STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Between
The School of Public Affairs, Xiamen University,
Xiamen, China
And
The University of Haifa,
Haifa, Israel
The School of Public Affairs, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China, represented by Professor Hu Rong, who is fully authorized to execute this Agreement in his position as Associate Dean,
And
The University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel, represented by Professor Aaron Ben-Ze'ev, Professor David Faraggi and Professor Majid Al-Haj, who are fully authorized to execute this Agreement in their respective positions as President, Rector and Vice-President Dean of Research,
(together or individually hereinafter referred to as "the party" or "the parties" as appropriate),
Whereas
the two parties have decided to expand existing contacts and ongoing academic collaboration between them in their common fields of study,
Decide as follows:
Article 1. Subject
Based on the previous Agreement of Academic Cooperation signed between the two institutions on April 7, 2011, the parties agree to establish between them a student exchange program which will commence in the academic year 2011-2012.
Article 2. Liaison
Each of the parties will appoint a faculty member as coordinator of the exchange program who will also be responsible for facilitating and maintaining communication with the other party.
Article 3. Details and Conditions of the Student Exchange Program
1. The student exchange program shall be administered through the International Office at the University of Haifa and the School of Public Affairs at Xiamen University.
2. Each university may send up to three undergraduate or graduate students each year. This number may vary according to demand, provided that the number is approved by both universities and the exchange is based on reciprocity, i.e. an equal number of students from each university participate during the term stipulated by this Agreement.
3. The duration of the stay at the host university will be one academic year. The University of Haifa will accept students from Xiamen University from October or early November. Xiamen University will accept students from the University of Haifa from August or early September.
4. The designated students must have completed at least one academic year of study at the home institution before beginning the exchange period and have demonstrated superior academic achievements and fluency in English. While students nominated by the home university will generally be accepted by the host university, the latter reserves itself the right to the final decision concerning the admission of applicants.
5. Xiamen University will forward a list of the students nominated for the student exchange program including the documents required by the University of Haifa each year by May 31. The University of Haifa will inform Xiamen University of the final decision concerning the admission with an Acceptance Letter.
6. The University of Haifa will forward a list of the students nominated for the student exchange program including the documents required by Xiamen University each year by March 31. Xiamen University will inform the University of Haifa of the final decision concerning the admission with an Acceptance Letter.
7. It is the responsibility of the individual student to apply for a visa in time and to have health insurance coverage. Proof of health insurance is required for enrollment.
8. Students accepted will have the status of a "non-degree student" at the host university. They will be enrolled as full-time students.
9. Students from Xiamen University may enroll at the University of Haifa – subject to the usual university regulations and policies – in all courses and programs offered by the International School. Students from the University of Haifa may enroll at Xiamen University – subject to the usual university regulations and policies – in all courses and programs offered by the School of Public Affairs and/or International School.
10. Any academic credit that the student receives from the host institution is transferable to the home institution in accordance with procedures determined by the home institution.
11. For the students of either party studying in the course of an exchange under the conditions of this Agreement, the two parties mutually agree to waive the tuition fees. Under this Agreement those students are regarded as exchange students for whom the tuition waiver is applicable and who study for a maximum of one academic year at the host university without seeking a degree.
12. Exchange students shall provide individually for their accommodation fees in the University dormitories, living expenses, transportation, passports, visas, books and other personal expenses.
13. Both universities will assist exchange students in all practical and academic matters, especially concerning accommodation and academic integration.
14. Each institution reserves the right to dismiss an exchange student at any time due to academic or personal misconduct. The dismissal of a student shall not abrogate the agreement regarding other participants.
15. The number of the exchange students per year will be determined in advance by the two parties.
Article 4. Duration
This Agreement shall commence on the later of the two dates of signature of the parties, this being the date when both parties have duly accepted the conditions laid down in this Agreement. The Agreement shall be in force for three (3) years. It can be extended for further periods of three (3) years by mutual consent of the two institutions.
Article 5. General
In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any other contractual terms between the parties, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail. No change in the terms hereof shall be valid unless done in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative of each party. Such changes shall come into force only after the aforesaid signatures have been appended.
The invalidity of any part of this Agreement shall not affect the validity of the rest of the Agreement. In the event that any part of the Agreement is declared invalid or void, the parties shall in good faith negotiate substitute wording to reflect as far as possible the parties' original intention.
Each party shall have the unquestionable right to withdraw from this Agreement by giving the other party notice at least six months prior thereof in writing, by registered letter with advice of receipt. In such event, the ongoing exchange shall be completed according to the stated conditions, while the related financial obligations shall likewise be respected.
Date: ______Date: ______
Signed: Signed:
Xiamen University University of Haifa
______
Professor Hu Rong Professor Aaron Ben- Ze'ev
______
Professor David Faraggi
______
Professor Majid Al-Haj
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