Global UGRAD Program Promotes Cultural Diversity, International Exchange

Kuldeep and Adila, FSU's two Global UGRAD-Pakistan students studying at FSU this fall, have spent this semester sharing their unique perspectives and culture with the FSU community while taking classes, exploring American culture, and serving the Tallahassee community.

This Friday, October 25, Kuldeep and Adila will co-host International Coffee Hour from 5–6:30 p.m. in The Globe Dining Room to share Pakistani culture with our FSU community. Attendees will enjoy music, a brief dance lesson, a table featuring cultural jewelry and clothing, as well as Gajar ka Halwa (a traditional carrot-based sweet dessert pudding from Pakistan) with coffee or tea.

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.

"Getting the opportunity to study at one of the top 20 public universities in America is nothing less than a dream come true," said Kuldeep, who is studying electrical engineering. "Being able to interact with a highly diversified group of students and professors at FSU has enabled me to pursue my dreams in different ways."

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, 27 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.

"FSU feels like a second home now. I can't believe I'll be leaving my home and a part of my heart here," said Adila, who is studying mass communications. "FSU has gifted me unforgettable memories that I am taking back to my home country. I would love to return and do my graduate studies at FSU." 

The Global UGRAD-Pakistan 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.

This semester Kuldeep and Adila completed presentations where they shared their culture with FSU students in the Global Perspectives course, which is the foundational course for FSU's Global Citizenship Certificate and helps undergraduate students learn about other cultures and global issues.

Kuldeep and Adila also completed 20 hours of community service by volunteering with Engage Tallahassee, America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Frenchtown's Urban Farm, among others. In addition, they have attended many enriching events available on campus including the CGE's Global Cafés, the Mid-Autumn Festival held by the Chinese Student and Scholars Association, and the Career Center's STEM Career and Internship Fair, to name a few. 

Global UGRAD-Pakistan is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and is implemented by IREX. You can learn more about the program here: www.irex.org.