UCC explores foreign exchange opportunities with Spain

By Whitney Davis · The Mainstream
Published October 19, 2011

A foreign exchange program which would allow UCC students to study in Spain may be possible as soon as next fall, if the program is approved.

“It’s still in the exploratory phase,” says Ní Aódagaín, associate professor of French and Spanish.

Ní Aódagaín was one of two UCC instructors who traveled in September as a part of a Roseburg delegation to Spain to explore the possibility of establishing this program.

“To travel to Spain, study in one of its institutions, and experience the culture and people of Spain will be life-changing for those students who participate,” Ní Aódagaín said.

If the program is established, one student from the Spanish program and one from the viticulture, or wine making program, will be selected for a scholarship to travel to Aranda for approximately four to six weeks.

Dwayne Bershaw, UCC enology instructor, traveled with Ní Aódagaín to Roseburg’s sister city of Aranda de Duero for ten days to explore the possibilities. The city is very similar to Roseburg in size, population and that it is a wine growing region.

Each student chosen to travel to Spain will likely complete a service component. The Spanish student would probably volunteer in an English program while the viticulture student would help harvest grapes for wine, gaining experience and knowledge similar as what is done in cooperative work experience classes at UCC.

“Ultimately, we hope that this educational and cultural exchange will result in long-lasting relationships between the citizens of Roseburg and Aranda, and that both of our cities will benefit from the friendships made.” said Ní Aódagaín.