UNT endorses Chilean exchange program

UNT President Norval Pohl and Sergio Lavanchy, rector of the Universidad de Concepción in Chile, signed a joint agreement July 25 instituting an exchange program between the two universities.

The program is the outcome of a Charn Uswachoke International Development Award. The $4,000 grant was matched by funds from the College of Education's Academy for Research and Professional Development.

Ron Wilhelm, associate professor of teacher education and administration, laid the groundwork for the exchange with his initial visit to Chile from February to May of 2000. As a visiting Fulbright scholar at the Chilean university, Wilhelm lectured, conducted research and organized Internet projects between Chilean and North Texas middle school students.

Universidad de Concepción representatives returned the visit last month. Jorge Alegría, dean of the College of Education; Bernardo Sepulveda, professor of curriculum and instruction; Alejandro Villalobos, professor of philosophy of education; and Eduardo Tarifeño, professor of marine biology, were present at the signing of the formal agreement. In addition, they visited area environmental education learning attractions and met with UNT faculty regarding environmental education initiatives and research.

"This agreement is important because it will provide a framework for future exchanges between students and faculty," says Wilhelm. "Professors and students from the two institutions can engage in research projects and course work about issues of mutual interest."

Currently, common issues include education and the environmental sciences; however, the agreement allows for exchanges between all departments. For instance, the College of Education is working to establish a bilingual certification program in Spanish. The exchange agreement may help with this effort.

BY CATHY CASHIO ccashio@unt.edu

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