The first exchange students from the University of Aberdeen to study at La Salle University in Mexico City say they are delighted with the experience.
Ella Töyrylä (Hispanic Studies and German) and Amelie Bonnet Witvoet (International Relations/Sociology) have both recently completed a semester at La Salle.
La Salle is located in one of the most vibrant areas of Mexico City, 'La Condesa', known for its parks, restaurants, bars, shops and street life, as well as its art-deco architecture.
The link with La Salle grew out of a partnership trip which Professor Margaret Ross organised in 2013, to build university partnerships in Mexico. Subsequent follow-ups by Professor Bill Naphy have led to three members of Aberdeen staff taking Spanish classes for three weeks at their well-regarded language school.
La Salle did not suffer any damage during the September 2017 earthquake and was able to rally the University community to respond to the needs of neighbours and towns outside the city. Colleagues at La Salle and Aberdeen are continuing to develop collaborative undergraduate teaching opportunities and look forward to more exchanges of students and staff.
Professor Margaret Ross, Vice-Principal for People Strategy at the University of Aberdeen said: “On stepping into La Salle University in 2013 it was immediately clear to me that it would provide a vibrant and supportive environment for our students to experience study abroad and for our staff to have the opportunity to teach in a friendly partner university.
“I am delighted that this has been the experience of students and colleagues so far and have no doubt that this will be sustained in the future due to the energy and commitment of the lead colleagues in both universities.”
Joan Landeros, Director of the Centre for International Education, La Salle (CIEL), added: “We are very pleased to strengthen our relationship with the University of Aberdeen. We have discovered many common interests and values, which will undoubtedly support creative and fruitful collaborations. There is a definite mutual commitment to create transformative experiences for our students, faculty and researchers.
“We look forward to welcoming more wonderful students from Aberdeen.”