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Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Eurasia and Central Asia
Program Overview
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Newsletter
Notes From UnderGrad
Fall 2009
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Established by the US Congress in 1992, the program was originally called the FREEDOM Support Act Undergraduate Program (FSAU) and was later renamed the Eurasian Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD). It is currently known as the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Eurasia and Central Asia. The Global UGRAD program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the US Department of State. Support for this program is also being provided by the Starr Foundation.
For more information about the Global UGRAD program in Eurasia and Central Asia, please contact ugrad@irex.org or one of our IREX Field Offices.
KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES
- Foster democratization and economic development
- Promote cultural understanding
PROJECT RESULTS
- Since 1992, nearly 4000 participants have completed the program
- Increased Eurasian diversity on over 140 campuses throughout the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii
Project Activities
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Encouraging youth leadership: Global UGRAD contributes to the development of youth leadership by providing opportunity for Eurasian students to gain increased knowledge and skills through study and practical training and to build bilateral networking relationships.
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Promoting community service in the United States and Eurasia: Global UGRAD emphasizes community service by requiring all participants to perform 20 hours of volunteer work in their host communities. Many of the Global UGRAD participants take this experience home to Eurasia and continue their volunteer work in their own countries.
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Supporting practical experience for professional development: The Global UGRAD program promotes professional development through part-time internships in the spring semester. Participants receive hands-on experience, using the latest tools and technology to develop their skills and further their knowledge of their chosen field.
IREX in EURASIA
IREX has administered exchanges with Eurasia since the organization was founded in 1968. IREX opened its first field office in Moscow, Russia in 1989 and since has expanded its field presence to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
IREX programs in Eurasia span academic exchanges, educational advising, alumni programming, independent media assistance and development, Internet training and access, professional training, NGO development, and partnership building.
