo, attached to the first page of the application
- A copy of the data/photo pages of your passport
- Official transcripts for each year of university study, with certified translation if applicable
- Official results of the national general secondary school leaving exam (SSC/HSC/ university transcripts)
- Your personal statement (500-word limit) and written answer to the question included in the online form (400-600 word limit).
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or teachers.
Recruitment Process
- Applications are due on or before Monday, March 15, 2021. You must apply online. Register for the program using this link: https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/n9bqhdalu1
- Selection and Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews at the American Center. Selected candidates for the program will be required to complete medical tests, as well as a test of English-language proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS. If you already have a valid TOEFL or IELTS score such as 72iBT or IELTS 6.0, please submit it with your application. If you do not have a score, please do not schedule a test yourself. The American Center schedules tests for all successful candidates. Having a valid score has no bearing on consideration for the program.
- Final Approval: Although candidates will be nominated by the American Center, participation in the program is contingent on final approval from Washington, D.C., and funding availability.
For additional information after reviewing the instructions, please contact Tahnia Shahid at 02-5566-2808 or by email at ShahidTX@state.gov.
