EXCHANGE AGREEMENT

Between

NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY (Natchitoches, Louisiana, USA)

And

UNIVERSIDAD DEL SIN-CARTAGENA (Cartagena, Colombia)

Believing that it is desirable for faculty and students to have significant immersion experiences in cultures other than their own, Northwestern State University, hereinafter known as Northwestern, and Universidad del Sin-Cartagena propose to undertake the following exchange beginning September 1, 2010. This exchange is open to all faculty and undergraduate or graduate students. This Agreement will come into effect from the date of signature by both parties and will remain in force for three years. The Agreement is subject to revision or cancellation by mutual written agreement or addendum. Such actions will be agreed upon in timely fashion, preferably not less than six months prior to the term in which they will take effect. It is assumed that such actions would be taken only after mutual consultation to minimize inconvenience to either institution or its students. TITLE 1 Collaboration of Faculty and Staff 1. Northwestern and the Universidad del Sin-Cartagena will seek opportunities to involve faculty in short or long term exchange lectureships, research and collaboration. 2. Visiting faculty will be supervised by the host university, but will continue to be employees of their home university. 3. Both parties understand that all financial arrangements involving faculty exchange will have to be negotiated in a separate specific agreement. (See Appendix) 4. As most US students do not know Cartagena, Colombia faculty who propose to visit Northwestern should be able to conduct lectures in English. On the other hand, many Colombian students have learned English and Northwestern faculty who visit the Universidad del SinCartagena may be able to give lectures in English rather than Spanish. If the purpose of a particular faculty exchange is for collaboration or research, either Spanish or English may be the agreed upon language of participation. TITLE 2 Exchange of Students 1. Northwestern will accept a mutually agreeable number of Universidad del Sin-Cartagena students for a summer, semester or full-year at the graduate or undergraduate level. In exchange, the Universidad del Sin-Cartagena will accept a like number of Northwestern students for semester or full year of study. Subject to the availability of suitable candidates, each institution will send to the other up to two (2) students each academic year, during the period of the agreement. 2. Northwestern students who attend course in Cartagena for the fall semester only, and who need to return to the US to begin the spring semester in January, will be assisted by the Universidad del Sin-Cartagena in arranging assessment prior to their departure. Conflicts at other times will be

negotiated between the two schools, respecting the established exam schedules whenever possible. In general, Northwestern students who enroll at Universidad del Sin-Cartagena for spring semester or a full academic year will be expected to take exams as regularly scheduled. 3. Northwestern will waive tuition and fees for Universidad del Sin-Cartagena students participating in this program. Likewise, the Universidad del Sin-Cartagena will waive tuition and fees for Northwestern students participating in this program. Participating students will be responsible for all other costs associated with the exchange: any tuition and fees charged by their home university, room and board at the host institution, passport, visa, transportation, books, insurance (See Appendix), and miscellaneous. Each university will provide the other with a timely estimate of these expenses will be provided in US Dollars.) 4. Exchange participation for Universidad del Sin-Cartagena students will be dependent on their English language proficiency and completion of appropriate pre-requisite courses. Undergraduate students who do not have a TOEFL score of 173 (computerized test) or 500 (paper-based test) will take the TOEFL upon arrival at Northwestern. Course scheduling (including ESL, if needed) can be completed as soon as a TOEFL score, transcript, and an indication of current coursework are presented. To enroll in graduate level courses students must achieve a 173 TOEFL score (computerized test) or 500 (paper-based test) and receive permission from the graduate program. 5. Exchange participation for Northwestern students will be dependent on their Spanish language proficiency and completion of appropriate pre-requisite courses. Direct enrollment in course at the Universidad del Sin-Cartagena will be possible for Northwestern students who demonstrate at least high-intermediate Spanish language competency. As part of this agreement, Northwestern students may also enroll in Spanish as a Foreign Language courses at Universidad del Sin-Cartagena. 6. Any Universidad del Sin-Cartagena course which is taught in English is also open to qualified Northwestern students. 7. In order to promote foreign language proficiency, students from both universities may be invited to conduct a conversation group in their native language.

