The U.S. Mission to Vietnam seeks candidates for the 2024-2025 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD). College and university students (with the exception of seniors) who demonstrate leadership through academic excellence, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and who have a solid command of English are invited to apply for this program. The application deadline is 11:59a.m., Saturday, December 16, 2023 (Vietnam Time).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) provides a diverse group of emerging student leaders with a scholarship for one semester of non-degree academic study at a U.S. college or university. Global UGRAD is a program sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, which aims to recruit participants from underrepresented backgrounds who have not had other opportunities to study in the United States. Successful applicants can expect an in-depth exposure to U.S. society, culture, and academic institutions, as well as opportunities to enhance their professional skills.
All participants will be enrolled in full-time, non-degree, undergraduate coursework chosen from their host institutions’ existing curricula. Participants will be required to take one, 3-credit U.S. studies course to enhance their understanding of the United States. Participants will live in campus housing facilities with American peers and will be required to participate in 20 hours of community service. There will also be a virtual arrival orientation and an in-person end-of-program workshop.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
A candidate’s competitiveness will be based on their potential to become a student leader through an evaluation of their academic performance, community involvement, and extracurricular activities, regardless of field of study, race, religion, or gender.
Candidates who fulfill the following qualifications are invited to apply:
- Must be at least 18 years of age by the start date of their Global UGRAD Program
in the United States;
- Are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in Vietnam;
- Will have completed their first year of undergraduate study by August 2024;
- Have at least one year to complete at their Vietnamese university upon completion of the program in the United States;
- Achieved at least a 7.5 GPA in the previous semester;
- Demonstrate a strong command of written and spoken English;
- Demonstrate strong leadership qualities through academic performance, community involvement,
and extracurricular activities;
- Preference will be given to those who have had little or no experience in the United States; and
- Committed to return directly to Vietnam after completion of the program.
HOW TO APPLY?
To apply online, please click https://webportalapp.com/sp/ugrad_student_application_2024 to create an account and start your application for the program. The application deadline is 11:59a.m., Saturday, December 16, 2023 (Vietnam Time). Applications submitted via e-mail, or via hard copy will not be considered.
Application Package: a full and complete Global UGRAD student application package includes the following documents: completed application form, copy of passport bio page, academic transcripts for years of university study (with English translations), two letters of reference (with English translations), and grade equivalence between local grading system and U.S. grading system.
Also, please visit the program website at UGRAD for the full program description, program eligibility requirements, a link to the online application, and a link to recorded testimonials from current UGRAD students in the United States.
Applicants studying at a university in northern Vietnam (from Quang Tri province to the north) can send questions regarding the program to:
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program
Public Affairs Section
U.S. Embassy, 7 Lang Ha, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Email: NguyenNTM@state.gov
Applicants studying at a university in southern Vietnam (from Thua Thien-Hue Province to the south) can send questions regarding the program, to:
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program
Public Affairs Section
United States Consulate General
4 Le Duan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Email: LeMuonTK@state.gov
The deadline for online submissions is 11:59a.m., Saturday, December 16, 2023 (Vietnam Time). All applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
Successful candidates will be notified of their awards by May/June 2024.