The Cultures in Contact Course and the service areas of GIEI make the University more friendly and accessible to the surrounding community by offering international and Chilean students the opportunity of participating in volunteer programs.
For example, Language and cultural lessons are offered to some local SCHOOLS under the program “Opening Minds to the Global Community”. This program allows students from different parts of the world to introduce their countries to k-12 students. [These experiences outside of a normal college classroom setting are not only valuable for the exchange students but also for the local community. Teaching English in local schools not only addresses diversity and campus internationalization at the University of Viña del Mar but also helps local schools that would normally not have the resources to address these issues. y forms part of the Cultural & Recreational Services Area of GIEI].
Students visit HOMES FOR CHILDREN AT RISK SOCIALLY and spend time with children by playing or taking care of them; they act as volunteers helping OLD, ABANDONED, ILL, AND POOR men by bringing them clothes, assisting them in many ways, etc. They also participate with CEMIPRE, an organism of the Presbyterian Church of Reñaca and Mission to the World, committed to addressing spiritual, emotional and physical needs of PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
Students also help Carabineros de Chile to create consciousness among people through the campaign SAFE PARTYING organized by Carabineros de Chile.
Students also work in teams to build houses for the poorest families in Chile who live in nothing more than cardboard boxes. This program known as “UN TECHO PARA CHILE” enables inhabitants of extremely poor housing camps to not only improve their quality of life, but also restore their dignity through the construction of small wooden houses [these activities form part of the Community Services Area of GIEI].
GIEI also has a University services area, which offers employment opportunities for students in local businesses. For example, students work as ISIC agents promoting the ISIC card and its benefits among Chilean students, promote as language institutes/universities agents the learning of a foreign language abroad; promote study flights, etc. Part of the money earned goes to the Funds for Studying Abroad.
It is GIEI staff endeavor to promote international cultures and build strong coalitions with other students groups at UVM so that GIEI can be utilized as a resource by the whole campus community and not by international students alone. Therefore, many GIEI activities are carried out in conjunction with CEGES, the UVM students’ Union and DAE, the office of Students Affairs of the University.
We believe the Cultures in Contact Course and the fact of having an international student’s organization like GIEI both intended for not only international but also national students are excellent resources for campus internationalization. Learning from each other about different cultures is an excellent way to promote diversity.
It is GIEI staff endeavor to promote international cultures and build strong coalitions with other students groups at UVM so that GIEI can be utilized as a resource by the whole campus community and not by international students alone. Therefore, many GIEI activities are carried out in conjunction with CEGES, the UVM students’ Union and DAE, the office of Students Affairs of the University.
We believe the Cultures in Contact Course and the fact of having an international student’s organization like GIEI both intended for not only international but also national students are excellent resources for campus internationalization. Learning from each other about different cultures is an excellent way to promote diversity.