8. Students in exchange for a full year will be allowed to seek optional internships with local employers in addition to classroom study. Northwestern and Universidad del Sin-Cartagena staff may assist eligible students in learning about internships, but cannot guarantee placement. 9. The academic performance of students will be evaluated by the host institution and a final transcript with grades will be sent to the home institution. Northwestern will send transcripts directly to the Registrars office of the Universidad del Sin-Cartagena. The Universidad del Sin-Cartagena will send transcripts to the Registrars Office at Northwestern.

APPENDIX 1 Mandatory Insurance 1. Universidad del Sin-Cartagena visiting faculty and students must comply with U. S. Department of State insurance requirements for the Exchange Visitor Program. To meet this obligation, Northwestern requires that student and faculty Exchange Visitors be covered by a pre-selected group insurance policy that meets or exceeds DOS minimum requirements. Students must pay for this coverage upon arrival at Northwestern. Faculty must also pay the insurance premium upon arrival, unless alternate payment has been negotiated as a part of the exchange. 2. Northwestern students and faculty who visit Universidad del Sin-Cartagena must review their insurance coverage to determine applicability in Colombia. Exchange participants will present the necessary documentation for medical and accident insurance valid in Colombia for the exchange period. Universidad del Sin-Cartagena will assist students and faculty in selecting an Colombian insurance provider, if they so desire. 2 Exchange of students 1. Northwestern program for Universidad del Sin-Cartagena students Northwestern State University will: Provide pre-arrival information for incoming Universidad del Sin-Cartagena students. Provide documents for students to receive appropriate visas to enter the US (generally this will be a DS2019 for a J-visa) Northwestern students will be asked to provide Universidad del Sin-Cartagena with information that will help an advisor assist them with course scheduling prior to arrival: a brief essay including a description of their goals, proof of Spanish language skills, previous academic preparation, a list of all completed coursework and coursework currently in progress. Meet students upon arrival and provide orientation and advising assistance throughout enrollment. Assist in arranging housing (usually in third party housing), meals and class schedules for participating students, and provide cost estimates in advance. Assist eligible students in locating optional internships in the northwestern area. Assist eligible students in securing a US Social security Card. Consult with Universidad del Sin-Cartagena staff if any problem arise that might jeopardize a students continuation in the program. Evaluate students performance and send Universidad del Sin-Cartagena a final transcript with grades. Universidad del Sin-Cartagena will: Select students to participate in this exchange program with Northwestern. These students will have completed at least one year of studies in discipline (or a direct related field) which they will study at Northwestern. Students should have English skills equivalent to the TOEFL scores described Title 2, #3. Internship applicants will need to have sufficient fluency in English to perform will in an interview, compete for a position with other applicants, and to function effectively in a business setting. Provide pre-departure information and orientation.

 Universidad del Sin-Cartagena students will be asked to provide Northwestern with information that will help an adviser assist them with course scheduling prior to arrival: a brief essay including a description of their goals, previous academic preparation, a list of all completed coursework and coursework currently in progress, and a TOEFL score as described in Title 2, #4. 2. Universidad del Sin-Cartagena program for Northwestern students Universidad del Sin-Cartagena will: Provide pre-arrival information for incoming Northwestern students, including visa suggestions. Meet students upon arrival and provide orientation and advising assistance throughout enrollment. Assist in arranging housing (usually home stays or residence halls) meals and class schedules for participating students, and provide cost estimates in advance. Consult with Northwestern staff if any problems arise that might jeopardize a students continuation in the program. Evaluate students performance and send Northwestern a final transcript with grades. Northwestern State University will: Select students to participate in this exchange program with Universidad del SinCartagena. These students will have completed at least high-intermediate level study of the Spanish language and at least one year of studies in a discipline (or a directly related field) which they will study at Universidad del Sin-Cartagena. Provide pre-departure information and orientation. Administer financial aid in accordance with federal practices and Northwestern procedures. Students will provide information that the Universidad del Sin-Cartagena deems valuable in providing academic advising and course scheduling. 3 Other Nothing contained herein or in the activities conducted hereunder in the Memorandum of Understanding shall constitute either party the agent, servant, or employee of the other party and each party shall be fully and solely responsible for its own actions and obligations. SIGNATURES ____________________________________ Dr. Rolando Bechara C, Rector Universidad del Sin-Cartagena _____________________________________ Dr. Randall J. Webb, President Northwestern State University

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