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University of Georgia/Universidad Veracruzana
Student Exchange Agreement
General Description
Program Name
University of Georgia/Universidad Veracruzana Student Exchange Agreement
Duration
One semester or one full academic year
Number of Students Participating
No more than 5 for a full year, or 10 for one semester from each university
Classification of Students
Undergraduate and Graduate
Qualifications of UGA Students
- GPA in Good Standing
- Minimum age of 18
- Completion of at least 3 Spanish courses at the university level
- Open to UGA students only
History and purpose
Location
Academic Information
Health and Safety
Lodging and Expenses
Contacts
Sample Timeline
New Student Exchange Agreement between the University of Georgia and Universidad Veracruzana
- In the past, professional exchanges have brought Mexican professors, undergraduate students, school teachers, agricultural economists, and social workers to Georgia for short-term visits or for semester-long study.
- For example, over the last four years, 5 Mexican teachers, 6 Mexican university professors, 1 representative from the Veracruz State Department of Education, and 4 Mexican university students in colleges of education have visited the College of Education at UGA for periods of 1-3 weeks.
- The Exchange Agreement is with Universidad Veracruzana (UV) in Xalapa, Mexico, one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in Mexico.
- The Agreement allows UGA students to attend general university courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels for a period of one or two semesters. As part of the Agreement, UGA students will pay tuition to UGA and take courses that may transfer into their UGA program of study. UV students will pay tuition in Mexico and attend courses at UGA. As with any formal exchange, students cannot seek a degree at the other institution.
- This is a university-wide Agreement. The first two UGA exchange students will officially attend classes at the Universidad Veracruzana beginning in February 2003. Mexican exchange students will initially enter UGA in August 2003.
- UV has six main Areas that might interest UGA students and faculty. Here are examples of the programs:
Arts: Dance, Music, Theater, and Artes Plásticas such as Ceramics, Sculpture, Photography, and Painting
Biological and Agricultural Sciences: Biology, Veterinary Medicine, and Agronomy
Health Sciences: Physical Education, Nutrition, and Psychology
Economics and Business: Economics, Business Administration, Statistics, and Accounting
Técnica: Architecture, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering
Humanities: This Area would probably attract the largest number of potential UGA students. It includes numerous courses in programs such as Anthropology, History, Sociology, Hispanic Language and Literature, Education, and Social Work.
- For more information on this exchange, contact Julie Avila at the Office of International Education, 209 Barrow Hall, 542-7903.
History and Purpose of the Exchange
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Thanks to leadership from the Office of International Public Service and Outreach, the initial Memorandum of Agreement between The University of Georgia and Universidad Veracruzana (UV), the major state university of Veracruz, was signed in 1991. Over the last decade the two universities have collaborated to undertake a series of visits and informal exchanges. Our partnership work is centered in Xalapa, the capital of the state of Veracruz and the site of the main campus of Universidad Veracruzana. The School of Social Work was the first UGA entity to take students to Xalapa, beginning in 1995. By the summer of 2000, students and faculty from the colleges of Education, Social Work, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and Family and Consumer Sciences were all working jointly in Xalapa, and several Anthropology students did a research internship there in spring of 2001. Within just a few years Xalapa became the fourth largest study abroad site and a vital part of international work at The University of Georgia.
This Student Exchange Agreement is an addendum to the original agreement. The intent is to offer opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students at our universities to experience the academic and social richness of Athens, Georgia, and Xalapa, Veracruz. There is a great need for this exchange. In his 2001 Annual Report, UGA President Michael Adams included a photograph of an elementary teacher who participated in a Xalapa study abroad program, as well as a photo of Dr. Martha Allexsaht-Snider teaching students in Mexico. The caption read: "Every summer, UGA's College of Education organizes a trip by public school teachers in Georgia, who go to Mexico to teach. Such global outreach programs demonstrate that UGA's tradition of service is no longer contained by the borders of this state." Dr. Adams has consistently promoted the expansion of study abroad experiences for UGA students; this agreement will expand study abroad in Xalapa to include semester-long and yearlong experiences.
