FIPSE: brief description of the program

The first question people usually ask is what does FIPSE mean. FIPSE is the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education funded by the Department of Education. In order to obtain our FIPSE grant we needed to network with one other U.S. University in our case Oklahoma State University and two universities from Canada, Laval University in Quebec City, Canada and the University of Manitoba, as well as two universities in Mexico, the Autonomous University of Chapingo and the Autonomous University of Chihuahua.

This program enables our agricultural students to spend a semester studying at one of the Canadian or Mexican universities. The program is an exchange program that allows our students to pay their normal tiuition and room and board fees to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and study abroad at no additional costs. The grant even has money available to pay for the students air travel to and from the International University. Since at Laval the language of instruction is French and the language of instruction in Mexico is Spanish, the grant gives us the opportunity to pay for intensive French and Spanish classes here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or at an International Language Center.

The class work taken will automatically be credited to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Therefore, it is essential that a prospective student work closely with his/her advisor to be certain that the courses taken are transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for full credit. Participation in this program will in no way delay an expected graduation schedule.

Another point in this agreement is that the student will be able to do a 2-3 month intern program at a farm, ranch or agricultural industry in Canada or Mexico. This part of the program is not mandatory but the internship is unique to this FIPSE Grant.

This program offers our IANR-CASNR students a unique opportunity to: 1) learn a foreign language; 2) study abroad at no additional cost; 3) experience a different culture; 4) explore the wonderful environment of Mexico or Canada; 5) participate in an international internship; and 6) meet new and exciting friends.

Can anyone think of a better addition to his/her resume than participation in this program? If you want additional information please contact:

Jeffrey F. Keown
A218g Animal Sciences Bldg
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68583-0908

Phone: (402) 472-6453
FAX: (402) 472-6362
E-mail: jkeown1@unl.edu

We are preparing a website containing course descriptions, cultural activities, etc. that you can experience at each university. The website will be posted on the Animal Science website at: http://www.animalscience.unl.edu

What a unique opportunity for our students!!!