The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (also known as the Global UGRAD Program) provides one-semester scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students from around the world for non-degree full-time study combined with community service, professional development, and cultural enrichment.

I am Barbare Janjalashvili, a 20-year-old student from Georgia, a senior at International Black Sea University, studying International Relations. In Spring 2023 I became the finalist of the Global UGRAD program for bachelor students, financed by the Department of State and administered by local US embassies in addition to World Learning. This program gives
motivated youngsters a chance to study in the United States for one academic semester. Thanks to this program, in August 2023 I had an opportunity to fly over the ocean just to be in the land with the same name. I am currently enrolled at Georgia College & State University, Georgia’s public liberal arts school, founded in 1889 and ranked as one of the top colleges in the United States. I am continuing my studies in Political Science. Coming to the US as a student was a dream I had been longing for several years. Even though I considered myself ready, it was challenging to adapt to a completely different lifestyle. However, I am already in love with my college, where every department comes together to make the students a priority and encourage them to succeed. Georgia College is in the middle of a small town, Milledgeville, which is known for its historical places, such as
as the governor’s mansion. Founded in 1803, Milledgeville served as the capital of Georgia during the Civil War.
Being a student in the former capital of the state of Georgia and one of the top-ranked colleges is challenging but indeed exciting. IBSU has played a definite role in helping me cope with the challenges I face here with its standards and education level.