The Embassy of the United States of America in Kazakhstan announces the academic year 2021 – 2022 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) will open on January 4, 2021. This program provides a scholarship for one semester of non-degree, full-time academic study at a U.S. college or university, combined with community service, professional development workshops, and cultural enrichment activities.
Apply https://webportalapp.com/sp/closed/n9bqhdalu1 for the 2021-2022 Global UGRAD Program from January 4, 2021 through February 28, 2021.
The Global UGRAD program provides a full scholarship for one academic semester for full-time study in the States, without a degree or a postgraduate diploma. Finalists of the program will study at accredited four-year tertiary institutions and reside in student residences. Finalists will be able to take an intensive English course if required. (A preparatory English course will only be available to 25 percent of successful finalists worldwide.) A preparatory English course will take place during the fall semester 2021-2022. Students taking language course preparation will begin their academic studies under the Global UGRAD program in the spring semester. Further, the program provides for participation in public works, professional developing seminars, and cultural events.
Students cannot independently choose the host university, for the study of the passage of the program Global UGRAD and will be placed in the most suitable university, given the students’ academic orientation. Finalists of the Global UGRAD program will have a pre-departure orientation session prior to departure to the US, an orientation session upon arrival in the US, and an end-of-program workshop.
The program is fully funded by the host, including:
- an international agreement from the city of residence to the receiving university in the USA;
- education and residence in the;
- orientation before leaving Kazakhstan;
- online orientation after arrival in the USA;
- medical insurance;
- meals during participation in the exchange program;
Selection of participants Global UGRAD program takes into account the personal and social achievements of the candidates, which are attended by all students, appropriate selection criteria:
- Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan currently living and studying in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- Full-time students in Kazakhstan universities, which after the end of the program Global UGRAD and to return to their home country should be left for at least one academic semester to continue their studies in their universities in Kazakhstan.
- Candidates for participation in the Global UGRAD program should demonstrate their leadership potential and confirm active participation in studies, social events and community involvement.
- In case of a successful interview, candidates will take the TOEFL iBT test. Applicants must achieve a minimum TOEFL score 45 out of 120 to pass the further stage competition.
- Preference will be given to those who have not previously been to the United States or have little experience of studying / living in the United States or in another region outside their country.
- Applicants are required to return directly to Kazakhstan after the completion of the program in January or May 2022.
- Applicants are at least 18 years old at the start of the program.
Individuals in the following circumstances are not eligible for the Global UGRAD Program:
- S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States;
- Individuals currently studying, residing, or working outside of Republic of Kazakhstan;
- Local employees of the US Embassies, US Consulates General, and USAID are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment;
- Immediate family members (i.e. spouses and children) of U.S. Department of State and USAID employees are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment;
- World Learning employees and their immediate family members.
TOEFL Testing
Participants who pass the second round will take the official TOEFL exam. All costs associated with testing are covered by the US Embassy in Kazakhstan.
Student responsibilities
- Applicants must be highly motivated and demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
- This program does not award an academic degree at the end of the training, therefore, students are independently responsible for the score of credits gained during their studies under the Global UGRAD program.
- Students will be required to commit 20 hours or more to community service during the program. Finalists of the program will also be required to register for at least one course (3 credits) in American Studies, such as US history, US literature, art, or US government.
- Inconsistency academic requirements of the host university and the Global UGRAD program (academic failure, failure to complete assignments, and non-attendance) may lead to expulsion from the Global UGRAD program. Participants must maintain good academic performance with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Application package must include:
- Complete application form
- Motivational and thematic essay (essay questions are indicated in the questionnaire)
- Copy of passport
- Academic transcripts for years of university study with translation into English (student can attach a self-translated transcript)
- Two letters of recommendation in English.
Deadline for applications
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must be submitted online by February 28, 2021. Candidates who successfully passed the competitive selection will be notified in May 2021.
Selection procedure
All participants are selected based on an open competition. Admissions committees will review all relevant applications. Semifinalists will be invited to interview.
The final selection will be made by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
All finalists will be required to undergo a medical examination and receive necessary vaccinations before the start of the program Global UGRAD.