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Q: Procedures for Establishing an Off-shore American Medical School. ( Answered,   0 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Procedures for Establishing an Off-shore American Medical School.
Category: Reference, Education and News > Teaching and Research
Asked by: doc5303-ga
List Price: $75.00
Posted: 13 Mar 2003 01:55 PST
Expires: 12 Apr 2003 02:55 PDT
Question ID: 175550
I am an American physician with a group of investors interested in
establishing an off-shore American medical school in either the Caribbean or
Central America, similar to Ross University in St. Kitts.  I am
seeking research on 1) how to establish such a school, and 2) the
procedures necessary to secure approval from the American Medical
Association to enable students in attendance at the off-shore medical
school to qualify for American loan and financial aid.  Please advise.
 Thank you.

Request for Question Clarification by hlabadie-ga on 20 Mar 2003 09:24 PST
The first part of your question is almost impossible to answer in any
but the most general terms, because of the number of countries
involved and the many differences that can be assumed to exist between
the national laws of those countries. Even if one narrows the field by
taking into account the restrictions imposed by the second part of the
question, the first part cannot be answered definitively. There are
some steps that can be taken, but you must decide upon a country and
then obtain local assistance with the regulations and laws of that
country. Approval and cooperation of the host national government and
its agencies is a necessity, and pointers can be given to begin the
process, but only a local expert could guide you through the whole
procedure.

The second part of the question can be asnwered with a fair degree of
certainty.

Would the above be sufficient?

hlabadie-ga
Answer  
Subject: Re: Procedures for Establishing an Off-shore American Medical School.
Answered By: hlabadie-ga on 28 Mar 2003 06:48 PST
 
For the record, the Ross University in St. Kitts is a veterinary
medical school. There is another Ross University in Dominica.

Foreign Medical Schools - A Guide to Offshore Medical Schools in the
Caribbean and the Pacific
http://www.escapeartist.com/studying_abroad/Foreign_Medical_Schools.html

"Ross (Dominica) - Ross (Dominica) - During the nineteen years of the
School's existence, more than 2,000 graduates have received their M.D.
degree from Ross University and have gone on to medical residency
training and medical practice in virtually every specialty of
medicine. A significant number of our graduates have been selected for
highly specialized fellowship training following their residencies.
Ross alumni are now practitioners in specialties such as transplant
nephrology, invasive cardiology, plastic surgery, pulmonary medicine,
cardiovascular anesthesiology, neonatology, endocrinology,
rheumatology, geriatric medicine, infectious diseases, and
hematology/oncology. Ross graduates also hold faculty appointments at
a number of United States medical schools."



Taking the second part of the question first:

2) the procedures necessary to secure approval from the American
Medical Association to enable students in attendance at the off-shore
medical school to qualify for American loan and financial aid.


In order for the graduate of a foreign medical school to qualify to
sit for the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE), the
candidate must first provide certification of his or her medical
degree to the The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
(ECFMG). The purpose of this certification is to verify that the
graduate has received a degree from an accredited educational
institution. Accreditation is based mainly on the acceptance of the
certification that the educational institution has received from the
government of the host country. The accredited institution is then
listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED). To
illustrate the point, this disclaimer from the application to the
Central America Health Sciences University (CAHSU) in Belize is
apposite:


The Central America Health Sciences University (CAHSU), School of
Medicine (Belize Medical College)
Application
http://www.cahsu.edu/application.pdf

"The Central America Health Sciences University (CAHSU), School of
Medicine (Belize Medical College) is a Belizean medical school, which
is located in Belize City, Belize, central America.
The CAHSU is located in Belize and is not accredited by Liaison
Committee for Medical Education (LCME), LCME is accreditation body for
programs in medical education leading to a Doctorate degree in
medicine in USA and Canada.
CAHSU has its charter and accreditations from the government of Belize
and Belize accreditation body. CAHSU does not have any authority or
certification from any Higher education coordinating board in the
Unites States.
CAHSU is authorized to offer courses in Belize and Mexico and can
grant degrees in Belize.
Each State in the Unites States has different licensing requirements
for international medical graduates. Applicants, students and
graduates are encouraged to contact the licensing boards for up to
date requirements and restrictions.
All countries have their own regulations for licensing of foreign
medical graduates therefore applicants, students and graduates are
encouraged to contact the licensing authorities of the country for
which he or she seeks licensing for requirements and restrictions.
CAHSU places students at different hospitals during their clinical
training (clinical clerkships). Please contact the clerkship
coordinator office for more information and relevant literature."


