On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, a welcome ceremony was held for the exchange students who arrived at Universidad ORT Uruguay. The event, organized by the International Office, took place in the Auditorium of the School of Business and Social Sciences.
This semester, 39 students arrived, most of them from Mexico, France, Spain, the United States, and Germany, but also from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, England, and Portugal. In addition, 18 international students from the previous semester remained.
Of the total number of international students, 43 will be taking courses in the School of Business and Social Sciences.
Miriam Kemna, the exchange coordinator, welcomed the students and explained the grading system, course requirements, how the libraries work, and the resources available to students.
“It means a lot to us that you chose us, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you have a great experience,” said Kemna, who also offered the students advice on life in Montevideo.
Members of the mentor committee also took part in the welcome event; they support and advise students who are interested, and organize extracurricular activities such as meals out, parties, and trips.
Members of the Colibrí Project attended; this is a volunteer program in which international students organize recreational activities for children in the Marconi neighborhood. The goal is for the students to experience a different side of Uruguay and, in turn, to give the children a glimpse of what life is like in other countries.