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Alma, Equatorialis Sign Articulation Agreement

Leaders from Alma College and Equatorialis University in Quito, Ecuador, meeting in Alma Feb. 13, signed an articulation agreement that provides easy transfer for South American students who wish to earn an American degree at Alma College.

As part of the agreement, qualified Equatorialis students who have completed three years of undergraduate work will be able to transfer to Alma College to complete their senior year on the Alma campus. Ecuadorian students who successfully complete all academic requirements will graduate with an Alma College degree.

 

Candace Dugan, chairwoman of the Alma College Board of Trustees, presents soccer balls to Diego del Corral, president of Equatorialis University, and Xavier Bustamante, executive director of Fundacion Natura in Ecuador, to commemorate the global collaboration between the two institutions.

As many as 50 Ecuadorian students may transfer to Alma in the fall of 2012.

“This cooperative agreement launches a unique international collaboration that brings students together from two continents to experience a quality education,” says Alma College President Saundra Tracy. “It provides an extraordinary opportunity for South American students to enhance their education at an American institution.

“This agreement was built on a long and valued relationship with Diego del Corral and the Academia Latino Americana in Quito, Ecuador, where Alma students have traveled for several years to enhance their Spanish-speaking skills,” says Tracy. “This new collaboration will further internationalize and enrich the Alma campus.”

 

Signing the articulation agreement were, from left: Michael Selmon, Alma College provost; Saundra Tracy, Alma College President; Candace Dugan, chairwoman of the Alma College Board of Trustees; Diego del Corral, president of Equatorialis University; and Xavier Bustamante, executive director of Fundacion Natura. The signing ceremony took place in the Tyler-VanDusan Rotunda.

The collaboration with Equatorialis University also provides enhanced opportunities for Alma College students and faculty to travel to Ecuador for collaborative research, internships, teaching and volunteer work. Possibilities include exploring the environmental wonders of the Galapagos Islands, practicing Spanish language skills, studying Ecuadorian culture, completing coursework in business and finance, and fulfilling internships in entrepreneurship.

Alma College has maintained a relationship with the Academia Latino Americana in Quito for several years. In Spring 2008, the Academia’s board of directors expanded educational offerings there with the creation of Equatorialis University, a private, English-language institution that will offer degrees in business administration and environmental science. Last fall, the government of Ecuador formally accredited Equatorialis University.

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Students at Alma College can get involved in any of nearly 75 campus organizations, including fraternities and sororities, student government, academic honorary societies, campus media, intramural sports, the performing arts and worship groups.

 

Student Profile

Martin Kuustik

Martin Kuustik
Graduation: 2010
Major: Business Administration
From: Saku Harju, Estonia
Interests: Greek Life, Cultural Awareness

While most international students are here for one year, some stay for four years and earn an Alma degree. These students have the opportunity to get involved in student life taking on positions of leadership and enjoying a well-balanced social life.