A school whose graduates do qualify to take the USMLE (but does not
per se qualify to participate in US financial assistance programs):


Caribbean Medical School - International University of the Health
Sciences
Accreditation
http://www.iuhs.edu/schoolinfo/accreditation.html

"University Charter
The International University of the Health Sciences (IUHS) was awarded
a charter by the Government of St Christopher and Nevis in the West
Indies on 07th May 1998 to establish a University. As such IUHS the
degrees awarded by IUHS are recognised by the Government of St
Christopher and Nevis and entitle the graduates to practice in the
Federation subject to local rules and regulations.

Accreditation
On the same day (07th May 1998) the Government of St Christopher and
Nevis provided a document attesting the accreditation of IUHS.

World Health Organisation Directory Listing
On 2nd September 1998 the Government of St Christopher and Nevis
applied for WHO listing for IUHS, and this was formally acknowledged
and accepted by WHO on 30th October 1998. IUHS is listed on page 333
of the Directory 7th Edition. You can go direct to the online version
of the directory by clicking on the link below, and scrolling to page
21 where you will find the listings for St Kitts and Nevis.

http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/WDMS/WDMS_R-Z.pdf

International Acceptance
As a consequence of the above listings and accreditations, degrees
issues by IUHS are recognised by most jurisdictions in the world as a
basis for application for a license to practice medicine. Graduates of
IUHS can apply to the most medical registration/licensure boards to be
permitted to practice medicine. The application will normally require
a formal IUHS transcript of studies, which can be obtained from the
IUHS registrar's office. 'Foreign medical graduates (FMGs)', being
those who have studied medicine in another country (ie not the country
in which a licence to practice is being sought), will normally be
required to sit for certifying examinations, as well as qualify for
residency and meet any other relevant local legislation that may
apply. Each country and in some cases (eg USA) each State maintains
its own list of requirements for FMGs which the applicant must fulfil.

USA - ECFMG The United State Educational Commission for Foreign
Medical Graduates (ECFMG - www.ecfmg.org) is the organisation that
admits foreign medical students and graduates to sit the United States
Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE - www.usmle.org). As far as
ECFMG is concerned listing in the WHO directory is the base
requirement, and therefore IUHS students and graduates are eligible to
sit USMLE. Correspondence between ECFMG and the Government of St
Christopher and Nevis confirming that eligibility is provided. This
correspondence was initiated because at that time the 7th Edition of
the WHO Directory had not been issued, and consequently at that time
IUHS was not to be found in the earlier 6th Edition, a situation that
was rectified when the 7th Edition was issued."



Therefore, a graduate can only qualify to sit for the USMLE if he or
she has a valid degree from a medical school that is listed in IMED.
It is necessary, then, that a school be duly accredited by the host
country, and that this accreditation be accepted by IMED. This insures
that a student who has enrolled at a listed school will be able to
obtain a degree that will permit licensure in the US. However, this
accreditation does not guarantee that an American student enrolling at
a listed foreign school will be able to obtain US financial aid and
loans.

To qualify for US financial aid, the student must also make certain
that the school is located in a country that has been reviewed by the
National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation
(NCFMEA) of the US Department of Education. The purpose of this
Committee is to identify countries that have accreditation standards
for medical schools that are comparable to the accreditation standards
which are applied to schools in the USA by the Liaison Committee for
Medical Education (LCME). Schools located in those countries can apply
to participate in US financial assistance programs.

Thus, while it is possible to found a medical school in many nations
in Central America and the Caribbean area that will produce degrees
which will qualify for licensure in the USA, the additional condition
that the schools must be able to apply for participation in US
financial assistance programs reduces the number to those schools
established in the countries approved by the NCFMEA.

The list of those approved countries can be seen here:


US Department of Education
National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation
(NCFMEA)
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/ncfmea/index.html

"1. What is the role of the National Committee on Foreign Medical
Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA)?

The role of the NCFMEA is to review the standards used by foreign
countries to accredit medical schools and determine whether those
standards are comparable to the standards used to accredit medical
schools in the U.S. The Committee's function is specified in Section
102(a)(2)(B) of the Higher Education Act, as amended.

