On Wednesday, August 13, 2014, a welcome ceremony for the exchange students hosted by Universidad ORT Uruguay this semester was held in the auditorium of the School of Business and Social Sciences. The event was organized by the International Office.
A total of 62 students arrived from Mexico, Spain, Germany, France, Belgium, the United States, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Canada to take courses in various university programs. Twenty-nine of them will be studying at the college.
The Exchange Coordinator, Miriam Kemna, welcomed the students and explained the tools available to them, such as the self-service portal, the course evaluation and grading process, the locations of the university campuses, and how the libraries operate.
Kemna noted that all exchange students go through an adjustment period, during which peer support is important.
The coordinator also explained to the students how to complete immigration procedures and offered advice on life in Montevideo.
For his part, Mario Matalonga, the Coordinator of Social and Athletic Activities, gave a presentation on the university’s athletic programs.
Also in attendance were members of the Events Committee and the mentor program, who support and advise students who wish to participate, and organize extracurricular activities such as meals out, parties, and trips.
Also in attendance were members of the Colibrí Project, a volunteer program in which international students organize recreational activities for children in the Marconi neighborhood. The goal of the project is to help students experience a different side of Uruguay and, in turn, give Uruguayan children a glimpse into life in other countries.