Mexico Exchange

The ongoing short-term exchange program between the Department and the University of Guanajuato at Salamanca, Mexico, continued for its eighth consecutive year in 2004. Each year 12 to 15 students from Texas A&M University visit the Salamanca campus and surrounding region. Students live in the homes of host students and are thereby totally immersed in their family life, customs and culture. They also enjoy numerous field trips to industries and historical sites throughout the region.

A highlight is the capital city of Guanajuato, which is a vibrant center of culture, history and tourism. It is nestled in the mountains of the central plains (at an altitude of 6500 feet) and is also home to the main campus of the University of Guanajuato. Students meet and interact with university officials at the main campus as well as the branch campus in Salamanca. The campus in Salamanca is also known as FIMEE, which is an acronym for the Faculty of Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics Engineering (roughly translated). Students visit classes at FIMEE and also provide a technical presentation to an audience of FIMEE students and faculty.

Recreational activities are also included, with trips to water parks, friendly sporting competitions, and leisurely shopping and dining. Another highlight is the visit to the city of Leon (population over 1 million). Leon is known widely as an epicenter of leather goods, particularly shoes. The students got to visit a modern, high-tech research center devoted exclusively to leather goods and shoe manufacturing (CIATEC) and then enjoyed shopping the blocks of markets and malls offering bargains on items big and small.

The Aggies reciprocated the hospitality and generosity they experienced by hosting a group of FIMEE students at Texas A&M in the early fall. During their stay in Texas, the FIMEE students not only experienced the life and activities of Texas A&M University, but they also enjoyed trips to Houston, Galveston and Austin. Highlights of the Houston trips were visits to Krueger Engineering & Manufacturing, Knust-SBO, Space Center Houston, and an Astros baseball game. While in Galveston, they toured several facilities at Texas A&M–Galveston and were treated to a relaxing boat tour of the harbor. The visit to Austin included a tour of the Texas State Capitol, followed by Barton Springs and an evening meal on the shores of Lake Travis. While on the A&M campus, the FIMEE students visit instructional facilities and research labs and also tour the Bush Presidential Library and Brayton Fire Training School. The length of stay for visits in both countries ranges from 7 to 10 days. This unique, short-term exchange program is organized and administered by the Texas A&M Student Section of ASME International and is supported generously by the Department through the Plank Endowment for International Awareness in Mechanical Engineering as well as contributions from companies and individual donors.