Participants are now being sought for the third annual West Virginia University/University of Guanajuato, Mexico Faculty and Staff Language Exchange this summer.

Co-sponsored by the WVU Office of International Programs and the WVU Department of Foreign Languages’Intensive English Program, this innovative exchange is aimed at increasing the knowledge of English and Spanish languages, and the understanding of culture at each university. The exchange is limited to six participants from each university who are employed as faculty or staff.

The program begins with departure to Mexico June 5, returning on or about July 2. The Mexican participants will arrive in Morgantown July 3 to begin their four-week study of English at WVU .

There is no prerequisite in languages for WVU participants.

WVU seeks a host family for each of the six incoming Guanajuato faculty. A stipend is provided to each local host family to defray costs of meals and food, and for use of a private bedroom. Meals are breakfast and dinner according to a family’s normal routine. A family can host for four weeks or for a shorter period of time from July 3-July 30.

In Guanajuato, the WVU participants are placed in one of three Spanish language courses: beginner, intermediate or advanced. Evening workshops focus on cultural arts including dance, ceramics, music and quilting. Local host family living adds an immersion experience in Mexico. The Guanajuato Language Center webpage, http: //www.ugto.mx/, has more information. The Center uses an integrated language instructional program.

Each university offers tuition waivers for language instruction and provides host family living at no charge to eligible participants. However, WVU participants pay all other costs including roundtrip airfare, U.S. airport shuttle, local tours, immunizations, visa, required health insurance and any personal expenses.

To sign up or for more information, contact George Lies, Office of International Programs, 304-293-6955 ext. 4, or write Office of International Programs, P.O. Box 6214, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506 -6214.

Participants will need to pay an initial deposit of $150 towards the administrative fee of $375. The WVU Office of International Programs will schedule an orientation program for interested persons later this month.