2. Why is this type of comparability determination important?

It's important to American students who want to attend a foreign
medical school and wish to receive loans under the Federal Family
Educational Loan (FFEL) to help them with educational expenses. If the
NCFMEA determines that a foreign country's accreditation standards for
medical schools are comparable, then any accredited medical school in
that country is eligible to apply to the U.S. Department of Education
to participate in the FFEL Program."
[...]
"For information on which foreign medical schools are eligible to
participate in the FFEL Program, contact the Foreign Schools Team at
the U.S. Department of Education. The Team's phone number is (202)
377-3168 and fax number is (202) 275-3486."


Decisions: Countries Determined to Have Comparable Accreditation
Standards for Medical Schools
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/ncfmea/ncfdecisions.html

"CAYMAN ISLANDS (9/02) - Accreditation Commission on Colleges of
Medicine (ACCM)*Note: In September 2002, the NCFMEA determined that
based on the most recent information and materials received, the
standards and processes to be used by the Cayman Islands to evaluate
and accredit St. Matthew's University School of Medicine are
comparable to those used to accredit medical schools in the United
States. However, the NCFMEA limited the period of comparability to one
year."

"COSTA RICA (3/99) - Consejo Nacional de Ensenanza Superior
Universitaria Privada (CONESUP)"

"DOMINICA (10/97 and 3/01) -Medical Board/Ministry of Health & Social
Security"

"DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (10/97) - National Council of Higher Education
(CONES)"

"GRENADA (9/96 and 3/01) -Grenada Ministry of Health, Housing &
Environment/NY Board of Regents"

"MEXICO (10/97) - Mexico Board for the Accreditation of Medical
Education(COMAEM)"

"MONTSERRAT (10/97) - Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine
*Note: Because of volcanic activity on Montserrat, the one medical
school on Montserrat accredited by the Accreditation Commission is now
located on St. Maarten."

"THE NETHERLANDS(3/98) - Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science"


Also, because of the approval of the Netherlands:

World directory of medical schools: Base Year 2000
Updates through 30 June 2002
http://www.who.int/health-services-delivery/med_schools/wdms_updates.pdf

Netherlands Antilles
Instruction began in April 1999 at:
University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine
P.O. Box 73
Oranjestad
St Eustatius
Instruction began in January 2000 at:
Saint James School of Medicine
Bonaire
Permanent relocation of following medical school (from Montserrat):
School of Medicine
American University of the Caribbean
1 University Drive
Cupecoy
St Maarten


One example of an approved school:


St. Matthew's University Medical School - Grand Cayman, British West
Indies
Charters and Accreditations
http://www.stmatthews.edu/credentials.html 
http://www.stmatthews.edu/credentials2.html


Another example:


St. George's University - Grenada
http://www.stgeorgesuniv.edu/

Recognition and Accreditation Standards
http://www.sgu.edu/nhome.nsf/40dd46d39c70929185256b4c007ab650/0b3738fceedc006685256b4400757ef8?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,accreditation

Another example:

American University of the Caribbean
http://aucmed.edu/



RESOURCES

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
http://www.ecfmg.org/
http://www.ecfmg.org/gme/index.html

Medical Education Credential Requirements
http://www.ecfmg.org/creds/index.html

"Medical Education Credential Requirements for ECFMG Certification

In addition to passing the required exams, applicants for ECFMG
certification must meet certain medical education credential
requirements. All IMGs must have had at least 4 credit years (academic
years for which credit has been given toward completion of the medical
curriculum) in attendance at a medical school that is listed in the
International Medical Education Directory (IMED). The physician’s
graduation year must be included in the medical school’s IMED listing.
Finally, you must document completion of all requirements for, and
receipt of, the final medical diploma. ECFMG verifies every medical
diploma with the appropriate officials of the medical school that
issued the diploma."


