The University of Georgia
Fort Valley State University
Georgia Southern University
University of Veracruz in Mexico

Appropriated: $42,500 (FY00); $7,000 (FY01)

This multidisciplinary project addresses key economic, educational, and social issues facing the US and Mexico. Project activities focus on a replicable and cost-effective program that will better prepare graduates of System schools to compete in the global workforce, provide opportunities for faculty development, contribute to the internationalization of System institutions, and assist communities to respond to the challenges of globalization. The participating institutions represent diverse communities in Georgia—from Athens in north Georgia, Fort Valley in the central part of the state, and Statesboro in the south, all facing similar challenges of internationalization.

The growing economic ties between Georgia and Mexico have meant an increasing movement of Latinos to the state. Though Georgia's economy is prospering, in part due to the new Latino workforce, the state is woefully unprepared to meet the social challenges associated with the influx of Latinos into its communities. The problems and issues associated with the rapid influx of Hispanics into Georgia are reaching crisis proportions. As the number of Mexican and other Hispanic immigrants continues to rise, the pressure on local social service providers, extension agents, health professionals, and k-12 teachers has grown. These professionals (many educated at University System of Georgia institutions) have been thrust into the complicated business of assisting individuals from Mexico with the problems of daily life in the US. The institutions of the University System must respond to the growing challenges associated with Georgia's internationalization by bringing to bear their resources and expertise to address these critical issues. Through outreach programs to the local community, enhanced academic programs for students, and targeted faculty development programs, we can effectively address these challenges. This project aims to increase the number of graduates who are bilingual, culturally competent, able to effectively work with the growing number of Latinos in the US, and, most importantly, who can compete in the global workforce. By more closely linking System universities with schools, social service organizations, non-governmental organizations, and local governments in their own and partner country, the proposed program will create a collaborative partnership that is responsive to the needs of citizens of both countries. Specifically this project will: 1) increase the number of bilingual (English and Spanish) and culturally competent students by providing internships and work experiences abroad for qualified University System undergraduate and graduate students; and 2) provide faculty development opportunities through a cost-effective exchange program to facilitate cooperative research, joint publications, and technical cooperation programs. The participating institutions are working closely with the World Council of the Americas to coordinate activities and maximize the impact of all funded Global Partnership projects.

A study abroad and cultural immersion program for University System students was held during Maymester 2000. The two-week intensive program took place at the Universidad Veracruzana and provided 22 System students with total immersion in Mexican culture and the Spanish language. The highly successful program included field trips, Spanish language courses, courses on Mexican history and culture, and homestays with Mexican families.

Funding also supported a conference in Statesboro on the emerging relationship between Georgia and Mexico. Approximately 500 people attended the conference and speakers included the Consul General of Mexico, the Head of the Mexican Trade Commission, System professors, and the Press Attache from the Mexican Consulate. Topics addressed included "NAFTA and Georgia," "Mexican Migration to Georgia," "Building a Better Understanding Between Mexico and Georgia," "Investment and Trade Between Georgia and Mexico," and "The Challenges and Promises of International Education."

The project supported a variety of public service and outreach initiatives involving students and faculty across the System. At Georgia Southern, the project provided opportunities for System students and faculty to work with and learn more about the Hispanic community, to practice their language abilities, and to help address critical problems of the Latino population. Regents Global Partnership funding supported the development of courses and workshops, including civic education courses and a migrant youth mentorship program that were developed and coordinated by undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, funding was used to sponsor a one-day community educational forum to bring together health care workers, police, social service providers, and local government officials to meet with the Georgia Southern and Southeast Communities project representatives to discuss the unique challenges related to Latino farmworkers. Similarly, at UGA, funding was used by the School of Law's Legal Aid Clinic to improve its outreach and services to the Latino community in Clarke and surrounding counties. As part of their project, students developed culturally sensitive, Spanish-language materials on many aspects of the law in Georgia. Finally, faculty and students from Fort Valley's Department of English and Foreign Languages Department assisted the local school district with educating non-English speaking students, most of whom are Latino. With funds from the Global Partnership program, FVSU developed an ESL Mini Language Camp designed to address the problem of school age Hispanic children who are non-English speakers but yet who are required to attend the same classes, covering the same subject matter as students who are native English speakers.