UVa-Wise students learn about business

during study in Mexico

Pictured are Front row, Kim Kilgore, Santana Vasquez, Brittany Hall. Back row, Josh Justice, Dustin Lambert, Amelia Harris, Luke Layne, Andrew Harris

A group of seven students from The University of Virginia’s College at Wise traveled to Monterrey, Mexico, from May 21 to May 28, to learn about business south of the border and how it relates to the United States and Southwest Virginia.

UVa-Wise Academic Dean Amelia Harris traveled with the group of students, which included Brittany Hall of Clintwood, Andrew Harris of Norton, Josh Justice of Wise, Kim Kilgore of Norton, Dustin Lambert of Duffield, Luke Layne of Richlands and Santana Vasquez of Cedar Bluff.

The seven-day trip was funded by a Title VI B Grant from the U.S. Department of Education that is specifically intended for the purpose of combining international education and the study of business. While gaining exposure to another culture and language, the students also learned how the history and culture of the country affect the practice of business in Mexico.

Students attended classes in Mexican history and culture each morning at the Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (Tec de Monterrey).

Commercial ties between Mexico and Southwest Virginia were explored at two local businesses. Johnson Controls builds air conditioning units using compressors shipped from Bristol Compressors, in Bristol. And Escaleras (Ladders) uses extruded fiberglass from Strongwell, located near Abingdon, to make a variety of ladders.

The students also toured a branch of Tec de Monterrey in Saltillo, which is about the size of UVa-Wise. The town of Saltillo is in the state of Coahuila and is the origin of most of the coal mining in Mexico.

In addition, the students visited the Museo do la Historia in Monterrey and Cola do Caballo (Horsetail Falls), where they climbed to see the falls and go bungee jumping.

One of the largest institutions of higher education in Mexico, Tec de Monterrey is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). UVa-Wise also holds SACS accreditation.

The only branch of the University of Virginia, UVa-Wise is ranked among the nation's top public liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report. UVa-Wise is home to 1,900 students and offers undergraduate and professional programs in the liberal arts tradition of Thomas Jefferson.

Posted August 7, 2006