International Medical Education Directory (IMED)
http://imed.ecfmg.org/


Caribbean/Central American medical schools that are listed in IMED:

IMED - FAIMER International Medical Education Directory - Search
Results
http://imed.ecfmg.org/results.asp?country=&school=&currpage=1&cname=&city=&region=CA&rname=Central+America%2FCaribbean&psize=25



2003 ECFMG Information Booklet 
http://www.ecfmg.org/2003ib/2003ib.pdf

"Certification Verification Service (CVS) — www.ecfmg.org/cvs
Request Forms and Payments
By mail to:
ECFMG / CVS Department
PO Box 48083
Newark, NJ 07101-4883 USA
By courier service to:
ECFMG / CVS Department
c/o Image Remit
205 North Center Drive
Commerce Center
North Brunswick, NJ 08902 USA
Correspondence and Inquiries to:
ECFMG / CVS Department
PO Box 13679
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3679 USA
TEL: (215) 386-5900"

"ECFMG International Credentials Services (EICS)
EICS is a credentials verification service offered primarily to
international medical licensing jurisdictions. EICS has no association
with ECFMG certification. Applicants for ECFMG certification should
not submit credentials to EICS. Credentials submitted to EICS for
ECFMG certification may be misdirected, resulting in their delayed
processing.
ECFMG / International Credentials Services
PO Box 13795
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3795 USA
TEL: (215) 386-5900
FAX: (215) 966-3129"

"FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
ECFMG Certification
1. What is ECFMG certification?

There are nearly 1,600 medical schools outside of the United States
and Canada, each with varying educational standards and curricula. The
purpose of ECFMG certification is to assess the readiness of graduates
of these schools to enter U.S. residency and fellowship programs that
are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical
Education (ACGME). To be certified by ECFMG, you must pass a series of
exams; you must also fulfill ECFMG’s medical education credential
requirements. These requirements include providing ECFMG with copies
of your medical diploma, which ECFMG will verify directly with your
medical school. See ECFMG Certification on page 5.

2. Why would I want to be certified by ECFMG?

If you are an international medical graduate and wish to enter an
ACGME-accredited residency or fellowship program in the U.S., you must
be certified by ECFMG before you can enter the program. You must also
be certified by ECFMG if you wish to take Step 3 of the three-step
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Most states in
the U.S. also require ECFMG certification, among other requirements,
to obtain a license to practice medicine. See ECFMG Certification on
page 5.

3. How can I find out if students / graduates of my medical school are
eligible for ECFMG certification?

To be eligible for certification by ECFMG (among other requirements),
your medical school must be listed in the International Medical
Education Directory (IMED) of the Foundation for Advancement of
International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER ® ). If you are a
medical school student and you want to apply for USMLE Step 1 / Step 2
or the ECFMG CSA, your medical school must be listed in IMED and your
medical school's "Graduation Years" must be listed as "Current," both
at the time you apply for the exam and at the time you take the exam.
If you are a medical school graduate, your medical school and
graduation year must be listed in IMED to be eligible for these exams
and for ECFMG certification. To verify that you meet these
requirements, access IMED on the ECFMG website at www.ecfmg.org. See
ECFMG Certification on page 5."



UNITED STATES MEDICAL LICENSING EXAMINATION
2003
USMLE BULLETIN OF INFORMATION
http://www.ecfmg.org/2003ib/2003boi.pdf

"A physician whose basic medical degree or qualification was conferred
by a medical school outside the United States and Canada may be
eligible for certification by the ECFMG if the medical school and
graduation year are listed in the International Medical Education
Directory (IMED) of the Foundation for Advancement of International
Medical Education and Research (FAIMER). Citizens of the United States
who have completed their medical education in schools outside the
United States and Canada are included in this category."


The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
http://www.acgme.org/index2.htm

Liaison Committee for Medical Education
Accreditation Standards
http://www.lcme.org/standard.htm

What is the LCME?
http://www.amsa.org/meded/lcme.pdf

"Defining the LCME
•  Accreditation ensures that schools meet current national standards
for structure, function and performance.
•  The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) was created in
1942 by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Association of
American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and is responsible for accrediting
all programs leading to an M.D. in the United States and Canada.
•  Graduation from an LCME accredited MD program ensures that you, the
student, are eligible for board exams, the national residency match
program and state licensure as a physician.
•  The LCME consists of: 12 medical professionals selected by the AMA
and AAMC, 2 non-medical public members, 1 person from the Committee on
Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools and 2 medical students (one
appointed by the AMA – medical student section and one from the AAMC –
organization of student representatives)."

FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURE OF A MEDICAL SCHOOL
Standards for Accreditation of Medical Education Programs Leading to
the M.D. Degree
http://www.lcme.org/functions2003march.pdf

"A. Governance and Administration

IS-2 A medical school should be part of a not-for-profit university or
chartered as a not-for-profit institution by the government of the
jurisdiction in which it operates. Accreditation will be conferred
only on those programs that are legally authorized under applicable
law to provide a program of education beyond secondary education.

IS-3 If not a component of a regionally accredited institution, a U.S.
medical school must achieve institutional accreditation from the
appropriate regional accrediting body. The LCME is recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education as an accrediting agency for educational
programs, specifically for the accreditation of medical education
programs leading to the M.D. degree. Because the LCME is not
recognized as an institutional accrediting agency, it lacks standing
to accredit stand-alone medical schools as institutions of higher
education. Institutional accreditation is granted by regional
accrediting agencies, and is required to qualify for federal financial
assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education
Act. Some regional accrediting bodies grant “pre-accreditation” as a
first step to achieving full accreditation. In such circumstances the
attainment of pre-accreditation status would meet the requirements of
this standard."

Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM)




1) how to establish such a school


With that information in mind, the general outline for the procedure
to found a medical school in one of the approved countries involves
contacting the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education in the
selected country to ascertain the requisites that pertain to that
country. A school must be chartered by the appropriate authority in
the chosen jurisdiction, usually the national legislature. Some form
of incorporation in the host country will probably be necessary. A
local attorney who is familiar with the procedures and regulations of
a given jurisdiction would be the best resource. It would probably be
useful to contact the embassy or consular office of the country in the
USA. An office of information and admissions would also need to be
opened in the USA.

EMBASSIES

All the Foreign Embassies of Washington, D.C.
http://www.embassy.org/embassies/


Embassy of Costa Rica
http://costarica-embassy.org/


Commonwealth of Dominica
http://www.embassy.org/embassies/dm.html


The Commonwealth of Dominica
3216 New Mexico Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20016

Telephone: (202) 364-6781/2
Fax: (202) 364-6791
E-mail: Embdomdc@aol.com

Embassy of the Dominican Republic
http://www.domrep.org/


Grenada

Grenada
http://www.embassy.org/embassies/gd.html 

1701 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington DC 20009
Telephone: (202) 265-2561


Mexico

Embassy of Mexico/Embajada de Mexico
http://www.embassyofmexico.org/



Netherlands Antilles

The Royal Netherlands Embassy's Offices/Websites in the United States
http://www.netherlands-embassy.org/



MINISTRIES OF HEALTH


CAYMAN ISLANDS

Cayman Islands Government
http://www.gov.ky




COSTA RICA
Menu Principal del Ministerio de Salud
http://www.netsalud.sa.cr/ms/index.htm



DOMINICA

Cabinet of the Coalition Government of Dominica
http://www.avirtualdominica.com/government.htm



DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Government Ministries
http://www.presidencia.gov.do/Ingles/Instituciones/Secretarias/index.htm


Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistence
http://www.presidencia.gov.do/instituciones/secretarias/salud/salud1.htm
Av. Tiradentes esq. C/ San Cristóbal
Ensanche La Fe
Santo Domingo; República Dominicana
Tel: (809) 541-3121
Fax: (809) 540-6445
Http://www.saludpublica.gov.do
Http://www.saludpublica.gov.do/todo.htm



GRENADA

GOVERNMENT OF GRENADA - Updated

Ministry of Health and the Environment:
Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen (St. Mark’s), Minister of Health and
the Environment
Hon. Laurina Waldron (St. Andrew’s North West), Minister of State
Permanent Secretary Mr. Joseph Charter



MEXICO

Secretaria de Salud
www.ssa.gob.mx/ 

Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica - Pagina Principal
http://www.insp.mx/



NETHERLANDS

VWS - Address
http://www.minvws.nl/english/normal.html?folder=476

Address

Address for visitors:

Parnassusplein 5
2511 VX The Hague

Postal address:

PO Box 20350
2500 EJ The Hague

Telephone 

General number: +31 (0)70 340 79 11
General fax number: +31 (0)70 340 78 34 

Public information office:
telephone.: +31 (0)70 340 78 90 
Fax number: +31 (0)70 340 62 51
               

ST. KITTS and NEVIS
Official Web Site of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
http://www.stkittsnevis.net