The President's Annual Report also highlighted our state's growing Hispanic population and stated that "The University of Georgia has a responsibility to reach out to this global Georgia." In addition to the work that many faculty do with Hispanic residents of Georgia, this new exchange agreement will enable us to establish stronger relationships with university educators and students in Mexico. Mexico is the second-largest trading partner of the U.S., and Mexicans comprise the largest group of immigrants to Georgia. We share a 2,000-mile border and an increasingly integrated economy. However, only about 10 students from the entire country of Mexico study at The University of Georgia each year. By encouraging more students from the state of Veracruz to visit Georgia through this agreement, we can enable UGA students to learn more about Mexico, while also enabling the Mexican exchange students to engage in community service activities with Hispanic residents of north Georgia.
Location and University Partner
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Location
Nestled in the mountains 4,700 feet high, Xalapa has a temperate climate, with an average temperature of 64.4°. It's a picturesque city of 500,000, set in a strikingly beautiful landscape of coffee plantations and fruit orchards. The city is known for its cultural richness, with a symphony orchestra, the colorful dancing of the Ballet Folklórico, lovely parks, and a lively downtown full of coffeehouses, restaurants, and music venues. Xalapa has a traditional Mexican atmosphere coupled with modern conveniences.
Exchange students from UGA can take many fascinating day trips to places such as Naolinco, a town of leather artisans, and Xico, a cobblestoned town known for its beautiful cathedral, tasty mole sauce, and the highest waterfall in the region. The vibrant port city of Veracruz is an hour and a half away on the coast, and Mexico City is 5 hours to the west. The most famous archaeological site on the northern Gulf Coast, El Tajín, lies 5 hours to the north in a mountainous area populated by indigenous groups of Totonac people.
Universidad Veracruzana
Universidad Veracruzana was founded in 1944 and is considered one of the leading provincial universities in Mexico. It is the seat of the regional council of the National Association of Universities and Institutes of Higher Education (ANUIES). Its mission is threefold: "to generate knowledge and preserve culture, to teach and to learn, and to disseminate culture and to extend services." The university has 19 research institutes and 74 professional schools that offer 53 undergraduate and 82 graduate programs. UV has over 58,000 students on its five main campuses and nine satellite campuses in other cities. Xalapa is the main campus of UV, and has more than 15,000 students.
Universidad Veracruzana is strongly commited to the internationalization of its faculty, students, and programs, through its Advisory Committee for the Internation-alization of the University and the Institutional Network for International Cooperation and Exchange. UV is a member of the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) and the Mexican Association for International Education (AMPEI).
The School for Foreign Students (the Escuela para Estudiantes Extranjeros, or EEE), was founded in 1957 as part of the Universidad Veracruzana. It is the university academic unit devoted to international programs for students and is a part of the Area of Humanities. The mission of EEE is to contribute to the international dimension of the university by facilitating linkages with foreign institutions through non-degree programs for students. International Programs offered by EEE include Language and Culture, Programs for International Students, Special Programs, and Student Mobility. The school provides a first-class academic program tailored to meet individual needs.
Exchange students from UGA will be able to choose from among courses offered by EEE, which are tailored for foreign students, and regular programs at UV, which are taught in Spanish and require facility in the language. The UGA Faculty Coordinator will consult with each prospective exchange student about their program of study and what courses seem most appropriate for them.
Academic Information
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Programs at the School for Foreign Students
A copy of the entire offering of courses, with detailed information, is included in this packet. A program synopsis follows:
Cultural Immersion Program
This program, available all year, is offered in individual sessions allowing the student, under the guidance of a tutor, to acquire the Spanish language in a natural environment, to gain understanding of Mexican culture, and to become familiar with the immediate surroundings. The program adapts to the needs of each student through the selection of people who are compatible in characteristics and interests and who have related fields of study or work.
