Global UGRAD

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.  It is designed to expose students to the U.S. educational system, society, and culture. Finalists represent diverse disciplines, from architecture to engineering, biochemistry, literature, and education.  Students will live in university residence halls and will have the opportunity to participate in campus organizations and activities. All students are required to participate in volunteer community service activities and are encouraged to participate in professional development activities as part of the Global UGRAD Program.  30 Mauritanian students participated in this program since 2010.  Application period usually begins in November.

Selection Criteria

1. Applicants must be a citizen of Mauritania, and studying in Mauritania.
2. Scholarships will be granted to students who currently are enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs only. Participants must have at least one semester or an equivalent term to complete at their home institutions.
3. Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
4. Applicants must demonstrate a command of written and spoken English.  The TOEFL exam will be required of those selected as finalists or alternates.
5. Applicants should be in good academic standing with a complete validation of all the courses “modules” in the first four semesters, with a general average of 11/20 or more.
6. Preference will be given to those who have had little or NO experience in the U.S. or outside of their home countries.
7. Applicants must be committed to return directly to their home country after the completion of the program.
8. Applicants should be over 18 years of age.

For more information, please see:  https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/global-undergraduate-exchange-program-global-ugrad

Young African Leaders (YALI) Mandela-Washington Fellowship (MWF)

YALI MWF is a key part of the White House commitment to invest in the future of Africa.  The White House created this initiative out of recognition of the critical and increasing role that young Africans are playing in strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa.  20 Mauritanians have already participated in this program.  The entirety of this program is conducted in English language.

For more information, please see: https://yali.state.gov/

YALI Regional Leadership Center (YALI RLC) or “YALI Dakar”

YALI Regional Leadership Center is located in Dakar and offers leadership training programs to young francophone leaders between the ages of 18 and 35.  The RLC serves as a place for regional collaboration driven by young leaders by providing in-person and online training, networking, and professional development opportunities.  The RLCs are a project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in close partnership with The MasterCard Foundation and other private sector partners. Each center is managed as a public-private partnership.  The entirety of this program is conducted in French language.

For more information, please see:  http://www.yaliafriquedelouest.org/