Government Agencies
http://www.stkittsnevis.net/directorybody.html

Minister of Health and Environment
HON. DR. EARL ASIM MARTIN
Church Street
Basseterre, St. Kitts
Tel: (869) 465-2521
Fax: (869) 465-1316

Permanent Secretary:
ELVIS NEWTON

E-MAIL: Ministry of Health and Environment - minhwa@caribsurf.com


                                 
MINISTRIES OF EDUCATION


CAYMAN ISLANDS

Cayman Islands Report Part 1
http://www2.unesco.org/wef/countryreports/cayman/rapport_1.html

"Policy and Administration

Education  is  administered  by  the  Ministry of  Education, 
Aviation  and Planning. The  Minister of  Education has overall 
responsibility for policy and for  the maintenance  of the system. 
The Permanent Secretary  heads the ministry and links the Executive
Council and Government policy with the work of   the   Education 
Department   and   other   areas  of   responsibility.

The Education  Council, which consists  of twelve members, has  the
power to close  schools, for  the  use of  public funds  to provide 
scholarships the provision of schools, and  the carrying out of
education in the schools. The Minister is  Chairman of Education
Council,  and the Permanent Secretary and Chief Education Officer are
both members of Council.

The  Chief  Education  Officer,  who  is  responsible  to  Council 
for  all administrative matters, heads the  Education Department. This
is the largest single department in Government."



COSTA RICA

MEP
http://www.mep.go.cr/


Costa Rica - Education system
http://www.unesco.org/iau/cd-data/cr.rtf

"Higher education is provided by public institutions, several private
universities, university colleges and various private post-secondary
institutions more specifically devoted to commercial studies and
regional institutions of higher education. State university higher
education is coordinated by the Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE)
and its technical secretariat, the Oficina de Planificación de la
Educación Superior (OPES). Private universities are supervised by the
Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada
(CONESUP).
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Ley n° 6551 Year: 1980
Concerns: Para-University  Higher Education Institutions
Decree: Ley n° 6580 Year: 1981
Concerns: Public Universities, Technological Institute
Decree: Ley n° 6693 Year: 1981
Concerns: Universidad Privada
Academic year: 
Classes from: Mar to: Nov
Long vacation from: 1 Dec to: 1 Jan
Languages of instruction: Spanish"
[...]
"National Council of Private Higher Education (Consejo Nacional de
Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP))
Head: Guillermo Vargas Salazar, President
Administrative officer: Rosibel Boniche, Senior Administrative Officer
Apartado 10087-1000San JoséCosta Rica
Tel: +506(233) 90-50
Fax: +506(233) 61-18"



DOMINICA

Cabinet of the Coalition Government of Dominica
http://www.avirtualdominica.com/government.htm



DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Ministry of Education.
Av. Máximo Gómez No. 10, esq. C/ Santiago
Santo Domingo; República Dominicana
Tel: (809) 688-9700
Fax: (809) 689-8907
Http://www.see.gov.do


Dominican Republic - Education system
http://www.unesco.org/iau/cd-data/do.rtf

"Higher education is provided by universities and other institutions
of higher education. The Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo is the
only state university. The others are private. All institutions must
be authorized by the President of the Republic. The Consejo Nacional
de Educación Superior was created to supervise the enforcement of the
regulations in the field of higher education and provide technical
assistance to higher education institutions and advisory services to
the executive power.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Decreto 517-96 Year: 1996
Decree: Ley General de Educación no 66-97 Year: 1997
Academic year: 
Classes from: Aug to: Jun
Languages of instruction: Spanish"
[...]
"National Council for Higher Education (Consejo Nacional de Educación
Superior (CONES))
President: Andrés Reyes Rodríguez
Executive Secretary: Melanio Hernandez
Avenida Enrique Jiménez Moya, Esq. Juan de Dios Ventura Simó, 5to
Piso,  Centro de los HéroesSanto DomingoDominican Republic
Tel: +1(809) 533-3381
Fax: +1(809) 533-4694
EMail: Webmaster@cones.gov.do
WWW: http://www.cones.gov.do

Role of governing body: Supervises the enforcement of regulations in
the field of higher education, offers assistance to higher education
institutions and advises the executive power."



