Office of International Programs

Be one of over 900 students that have participated in the Amistad Program; study abroad at University of Guanajuato!

SOU's study abroad program with the Universidad de Guanajuato (UG) is one of our longest international partnerships. The year 2009 was the 40th anniversary of the relationship between SOU and UG! We usually call this exchange program "The Amistad Program" in recognition of the special and unique bond between the two universities. 

The University is located in Guanajuato, which is the sister-city of Ashland. The two places have similiar climates and geography, with both towns nestled in mountain valleys. Because of the long-standing relationship between the two towns and universities, this exchange has a rich history. Many SOU faculty and students have visited UG in the last 40 years and develped deep friendships. Both places have active alumni groups that help students adjust to their study abroad experience. 

Housing 

Students stay at boarding houses with Mexican families when they arrive in Guanajuato. Some students later choose to move into apartments. Students pay for their housing at SOU for their housing in Mexico, which includes a monthly stipend. 

Classes

To participate in the semester/year-long program, students must have completed the eqivalent of 2 years of university-level Spanish. Most students take some classes at the Language Center studying Spanish and at least 2 classes in the regular university. There are regular university courses available in many subjects, which are taught in Spanish, with Mexican classmates! UG departments are spread throughout the state of Guanajuato, based on 4 main campuses. Students will need to utilize local transportation to get to their various classes as the campus is not consolidated in one area like SOU.

History

Because of the long friendship between our two universities and towns, you're bound to bump into people with connections to the Amistad Program! Ask your SOU faculty how they've been involved with UG! Better yet, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and become part of its history.

SOU and UG celebrated 40 years of partnership in 2009. Over 900 students, in various fields of study, have been on exchange, and many are now leaders in their communities.