Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Venezuela)

A program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) provides emerging student leaders with a scholarship for one semester of non-degree academic study at a U.S. college or university. The program is designed to increase participants’ understanding of the United States and enhance their leadership skills through academic coursework, community service, and professional development activities.

During the exchange semester, Global UGRAD students live and learn on-campus alongside their American peers, complete 20 hours of community service, and enroll in full-time undergraduate coursework, including one U.S. Studies course. Students also participate in an end-of-program workshop in Washington, DC, to develop their leadership skills further, network with their global cohort, and prepare for re-entry. Upon returning home, Global UGRAD students apply the new knowledge and skills gained during the program to enact positive change in their local communities and join a global network of over 3,000 UGRAD alumni.

Benefits

• Coverage of tuition at the designated university, TOEFL exam fee, accommodation, health insurance, round-trip airfare from the city of origin to the United States, and J1 visa processing and per diem.

Eligibility Criteria

• Global UGRAD is open to all academic fields of study and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability. Finalists will be selected on the basis of academic excellence, leadership potential, and their preparedness for study in the U.S.
• The Ideal Candidate is/has:
  • At least 18 years old by August of the relevant academic year. For example, if you are applying to participate in the program for the 2025-2026 academic year, you must be at least 18 years old by August 2025.
  • Venezuelan citizenship
  • Living and studying in Venezuela at the time of applying to the program.
  • Enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in good standing at any accredited national university, public or private.
  • At least one full academic year of undergraduate study remaining after May of the relevant academic year that you participate in the Global UGRAD Program. For example, if you are applying to participate in the program for the 2025-2026 academic year, you must have at least one full year of undergraduate study remaining after May 2026.
  • Able to communicate in English. Applicants must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 61iBT to be considered. Students who score between 48-60 will be considered for the virtual English Language Training prior to the exchange portion of the program.
  • Demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through volunteerism, leadership and extracurricular activities.
  • Preference will be given to those with little or no experience in the United States or outside their home countries.
  • Availability to begin studies in the United States in August 2025 or January 2026. (selected applicants may not choose their semester of participation)
  • Eligible to receive and maintain a U.S. student exchange visa (J-1) required for the program.
  • Cleared by a physician to participate in the program.
  • Applicants are required to return directly to their home country after completing the program.

Application Requirements

• Certified Transcripts issued by the home university and signed by the University Rector.
• 2 letters of recommendation in English, or in Spanish translated by a certified translator: 1 academic letter and 1 personal letter (not family).
• Candidates should request their transcripts and letters of recommendation as soon as possible, as they will not be able to add additional documents to their application after the deadline.
• Candidates may provide certified English translations of their transcripts once selected as a finalist or alternate.
• Valid passport: Candidates may apply with an expired passport or extension, however, once selected as finalist/alternate, candidates will be required to update their passport.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Venezuela.