- 12 hours for no credit; 18 hours for 1 credit
- Granting credits depends on assigned academic work
Independent Study Program
This program, available all year, is structured in coordination with the schools and research institutes of UV. It offers academic and administrative services to those who wish to study specific topics in depth from among the diverse disciplines available in the university: Humanities, Arts, Economics and Business, Technology, Biological Sciences, and Health.
Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language
The objective of this program is to train educators in the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language, considering both its theoretical and practical aspects. It is aimed at local and foreign students. The program combines topics about Mexican culture, observation and practice in local elementary schools, and the design of teaching materials.
- Available both in intensive sessions and during the semester
- Variable credit, depending on the number of hours required; typically, 70 hours for 5 credits
Spanish Courses
There are regular Spanish courses in five levels. These courses are taken 5 hours a week, for 5 credits over the term. In addition, there are special
- Español Contacto Express is designed to promote the student's linguistic fluency at the beginning of their academic stay. It is offered in three levels during the Winter and Fall intensive sessions (30 hours for 3 credits).
- The Spanish Individual Program allows the student to take individual Spanish lessons at any time of the year and it has the advantage of being very flexible. The work can focus on the specific interests of the student and the length of the course may vary, depending on the student's stay (5-20 hours, with a maximum of 2 credits).
- There are five Applied Language Courses, each of which is held 3 hours per week, for 3 credits over the term. The courses are: English-Spanish Translation, Oral Expression in Spanish (I and II), Written Expression in Spanish (I and II), Spanish Grammar (I and II), and The Sounds of Spanish.
Culture Courses
Literature, culture, and civilization courses are also offered for foreign students at EEE during Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. They are available in semester length and in shorter intensive sessions. These courses are held 3 hours a week, for 3 credits.
- In Spanish: Contemporary Mexican Literature; Topics in Contemporary Mexican Life; Prehispanic Civilizations; and Nahuatl (an indigenous language).
- In English: Mexican Culture and Civilization; Prehispanic Civilizations
Internship and Practicum Program (Special requirements)
This program gives international students the opportunity to engage in observations and practica in the fields of health, education, and business. Medical practice is carried out at the university hospital, the education practicum takes place at local schools, and business internships are done in collaboration with the University International Business Program.
- Available all year and during the summer
- Variable credit, depending on the number of hours required
Faculties and Schools at Universidad Veracruzana
The Semester or Year Abroad at Universidad Veracruzana allows students to attend general university courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels for a period of one or two semesters. As part of the University of Georgia/Universidad Veracruzana Student Exchange Agreement, UGA students will pay tuition to UGA and take courses that may transfer into their UGA program of study. This option is aimed at students whose level of Spanish is high enough to understand university courses. Credit is granted and courses are subject to the university calendar (the number of weekly hours and credits per course may vary from 2-8).
Universidad Veracruzana has six main Areas that might interest UGA students; here are examples of the programs.
Arts: Dance, Music, Theater, and Artes Plásticas such as Ceramics, Sculpture, Photography, and Painting
Biological and Agricultural Sciences: Biology, Veterinary Medicine, and Agronomy
Health Sciences: Physical Education, Nutrition, and Psychology
Economics and Business: Economics, Business Administration, Statistics, and Accounting
Técnica: Architecture, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering
Humanities: This Area would probably attract the largest number of potential UGA students. It includes numerous courses in programs such as Anthropology, History, Sociology, Hispanic Language and Literature, Education, and Social Work.
