Global Undergraduate Exchange Program 2024-2025
What is the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program?
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program is an exchange program that grants scholars from all over the world a non-degree semester at a United States institution. This is a sponsored program, funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. All successful applicants will study courses in their respective fields, a US studies course, and an elective course in addition to 20 hours of community service.
The participants will receive free accommodation in an on-campus housing facility (international dorm), tickets to and from their host institution, meal plan, book allowance, and monthly allowance. (See below to know more about what other expenses are covered by the program.)
What are the requirements?
- Over 18 years of age;
- A citizen of the Philippines, currently residing in the country;
- Completed at least one semester of undergraduate study prior to applying for the Global UGRAD Program;
- Enrolled as an undergraduate in good standing at any accredited university, public or private, and has at least one semester remaining at their home university at the conclusion of the UGRAD program;
- Not tagged as a “graduating student” of his/her university. The Global UGRAD program cannot be the final academic term of a student’s undergraduate study;
- A solid command of written and spoken English (English Language training for some finalists is possible);
- Able to begin studies in the United States in August or January (selected participants may not defer to a later date);
- Eligible to receive and maintain the U.S. student exchange visa (J-1) required for the program;
- Committed to return to their home country after the completion of the program.
- Note: Individuals holding dual citizenship, are permanent residents of the U.S., and/or are presently studying in the U.S. are NOT eligible.
What are the requirements?
- Completed application form available through the online application portal.
- Personal statement and responses to essay questions (part of the online application)
- Copy of biographic & signature pages of your passport, if available
- Official transcripts for years of university study (with English translations); please provide grade equivalences used by your university
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from teachers/professors: first, second
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report, if available
What are the other steps and processes?
Once you’re done preparing those requirements, expect the following:
- You will receive a call regarding an interview. This could be done online of F2F, but in our case, it was done in-person. During the pandemic, we also conducted interviews of potential candidates via Zoom.
- If this is done in-person, while waiting for your interview schedule, you will be asked to write an essay about education.
- Your successful application will be confirmed via email and snail mail.
- You will need to attend a pre-departure orientation and apply for visa.
- During the semester break, participants will participate in an in-person workshop along with the other participants from all over the world who are enrolled in other US universities or colleges.
Is Global UGrad a degree program?
No. The Global UGRAD exchange program provides one-semester scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students from around the world (including the Philippines) for non-degree, full-time study in the United States. UGRAD students will not earn a degree during the program.
What does non-degree program mean?
UGRAD participants will enroll in full- time undergraduate course work at their host institutions but will not receive academic degrees upon completion of the program.
What expenses are covered by the program?
UGRAD provides for the following: J-1 visa support; round-trip travel from the participant’s home city to his/her host institution in the United States; tuition and mandatory university fees; a health benefits plan; room and board (housing and meals); a monthly allowance for living expenses; and a modest allowance for basic provisions upon arrival in the United States. Note that this does not include the expenses for your passport.
Who administers the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in the Philippines?
The Global UGRAD Program worldwide is administered by either U.S. Embassies or Fulbright Commissions. In the country, it is handled by the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines (also known as the Philippine-American Educational Foundation or PAEF).
Do I need to be a student to apply?
Yes. You must be a current, full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing in your first, second, or third year of bachelor’s degree study in the Philippines at the time of application.
Can I pursue my field of study through this program?
Yes. All academic fields of study are eligible for UGRAD. Students should identify their fields of study on their application. Students will 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. Students may not change their intended field of study after the application process.
Can I apply even if I’ve already been in the United States as a participant in a US-government-sponsored programs like YES and SUSI?
Yes. However, applicants who have participated in a U.S. Government- sponsored exchange visitor program for a period of more than six weeks must fulfill the two-year home residency requirement before they apply for UGRAD. Further, applicants with little or no international experience will be given preference for the UGRAD Program.
Has any student with vision disabilities ever been selected for Global UGrad?
Yes. The U.S. Department of State is proud of its record of inclusion. In the past, World Learning (WL) has accommodated students with vision impairment from several countries, including Nepal, Philippines, and Russian Federation.
Where should I submit my application?
Applications to Global UGRAD must be submitted online on the World Learning Student Portal.
Do I have to complete my application in one sitting?
No. Please answer one of the given essay choices (A, B or C) in 400-600 words. Write the essay choice you are responding at the top of your essay.
Can I exceed the essay word count?
No.
How many Filipino students apply for Global UGrad annually?
The total number of applicants from the Philippines varies each year. On average, the number of applicants exceeds 200 annually.
How many students from the Philippines are selected for the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program?
Four finalists and two alternates are usually nominated from the Philippines. The selection varies every year depending on WL and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
What’s the purpose of pre-academic English courses offered by Global UGrad?
Global UGRAD provides one semester of pre-academic English language training to students who need it. This will be determined by the UGRAD Selection Panel, WL and ECA. Students needing pre- academic English will receive English language training during the fall semester. They will continue with coursework in their fields of study during the spring semester.
