#124 Global UGRAD

[스티븐스 대사]

Last week, I was at Seoul Station to catch a train, and I was approached by a young man who recognized me and told me happily that he was soon going to the United States as one of Korea’s first “UGRADs” to study at the University of Mississippi.  His excitement was palpable.

I’m always pleased to meet another young Korean going to study in the United States, but I too am particularly excited about the UGRAD program.  UGRAD, funded by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), provides scholarships to emerging student leaders from diverse backgrounds.  These students spend one semester or one academic year at a university in the U.S. 

What is so special about this program?  It’s targeted to serve students from non-elite and under-represented groups throughout the world. 

This is the first year that U.S. Embassy Seoul has participated in this program, and six students were selected.  Three of them are originally from North Korea. 

The students will attend universities throughout the United States, from Wyoming to Florida and other states in between.  Through academic studies, community service, and internships, I know these young Koreans will develop lasting friendships and relationships with Americans and our schools, businesses and community organizations.

UGRAD students: Good Luck!

And Netizens:  As I approach the end of my tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Korea, I will continue to post blogs on topics I choose, but I also want to be sure I respond to your questions and interests.  So the floor is open; if you send me your questions, I will try to answer as many as possible as well as I can in the coming weeks!

    

[제우스]

임기가 얼마 남지 않았다니 섭섭하네요. 처음대사님 부임소식이 엊그제 같은데... 건강하시고 그리고 행운을빕니다.