Sample Calendar:
|
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
Special Information |
| School for Foreign Students (EEE-UV) |
September 2 to
December 13, 2002 |
February to
mid-May, 2003 |
Diagnostic Language Exam given in late August |
| Universidad Veracruzana (UV) |
August 16 to December 15, 2002
Exams:
Early January, 2003 |
Classes:
February to
end of June, 2003
Exams:
early July, 2003 |
Holy Week Vacation:
2 weeks in late March and early April
End of Year Break: December 18, 2002
to January 2, 2003 |
Admissions at Universidad Veracruzana
Admission and credits are granted to students who provide proof of having completed pre-university studies and who fulfill course requirements, including mid-term and final evaluations and a minimum of 80% attendance. Students apply through the School for Foreign Students, and will receive official notification of payment and a letter of admission.
Admission requirements
- Complete application form and send via Internet or FAX
- Pay registration fee of $75 US (may be waived for formal exchanges)
- Complete selection of program and send via Internet or FAX
- Admission remains open until the beginning of each session
Requirements to register
- Photocopy of passport
- Photocopy of student visa (FM3), for stays longer than 2 months
- Certificate of good health
- Three ID pictures (passport size)
- Payment for the selected program (does not apply to formal exchanges)
- If credit is required for the Practicum Program, students must include a certified copy of their transcripts and a letter of recommendation signed by an advisor or a school authority in the institution of origin
Services for International Students
See the comprehensive summary of "Support Services" downloaded from the EEE website. Here are a few examples of services for UGA exchange students:
- The EEE provides an orientation for all foreign students, and ongoing consultation services to answer UGA students' questions
- The EEE has a Self-Access Center (small library) and a Computer Center
- The EEE will help with any medical needs or other emergency situations (see the following section on health and safety)
- The EEE has a Program of Mexican Traditions consisting of workshops on dancing, cooking, painting, and other activities. There is also a Mexican film series.
- The main campus of UV has a beautiful new library ("USBI") with study areas and many computers for our students' use.
- The UV has numerous sports facilities.
- A UV identification card entitles UGA exchange students to discount rates for cultural and artistic events sponsored by UV (which are frequent and of high quality).
Health and Safety Information
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- Xalapa is quite a safe city in terms of the level of violent crime, especially in the central areas where people congregate until late at night. As always in a city, UGA students should not go out unaccompanied at night in outlying areas, and should check with local people about areas that should be avoided.
- For more information about safety issues in Mexico, see the U.S. State Department website at http://travel.state.gov/mexico.html. Keep in mind that most of this information does not apply to Xalapa, but is focused on beachside tourist resorts, Mexico City, and more dangerous rural areas in southern Mexico.
- Immunizations we recommend include Hepatitis A, Tetanus/Diphtheria (if not current), and Typhoid. UGA students should consult with the Travel Health Clinic on campus for more detailed information about health issues.
- We will require that UGA students purchase health insurance from T.W. Lord, a major insuror for international travelers. Students will also need to talk with their U.S. health insurance provider about the trip.
- UV requires proof of health insurance for all foreign students.
- Summer programs include a fee for medical services. The semester programs do not include a medical fee, but offer general medical services in exchange for a small additional fee.
- Xalapa has good hospitals with well-trained physicians and nurses. If there is a health problem we consult with Dr. Carlos Blazquez, the physician on call by the School for Foreign Students. Dr. Blazquez's address and phone number are:
Hidalgo No. 10, Centro
C.P. 91000
Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
Phone: 011-52-28-817-36-14 (from the U.S.)
- In emergencies we use the Centro de Especialidades Médicas as our hospital.
The hospital address and phone numbers are:
Av. Ruiz Cortines No. 220
Xalapa, Verucruz, Mexico
Phone: 011-52-28-814-45-00 or 011-52-28-814-47-71 (from the U.S.)
Logistical Information
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Lodging Accommodations
The Universidad Veracruzana, like most Mexican universities, does not have student housing. UGA students will have three basic choices of accommodations:
- Homestays with Mexican families, which will be coordinated by the School for Foreign Students. The EEE has arranged homestays for foreign students for more than 40 years. UGA students who have participated in summer study abroad programs already operating in Xalapa have had wonderful experiences with their Mexican families. The families are carefully screened by EEE, and because we have been going to Xalapa for years the same families now request that our students stay with them.
