August 23, 2012

International students have arrived at Shawnee State University's Center for International Programs and Activities, some for one semester, some for one year and some for all four years. Two of the students are graduate students.

This is the first year for students from Kosovo, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Costa Rica and El Salvador. Candy Quach, of Vietnam, came to Portsmouth originally as a high school exchange student. She will be living with her high school host family while attending SSU.

Eight students are here with the Global UGRAD program. The Global UGRAD program aims to advance youth leadership and promote mutual understanding by providing one academic term of non-degree undergraduate U.S. study on a highly competitive basis to a diverse group of emerging student leaders.

In addition to their academic studies, Global UGRAD fellows perform community service and explore American traditions through the unique Cultural Passport to America program. While interacting with Americans in the community and on campus, Global UGRAD fellows develop a more well-rounded perception of American culture. They go on to share this understanding of the U.S. with friends, family and others in their communities.