An ever increasing number of universities worldwide are discovering the many advantages of providing students with options to study abroad, as a way to expand their education as well as broaden their appreciation for cultural and racial diversity. Reciprocal accommodations are drawn and observed, whereby exchange students in one country may take courses of post-graduate studies leading in some cases to Master's Degrees and Doctorates, offered by a host university in another. The University Of Malta (UOM) typically has foreign student exchange agreements in force with universities in Australia, France, Italy, UK, USA, and 44 other countries.
This extensive network is organized for presentation to prospective students, by facilitator organizations who provide academic calendar dates, program type and description, curriculum and credit, cost and housing, eligibility and application, and other relevant information for each participating university. Two well known facilitators who co- sponsor university programs worldwide are, the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), with an expanding membership of universities located in more than 39 countries, and the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), with an equally impressive portfolio covering 40 study abroad programs at universities in 22 countries. Further information is available on the Internet at http: //www.isp.acad.umn.edu/study/catalog/isep(malta).html for ISEP, and http://www.ciee.org for CIEE via Internet.
The University Of Malta works closely with ISEP, CIEE, and other international bodies in its drive to recruit highly qualified students from abroad for its main campus at Msida, as well as to sponsor Maltese counterparts wishing to engage in studies of advanced learning at other countries. The UOM, a school of choice for an ever increasing number of foreign students, is seeking broader American participation in its foreign exchange student program. In recent years the Departments of Defense and Energy, Peace Corps, and the U.S. Information Agency exchanged American and Maltese students in 12 designated programs or courses of instruction. Persons working outside of the U.S. Federal Civil Service are given equal opportunity through a broad range of scholastic programs, offered through grants and scholarships supported by the private sector. The Foundation for International Studies, funded by the Government of Malta, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and other international organizations, is the international relations arm of the UOM.
A growing number of U.S. institutions regularly transfer credits from Malta for their students. The ISEP directory for 1996-97 lists 119 universities and colleges in 43 states. For more specific information contact Jo Ann Camilleri, Exchange Student Coordinator, International Office, Fax: 011-356-336450. A random sampling of participating U.S. schools include:
NORTH: Ohio State University, Ohio
SOUTH: University of North Texas, Texas
EAST: George Washington University, District of Columbia
WEST: California State University, Los Angeles
The UOM does not offer scholarships to overseas students. A condensed overview of scholarships available internationally can be found in the biennial publication of UNESCO, "Study Abroad'. This publication can be obtained from UNESCO, Place de Fontenoy, 75, F- 75700 Paris, France.
IAESTE - International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience - provides short term traineeships to students studying at institutions of higher education. For further information, please visit IAESTE
Persons with an inquisitive mind, whose intellectual interests have not diminished over time, are not left out. For adult learners 55 years of age or above, interested in attending class for sheer pleasure and experience, a two week course of study entitled "Malta: Keystone of Mediterranean History" is periodically conducted at the UOM in co-operation with Elderhostel/USA and the OTS Foundation, an American non-profit organization dedicated to preserve Malta's incomparable architectural heritage for future world generations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: This article is devoted to fond memories of the late Dr. Joseph Albert Manché, Rector 1948-64, neighbor and close family friend for many years.
Disclaimer: Mr. Joseph Vella is not connected to the University Of Malta in any way. Views expressed herein are strictly his own.
E-mail to Joseph Vella: vellajoseph@msn.net
|
|