How long is one semester in the United States?
A semester at a U.S. university runs approximately 13 to 15 weeks.
What is community service?
Community service refers to unpaid work performed for the benefit of a particular community. Examples of community service activities include taking care of patients at a hospital, planting trees during an environmental campaign, helping organize a charity marathon, and giving free music lessons at an orphanage.
Is community service a required component?
Yes. All Global UGRAD students are required to complete 20 hours of community service to expose them to the principles of community service and social responsibility in the United States.
Can I choose my preferred US host institution?
No. Students cannot choose their host institution and will be placed at the most appropriate host institution based on students’ academic interests.
Are students expected to live on campus or off campus?
All students are required to be housed in campus facilities with an American roommate.
Am I eligible to apply if I have lower grades in certain subjects at my home university?
Yes. However, please note that Global UGRAD is a merit-based program, and applicants will be evaluated based on their level of academic achievement, as indicated by grades, leadership skills, and teacher recommendations.
What is the selection process and what are the main selection criteria?
UGRAD is conducted as a merit-based open competition. After the deadline, all eligible applications are
reviewed by a panel of academic and/ or exchange specialists. In January- February, selected applicants are interviewed in person or via Skype by a selection committee identified by PAEF. Individuals selected from this group will take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) which will be sponsored by
the Commission. Nominees are selected based on their written applications, interviews, and performance on the TOEFL exam. ECA reviews all nominees from around the world and make a final selection of participants. All applicants are usually notified of their status by the month of April.
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
♦ Academic excellence;
♦ Commitment to community service and civic engagement;
♦ Demonstrated leadership potential;
♦ Proficiency in written and spoken English;
♦ Flexibility and adaptability; and
♦ Interest in mutual understanding between the Philippines and the United States.
Preference will be given to students that represent disadvantaged and underrepresented communities.
Can I still apply for another US government exchange program to pursue Master’s degree within two years of completing my Global UGrad?
Yes. However, please note that if you apply for a U.S. government- funded exchange program to pursue a Master’s Degree (e.g. Fulbright Graduate Student Program), preference will be given to those who haven’t had previous U.S. exchange experience.
I have applied for the DV lottery (Green Card). Am I eligible to apply for Global UGRAD?
One of the key requirements of Global UGRAD is a commitment to returning to your home country upon completion of the program. Participation in the DV lottery demonstrates a willingness to live in the United States permanently. This may pose a difficulty in qualifying for a non-immigrant student visa.
What is the TOEFL and what is the IELTS?
TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. Both are exams given to non- native speakers of English to evaluate their English speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
Do I need to have TOEFL/IELTS scores in order to apply for the Program?
Not to apply. You will need TOEFL if selected as a principal or alternate candidate.
I have an official TOEFL/EILTS score. Do I still need to take the TOEFL if I am selected as a finalist?
Yes. Each finalist and alternate of the Global UGRAD program will be required to take the TOEFL iBT scheduled by PAEF. The Global UGRAD program will cover the cost of the TOEFL iBT.
Is the J-1 visa (exchange student visa) guaranteed if I’m selected as a finalist?
No. Visa adjudication is contingent on the Consular Officer’s decision on your visa application. Each Global UGRAD finalist must meet J-1 visa requirements.
Can my mother or uncle provide a letter of recommendation?
No. Recommendations may not be from family members or friends.
If I am selected for the Global UGrad program and travel to the United States for one semester, I will lose one academic year at my home university in the Philippines. Can the Global UGrad program assist with the credit transfers?
No. The Global UGRAD program does not assist with credit transfers between participants’ host and
home institutions. Any credit transfers are the sole responsibility of the participants.
Does the program provide health insurance coverage for the participants?
Health coverage is provided through the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE). ASPE is a self-funded, limited health care benefit plan designed to pay covered medical expenses for eligible exchange participants. Covered medical expenses are subject to limitation and pre-existing conditions are not covered. This plan is not an insurance policy. Participants should carry additional medical insurance on their own.
Can I transfer to an American college or university after I complete the Global UGrad program?
No. Participants must return to their home countries upon completion of UGRAD and may not stay after the program to continue degree study in the U.S. Transfers and extensions will not be permitted.
Successful UGRAD participants are also subject to a two-year home residency requirement: after completion of the UGRAD Program, they may not become permanent residents in the U.S., change status in the U.S., or get work or family-based visa status until they have returned and resided in their country for at least two years. Please note that U.S. visas for tourism or study in the U.S. are not restricted.
Will I still be able to get Latin honors?
Yes, as long as you acquire a Leave of Absence (LOA) from the university. In my case, I was still able to acquire Latin honors despite graduating a year late.
Will Bicol University allow me to continue my remaining semester remotely or from the United States?
This can best be answered by Bicol University, but I highly suspect that the university won’t allow you to do that. Plus, getting a LOA means that you have to stop attending classes in BU whether in-person or online.