A welcome ceremony was held for the international exchange students who have arrived. In total, there are 59 students from Argentina, Spain, Mexico, the United States, France, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Thirty-nine of them will be attending the School of Business and Social Sciences. The event, organized by the International Office, took place on Wednesday, August 14, 2013, in the school’s auditorium.
They were joined by 27 students from Harbin Normal University in China, who arrived at Universidad ORT Uruguay August 20 and 23. In addition to taking courses related to their Spanish language program, the students from Harbin will audit several courses at the university, particularly those in the Bachelor’s program in International Studies.
The Student Exchange Coordinator, Miriam Kemna, welcomed them and explained how to use student resources such as the self-service portal, the course evaluation and approval process, the locations of the university campuses, and how the libraries operate.
Kemna said that all exchange students go through an adjustment period during which, at first, “everything is wonderful and fun.” But over time, they need support from their peers, she added.
The Coordinator also explained to the students how to complete immigration procedures and offered advice on life in Montevideo. For his part, the Coordinator of Social and Sports Activities, Mario Matalonga, gave a presentation on the sports offerings at the school. Members of the Events Committee and the mentor program were also introduced; they support and advise students who wish to participate and organize extracurricular events such as group meals, 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 for the students to experience a different side of Uruguay and, in turn, for the children to learn about life in other countries.