By Mariah Louise Miciano

Micah Seiri Maur, a third-year International Studies student, knew at a young age what grades meant for a student like them. They were aware of what it could do, so they tried their best to get good marks and be a consistent participant during class discussions. However, these high values were not the main focus of Maur. They believe that the knowledge they get from studying is more valuable than these numerical figures. And Maur carries this insight as they embark on their journey as a Principal Grantee of the Global Undergraduate (UGRAD) Exchange Program. 

The Global UGRAD Program is a scholarship program sponsored by the United States (U.S.) Department of State which is funded by the U.S. Government. It is administered by World Learning in multiple countries from different continents such as Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, and the Pacific Islands.

The program offers scholarships and exchange student opportunities to non-degree undergraduate courses, either as a Principal Grantee or an Alternative Candidate.

Maur tried their luck because of their hunger for learning and became one of the applicants that was awarded as an Alternative Candidate that was unexpectedly upgraded to Principal Grantee. 

Principal Grantees are those eligible to study abroad for one semester while Alternative Candidates are those who may be entitled to the grant should a grantee be unavailable to do so.

Annually, there are about 320 Global UGRAD students, with 63 participating countries and 60 host U.S. universities and colleges.

For the 2024 cohort, the Philippines had eight Principal Grantees and two Alternative Candidates coming from Mindanao State University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Philippine Normal University, UP Baguio, and Maur from Far Eastern University (FEU).

More than letters and numbers 

While having high grades shows a record of competency, obtaining them should not be a student’s sole goal. Instead, it should be seen as motivation to learn more. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Maur shared that they valued learning more than grades despite being viewed as a “grade-conscious student.”

“My peers view me as a studious, grade-conscious student, and there is a degree of truth in that, but really, I just love learning. And that translates to good grades and consistent class participation. I value learning more than I value the grades that make up for it,” they said. 

Maur also added that being raised as a “star student” made them realize how these numbers could easily change a student’s perspective of what they are striving for. 

“I knew early on what having high grades meant for people and how easy that could hollow out your goals. If your goals were to only have a receipt to show for your work, then you may be missing out on the actual journey,” they explained.

In addition, the student believes that the quality of education should not be undermined by the value of grades. 

Being in a country that has a low quality of learning pushed them to strive harder while making sure that they are gaining knowledge from it. 

“Quality education should never be about the quantifiable scale, but the valuable things you get out of it. The poor quality of education in our country has shaped me to value education in this manner, and that is my primary motivation—to get the most out of my education now would mean a world of change, a future where Philippine education could mean more to the personal level of our learners,” Maur explained. 

A sudden yet delightful news

Maur heard about the Global UGRAD Program through the information circulated by International Studies Department Chair Agnes Beatrice Silva, inviting everyone to apply for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  

Applicants may apply through the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commision in their home country. 

In the Philippines, the Fulbright Commission, also known as the Philippine-American Education Foundation, administered the said scholarship to the Principal Grantee and their peers.

When the adviser of the Fulbright UGRAD Program invited the candidate for a meeting, most of the chosen grantees had already arrived in their host universities, so they were already bracing for rejection. However, they were told that the number of Principal Grantees increased so their awards were upgraded.

“Receiving the award feels cool. Feelings of elation have died down by now, but I recognize that this is an amazing award, something I didn’t strive for but still came my way,” Maur expressed.

Moreover, the exchange student described that even though the application process was long and tedious, they were still able to enjoy it because they got to meet with their fellow grantees and form a good relationship with them.

“We were together as we took our Test for English as a Foreign Language, our medical examination, and even when we found out who were Principal [Grantees] and Alternative Candidates. Having that touchstone and camaraderie, with absolutely no feelings of competition, felt reassuring,” they reminisced.

Maur was designated to study at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, with all expenses such as transportation, accommodation, food allowance, tuition fee, and even reimbursements covered. 

Their flight was scheduled last January 5 and the student is now currently residing at the university’s dormitory.

In preparation for the move, the grantee made sure to make the most out of their remaining weeks in the country. 

Although they were only there for one semester, studying in a country far from home with a substantial time difference and staying in an unfamiliar environment would surely be lonely. 

Maur shared that they reunited with their lifelong friends who witnessed them grow and spent the holidays with their family who also made sure to make them feel how proud they are.  

“These [friends from second and seventh grade] are the friends I cherish the most, because they saw every version of me—from the pressured academic kid to the carefree 18-year-old to the weathered but optimistic 21-year-old—and stuck with me… As for my family, they made sure to always be around me while I was home for the holidays. I was always with them, I even slept in my parents' bedroom for a few nights. My parents would do anything for me, would cook me good food and take me to buy stuff I needed for the trip. They were all so excited for me and constantly kept reminding me how amazed they were at me,” the student recalled. 

Despite the uncertainties, they feel excited as they are finally living the dream that they only used to read and watch when they were younger. 

“I grew up surfing the Internet and being heavily influenced by Western standards, and while my views have changed in terms of American conscience, I can’t deny that I have a sort of growth connected to growing up consuming Western things. Having to see them in real life will definitely stir up big emotions inside me,” Maur added. 

More importantly, the student also feels excited because they get to study classes related to their chosen expertise and interest while exploring more things, encountering new cultures, meeting more people, and learning valuable lessons. 

“I know I will miss home terribly, but I also know that I will get to learn a lot and meet new people. I know I will take this experience with me for a long time [so] I want to be present in every moment as much as possible…I am looking forward to what’s to come, and [I am] welcome to any change that finds me,” they expressed. 

Maur would be taking classes revolving around social justice and literature which are: ‘Great Books and Instant Classics,’ ‘Literature by Women,’ ‘Literature, Culture, and Social Justice,’ and ‘Research Methodologies.’

They decided to take up ‘Research Methodologies’ to be able to keep up with their units when they are back for the following semester at FEU. 

Maur expects that there are differences with the education system between their host university and home University but what is important for them is to gain new knowledge and connect with great people. 

For students who aspire to study abroad like them, Maur advised that it is important to be who you are, especially during the interviews. Your grades are important, but projects like the Global UGRAD Program value your essay answers as well. 

The grantee stressed that the panels would focus on gauging who you are, how you showcase yourself, and what you stand for. 

Above all, the student reminds their fellow grantees and aspiring grantees to enjoy the process of learning not only their subjects but also themselves. 

“Learn something, and I don’t just mean academic ABCs, I mean learn about you. Your goals, your likes, dislikes, your reflection—things like that. If you somehow got through all of that without once learning anything about yourself, you have failed to get the most out of the ordeal. Remember to have fun and savor the moment, even the anxiety and loneliness,” Maur advised.

A person’s academic record can help them go to different places and experience a variety of opportunities. It is a quantifiable piece of data that can either shape you to strive for better or confuse you on what your real purpose is. That is why it is important to reanalyze ourselves and remain curious in a world that streamlines education for efficiency. These numbers may bring you success, but learning something would make you go the extra mile, broaden your horizons, and witness more seasons of life. 

(Photo courtesy of Aliah Shaira Maur)