Oumayma and Ishfaq, from Tunisia and Pakistan respectively, are two new students who will share their unique perspectives and culture with Florida State University and the greater Tallahassee community during fall and spring semesters.

In 2009, the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) selected FSU and the CGE to host and receive exceptional students from around the world as part of the U.S. government’s Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (also known as the Global UGRAD Program). Since that time, 24 participants have come for 1-2 semesters to share their culture and explore American culture, values, and the U.S. educational system. FSU has hosted UGRAD students from Armenia, Russia, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Pakistan, Kosovo, and Tunisia.

The Global UGRAD Program increases the diversity of FSU’s undergraduate international student population by bringing students from under-represented countries to campus. Students in the program take classes as non-degree seeking students full time and participate in community service, cultural enrichment, and professional development activities.

“It has been fascinating to get to know people here. They are open books, and you get to immerse yourself in them,” said Oumayma. “Everyone here is interested in knowing about each other’s cultures. I feel I have been progressing and developing as an individual through this experience. I feel it is my responsibility to be a good cultural ambassador for Tunisia, and because of that I have become more confident talking to groups of people.” 

Oumayma and Ishfaq have recently given classroom presentations about their home countries, attended FSU classes and intercultural events, joined a Power of We roundtable discussion, and performed community service.

“This has been a life-changing experience,” said Ishfaq. “I think, feel, and believe that this life is not about me, but we. The community service I did through Second Harvest introduced me to many members of the Tallahassee community. It is my belief that we need to give something big to our communities. My plan is to work in politics in the future to serve my country.”

The program aims to provide participants with globally applicable skills to help them contribute to their home country’s economic growth as young leaders. Additionally, the bonds Global UGRADs form with other students through community service, interactions in the classroom, and engagement on campus increase cross-cultural understanding among FSU’s student population.

Learn more about the Global UGRAD Program co-sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and administered by IREX here: www.irex.org.

Pictured from left: Oumayma (Tunisia) and Ishfaq (Pakistan)