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UPV - UNIVERSITAT POLITèCNICA DE VALèNCIA Program Level: Undergraduate Number of Weeks/Term: 20 |
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- Background
- Location Information
- Program Dates
- Host Institution
- Academic Information
- Academic Disciplines
- Credit Transfer Information
- Eligibility Requirements
- Program Costs
- Housing and Meals
- Insurance
- Extracurricular Activities
- Climate
- VISA & Passport Information
- Your Next Steps
- Experiences of Former Students
- Contact Details
BACKGROUND
Georgia Tech (GT) has developed a number of overseas programs around the globe. These programs provide students with the opportunity to complete a portion of their academic programs in top-notch foreign universities that are partnered with GT. As a result of immersion in a foreign academic and cultural environment, students have the maximum opportunity to learn to operate effectively in an atmosphere that is wholly different from that of GT and the U.S.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Spain
Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, Spain has played a catch-up role in the western international community; it joined the EU in 1986. Continuing challenges include Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorism and further reductions in unemployment.
Valencia
Valencia is the capital of the autonomous community and province of Valencia and is situated in the Spanish "Levante", on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and on the right bank of the Turia River. Valencia is Spain's third most populated city. The city is surrounded by a large belt of villages, which are called "La Gran Valencia" ("Greater Valencia"). The inland part of the region is mountainous while on the coast there are large plains with beautiful lagoons such as "La Albufera", which is a natural park.
Valencian industry is quite varied and is very important to the Spanish economy. The automobile, food, metal, textiles, furniture, pottery and tourism industries are all very important to the region. With one of Spain's largest ports on the Mediterranean coast, the maritime industry is also very important to Valencia. Agricultural production, which centers on the production of citrus fruits, such as Valencia oranges, and vegetables, is very important to the region as well.
PROGRAM DATES
Academic Year: early September - late June
Spring Term: early February - late June
NOTE: Students may participate in this program for the spring or for a full academic year.
YEAR PROGRAM STARTED:
1998
HOST INSTITUTION ACADEMIC INFORMATION
In 1968-69, the Higher Technical Schools of Agricultural Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering and Industrial Engineering were integrated to form the Higher Polytechnic Institute of Valencia. University status was granted in 1971 and the name was changed to Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV). Since then, new degrees have been added and existing programs expanded to form a University that now specializes mainly in technology.
Exchange students are admitted to an academic department and should take most of their courses in that department. As you might expect, academic departments are not arranged at UPV the same way as they are at Georgia Tech. For example, courses in Management and Mechanical Engineering are offered through UPV's Higher Technical School of Industrial Engineering.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
Subject Areas Available:
- Architecture
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Design
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Management
- Mechanical Engineering
- Modern Languages
- Spanish
Language Information
You MUST speak Spanish to attend UPV as a participant in the semester exchange program. UPV does offer some courses in English. However, you will not be able to take a full course load in English. GT recommends that students complete at least 2 years of college level Spanish or have the equivalent advanced/3000 level of skills before participating in this program.
If you need to freshen up on your Spanish skills before the semester starts, UPV's satellite campus at Gandia offers a two-week intensive language program for exchange students before the start of both the spring and fall terms. Even if you think your Spanish is at a high enough level to jump right into regular UPV classes, we recommend that you take advantage of this course to get used to speaking the language on a daily basis. For more information click here.
UPV also offers free Spanish classes for exchange students during both semesters so that students can brush up on their Spanish while taking regular UPV classes. These general courses are offered on the following schedule:
November- January - 2 days/week, 2 hours each class
March - May - 2 days/week, 2 hours each class
Note: Although Valenciano, one of the official languages of Spain, is the language spoken by locals and by students at UPV who are from the region, most courses at UPV are taught in Spanish.
Course Information
For detailed course information: click here
Courses offered in English: click here
Internship Option
If you are interested in staying in Valencia for a full academic year, there is an option of studying at UPV for the Fall term, and then participating in an internship the following Spring. UPV has an internship office that is similar to our Division of Professional Practice. Twenty percent of UPV students participate in internships, so there are many available; however, international students are not guaranteed placement. During your fall study term, you will initiate the internship process by completing an application in the UPV internship office, participating in interviews, etc. Internships are not handled through OIE, for more information contact Debbie Gulick in the Work Abroad Office at debbie.gulick@dopp.gatech.edu.
CREDIT TRANSFER INFORMATION
Credit for courses taken as part of GT exchange programs is added as transfer credit on the GT transcript. Since it is important to know which kind of credit students will earn abroad as soon as possible, GT requires that courses be pre-approved for transfer. With a Foreign Credit Approval Form (available from OIE) in hand, and the credit transfer system information (listed below), students should submit course descriptions to the appropriate academic unit to request their approval. If taking Math classes, for example, then the student should go to the GT School of Mathematics to get permission for the courses to transfer to GT. If approved, the GT School of Mathematics signs the Foreign Credit Approval Form showing how the courses will transfer so that students will know which type of credit they should expect to receive.
For detailed credit transfer instructions click here
For the Foreign Credit Approval Form click here
CREDIT TRANSFER SYSTEM
This information is intended for undergraduates students only. Graduate students must speak with their academic unit to to determine the acceptance of transfer credits.
UPV uses the following credit transfer system:
1.25 UPV credits = 1 GT credit
1.4 ECTS credits = 1 GT credit
GRADING SYSTEM
UPV uses the grading system listed below:
UPV Grade = US Grade
9 - 10 = A
7 - 8.9 = B
5 - 6.9 = C
Below 5 = D, F
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
PROGRAM COSTS
The same matriculation, tuition and other mandatory fees (including transportation, technology, activity, health, and athletic) apply to a term abroad as would normally at Georgia Tech. Exchange students must pay tuition and fees to the GT Bursar for each semester they are abroad. No other expenses associated with this program are paid to GT; instead, these expenses are paid on site.
The currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the newspaper or click here for the most current rates.
DON"T FORGET TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! See the OIE web site for more info: click here
Following are cost estimates for one semester at UPV that may help you prepare for your term(s) abroad. All costs are in USD.
In State Tuition $3,035 Out of State Tuition $3,285 GT Mandatory Fees $818 Books and Supplies $400 Administrative and/or Application fees $0 Miscellaneous (includes passport/visa fees, required field trips, local transportation and incidentals) $1,200 Roundtrip Airfare $1,500 Room and Board $5,000 Additional Language Instruction $550 Mandatory Insurance $150 Total $12,653 (in state) $12,903 (out of state)
*Out-of-state students pay in state tuition, plus $250 for this exchange program.
*Costs in the preceding chart are estimates for undergraduates based on tuition rates posted by the GT Bursar for "continuing students." Guaranteed tuition rates, graduate tuition rates, and MBA tuition rates vary. Please check the GT Bursar's web site click here to confirm actual tuition rates based on degree, term, or level of study. Actual costs may be higher or lower than those listed above, depending on the exchange rate and personal spending habits/needs.
HOUSING AND MEALS
Housing
The UPV provides a free service to students to help them find accommodation that meets their expectations and needs. To do so, the UPV keeps a database with information about students and individuals offering and requesting shared flats, stays with a family or flats to rent. A Mentor student can help in things such as: enrollment, searching for accommodation, Spanish conversation classes, picking you up at the airport, getting around town, etc., as well as any other useful advice on everyday life in Valencia.
Meals
If you choose to live with a host family, meals are often provided; otherwise, you may choose to cook in your apartment or eat in the campus cafeterias. There are four cafeterias on campus that serve food from 8am to 8pm. Don't forget that meal times in Spain are different than traditional American ones. Top
INSURANCE
Students participating in this program will be assessed $150 per semester for mandatory insurance coverage. You will be covered by T.W. Lord and Associates. For detailed information about this insurance plan, click here. This cost is included in the above cost estimates for the program.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
UPV not only has a state of the art athletic building with excellent equipment and opportunities to participate in individual or group sports, but UPV also offers a multitude of student clubs and cultural societies on campus. For more details you can refer to the student guide on the web site of UPV's International Office: click here.
CLIMATE
Spain is extremely hot during midsummer, in July and August. The rest of the year the climate is generally temperate in the north, but warm in the south. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn, except for the Atlantic coast, which has heavy rains in October and November. Valencia has a pleasant climate all year round, with more than 300 sunny days a year and an average temperature of 63ºF. If you love the sun, try to be in Valencia in July because there is usually only one overcast day and an average temperature of 75ºF!
VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION
Complete information about how to apply for or renew a U.S. passport is available from the GT Office of International Education or online: click here
Participants of this program must have a valid passport and visa. For Spanish visa information click here, please note that getting a Spanish visa can be a lengthy and complicated process, so start as early as possible. The closest Spanish Embassy is in Miami, and they require students to apply in person - in Miami! It may be possible to pay a visa service to apply for the visa for you as your legal representative. OIE cannot make referrals/recommendations on such services.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
To begin the process of participating in this exchange, please do the following:
EXPERIENCES OF FORMER STUDENTS
click here
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Melissa Lee DeLara, Exchange Study Abroad Advisor
GT Office of International Education
631 Cherry Street
Savant Building, Suite 211
Atlanta, GA 30332-0284
Phone: (404)894-7475 Fax: (404)894-9682
E-mail: melissa.delara@oie.gatech.edu
OIE web site: click here
Host/Program Web Site: click here
Valencia
Spain
Europe
Semester
20
12
Spanish
For more info, contact OIE.
Can I go abroad while pursuing a GT degree?
GT students have many opportunities to participate in semester/exchange and study abroad programs. In an exchange program, you actually take classes with the host university's students and faculty. (In some cases, this means that you must have excellent knowledge of the local language to participate). Exchange program participants usually pay normal GT tuition and fees for each term abroad. Credits can be pre-approved to transfer back to GT so that you do not get behind in your studies. The application deadline for fall and academic year programs is in early February; for spring programs the deadline is in September/October.
In a study abroad program, the courses are taught by GT faculty and you register for regular GT courses. Residents pay normal matriculation fees, but do not pay ancillary fees (athletic, health, etc.). Non-residents only pay resident matriculation plus $250 ($1500 for GTL Summer/$2000 for GTL Spring/Fall) . This is a savings of over $6,000 for out-of-state students who participate in GT study abroad programs as full-time students! Deadlines for summer study abroad programs vary from early January to mid-February.
In most cases, if you are eligible for financial aid or scholarships, you can apply your grants, scholarships, and/or loans toward the expenses associated with participating in all GT programs.
GT's International Plan: More than just study abroad
Your major is participating in this new initiative!
The International Plan is an intensive, degree-long program designed to prepare GT graduates professionally and personally for successful lives in the 21st century. Requirements of the program include international coursework, two terms abroad (any combination of study, research or internship abroad), proficiency in a second language, and a culminating course. Students who complete the program will have a designation on their diploma indicating completion of the degree with global competence: for example, "BS in Mechanical Engineering: International Plan." For more information or an application, contact your major advisor or OIE and visit the website: click here