The MU International Center is pleased to welcome three international students to campus as part of two U.S. Department of State scholarship programs: Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan and Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program’s Tunisia Undergraduate Scholarship Program.

Salman Ali and Uzair come to MU through the Global UGRAD-Pakistan program, which places participants at U.S. colleges and universities as part of the U.S. State Department efforts to promote a better understanding of the United States abroad, particularly among future world leaders. The program allows talented, highly motivated undergraduate students from underserved populations across Pakistan to spend one semester at a U.S. college or university.

Through semester-long academic study, exploration of U.S. culture, participation in community service projects and interactions with Americans in their host communities and campuses, Global UGRAD-Pakistan students develop a broad and nuanced understanding of American culture and values, and go on to share this understanding of the United States with friend, family, fellow students and other upon their return to Pakistan, as well as in their future careers. Global UGRAD-Pakistan students also enrich the learning experience for American students by sharing their unique perspectives and backgrounds.

Rania comes to MU through the Tunisia UGRAD program, which builds the workforce capacity of a diverse group of youth leaders from across all regions of Tunisia. The program provides participants with a deeper understanding of American culture and new globally-applicable skills and expertise to help them contribute to the economic growth and development of their country.

Through yearlong programs of study in the U.S., Tunisia UGRAD students gain academic knowledge in their field of study. By interacting with Americans through community service work and on-campus engagement, students develop a broad and nuanced understanding of U.S. values, becomes citizen ambassadors and create sustainable links between Tunisian and American communities to increase cross-cultural understanding.