Florida State students Bhawish and Rabeb, from Pakistan and Tunisia respectively, bring unique perspectives to FSU. Here for only 1-2 semesters, Bhawish and Rabeb share their culture and life experiences with FSU students and people in the greater Tallahassee community.

Since 2009, Florida State University has hosted exceptional students from around the world through the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (also known as the Global UGRAD Program), a U.S. government program administered by IREX. UGRAD increases the diversity of our undergraduate international student population by sending students from under-represented countries. Students in the program take classes as non-degree seeking students full time and participate in community service, cultural enrichment and professional development activities.

“Global UGRAD has given me an opportunity to stretch my boundaries, increase my intercultural competence and understanding, and has allowed me to make friends from all over the world,” said Bhawish. “This international exchange is making me more confident and grooming me as a leader.”

Bhawish and Rabeb recently attended the Florida International Leadership Conference where they and 150 domestic and international students from 15 different Florida colleges and universities engaged in a weekend of leadership learning activities.

“I really enjoyed the FILC experience,” said Rabeb. “The keynote speakers were really inspiring. I aim to become that kind of leader: one that changes peoples’ lives.”

Learn more about the UGRAD program administered by IREX here: https://www.irex.org. 

Pictured from left: Bhawish (Pakistan) and Rabeb (Tunisia)