- If a UGA exchange student comes from the College of Education, we can possibly arrange a homestay with a UV student majoring in education. In our summer courses we have established a program called Compañeros Profesionales, in which we find UV students who become "professional partners" with UGA visiting students. Former Compañeros might be interested in the idea of having a UGA student live with them.
- Xalapa has many apartments and even small houses to rent. Rates vary from $150-$450 per month for a furnished apartment. The EEE will help UGA students find rental accommodations. Students can also inquire about hotel facilities, if they wish.
Visas
- All foreign students are required to apply for a student visa (FM3) for academic stays of more than 2 months. This should be obtained at least 2 months before the visa is needed, and may done at the Mexican Consulate in Atlanta.
- At the Consulate, UGA students must present a Letter of Acceptance from the School for Foreign Students (EEE), which the school sends after an applicant has fulfilled the requirements for admission.
- It is also possible to enter Mexico with a tourist visa (FMT) and then change it to a student visa (FM3) in the Migration Offices in Xalapa.
- Within a month after arriving in Mexico, UGA students must register at the Instituto Nacional de Migración in Xalapa. The EEE will help with these arrangements, and the attached information on "Support Services" provides more details about what is required.
Contact Information
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- The UGA Faculty Coordinator for this exchange is Dr. H. James McLaughlin. His address and phone number in Athens are:
427 Aderhold Hall, Department of Elementary Education
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
706-542-5469
706-542-4277 (FAX)
jmcl@coe.uga.edu
- If he is in Xalapa, Dr. McLaughlin can be reached by contacting the School for Foreign Students (see the number below) or the Mesón del Alferez, a hotel:
Sebastian Camacho No. 1
Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
Phone number dialing from Xalapa: 818-63-51
Phone number dialing from U.S.: 011-52-228-818-63-51
jmcl66@yahoo.com
- If the Faculty Coordinator is not available, UGA exchange students and their families can contact the Office of International Education. During office hours (M-F, 8-5), call 706-542-7903 and request to speak with Ms. Anne Allen or with the Executive Director. If students need to reach a staff member outside of office hours, call Public Safety at one of the following numbers:
Public Safety Emergency Number: 706-542-2200
Public Safety Non-Emergency Number: 706-542-5813
- The Director of the School for Foreign Students (EEE) is Bertha Murrieta. The person at the EEE who handles homestays, other living arrangements, and visa issues is Vicki Mateu. The contact information for our colleagues at the EEE is:
Zamora No. 25, Apdo. Postal 440, C.P. 91000
Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
011-52-228-817-86-87 (phone from the U.S.)
011-52-228-818-64-13 (FAX from the U.S.)
Sample Timeline for UGA Exchange Student (Amanda Marshall, for 2002-2003)
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| January/February: |
Dr. McLaughlin discusses possible exchange students with
officials at UV and Ms. Marshall prepares her application |
| February 15: |
Ms. Marshall completes application for EEE |
| February 26: |
Dr. McLaughlin takes application to Mexico and discusses Ms.
Marshall's program of study with EEE and UV faculty |
| March 11: |
Official decision by UGA and EEE about exchange students
from each institution |
| May 8 or 9: |
Ms. Marshall accompanies Dr. McLaughlin to the Mexican
Consulate in Atlanta, to obtain visa |
| May 19: |
Ms. Marshall goes with her family to Xalapa, to talk with EEE
and UV officials, take language diagnostic exam, and look for
accommodations (1-2 weeks) |
| Mid-August: |
Ms. Marshall arrives in Xalapa |
| August 19: |
Start of classes at UV |
| September 2: |
Start of classes at EEE |
Payments
- Only cashier's checks, international money orders, or deposits to account may be accepted
- Make checks payable to: Escuela para Estudiantes Extranjeros, Universidad Veracruzana
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