GRENADA

GOVERNMENT OF GRENADA - Updated

Ministry of Education:
Hon. Augustine John (St. George’s North East), Minister of Education
Permanent Secretary Mr. Crispin Frederick



MEXICO

Secretaria de Educacion Publica
http://www.sep.gob.mx/


Mexico - Education system
http://www.unesco.org/iau/cd-data/mx.rtf

"In the year 2000, there were 1663 institutions of higher education:
658 public institutions and 1005 private institutions. Through their
economic dependence or regime they are divided into: a subsystem of
public universities; technological education institutions;
technological universities; private institutions and teacher training
colleges.The public subsystem includes 45 institutions, considering
the central units which carry out teaching, research and extension
services. In this category are included the federal and state
universities. Most public universities are autonomous. The
technological institutions include 147 public institutions, 102 of
which are part of the Centre of Research and Advanced Studies of the
Instituto Politécnico Nacional, the Instituto Politécnico Nacional,
the federal technological institutions, the agricultural institutes,
the institutes of marine sciences and a forest technological
institute. All these institutions are coordinated by the Federal
Government through the Under Secretariat of Education and
Technological Research of the Public Education Secretariat. The other
45 institutions are decentralized institutions of the state
governments.The technological universities are public decentralized
organisations of the state governments. They were created as from 1991
to offer two-year programmes to train associate professionals. In the
year 2000, there were 38 technological universities. To obtain a
diploma, students must be successful in all subjects, carry out social
services and have followed a traineeship in the productive sector of
13 to 15 weeks.Private institutions comprise: universities, institutes
and centres. Studies must have received the Reconocimiento de Validez
Oficial de Estudios (RVOE) of the Secretariat for Public Education or
the state governments or be incorporated in a public recognized
institution.Courses in teacher training colleges last for four to six
years. They train licenciados in pre-school education, in primary
education and in secondary education. In the year 2000, there were
some 357 teacher training colleges, 220 of which are public and 137
are private.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Ley General de Educación Year: 1993
Concerns: all institutions
Decree: Ley para la Coordinación de la Educación Superior Year: 1978
Academic year: 
Classes from: Aug to: Jun
Long vacation from: Jul to: 5 Aug
Languages of instruction: Spanish"
[...]
"Responsible authorities: 
Secretariat for Public Education (Secretaría de Educación Pública)
Head: Reyes Támez Guerra, Minister
Argentina 28, 2o piso Of.310Col. CentroDel. Cuauhtémoc06029 México,
D.F.Mexico
Tel: +52(5) 329-68-60  +52(5) 329-68-61
Fax: +52(5) 329-68-73  +52(5) 329-68-76
EMail: reyes@sep.gob.mx
WWW: http://www.sep.gob.mx


Under-Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research
(Subsecretaría de Educación Superior y Investigación Cientifica,
Secretaría de Educación Técnica)
Head: Julio Rubio Oca, Subsecretario
República de Brasil no 31, Ofna. 306, 2° piso, Col.Centro06029
México, D.F.Mexico
Tel: +52(5) 53-28-10-28 ext 11124    +55(2) 53-28-10-34
Telex: +52(5) 53-28-10-34
EMail: jrubio@sep.gob.mx
WWW: http://www.sep.gob.mx

Role of governing body: helps institutions of higher education to plan
their development."



NETHERLANDS

Ministry of OC&W - Education, culture and science in the Netherlands
http://www.minocw.nl/english/index.html

Ministry of OC&W | PO Box 25000 | 2700 LZ zoetermeer | T: 003179 323
23 23 | F: 003179 323 23 20 E: info@minocw.nl

Contact Us
http://www.minocw.nl/english/contact/index.html

"If you have any questions, need help using the site, or would like to
offer
feedback, please send an e-mail to the Information Desk. 
You can also phone the Information Desk during office hours (0031 79
323 3270),
or send a fax (0031 079 323 4921).
[...]
Address any written comment or question to:
Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschappen
PO Box 25000
2700LZ Zoetermeer
the Netherlands"


Netherlands - Education system
http://www.unesco.org/iau/cd-data/nl.rtf

"The Netherlands higher education system is a binary system, composed
of Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (WO - university education) and Hoger
Beroepsonderwijs (HBO - professional higher education). In addition,
there is the Open Universiteit (OU - Open University) which offers
fully recognized university degree programmes through distance
education. Internationaal Onderwijs (IO) (international education),
generally conducted in English, is mainly designed to meet the needs
of foreign students. Since 1991, university research schools have been
founded to cater for young researchers and to centralize research
activities.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Adult and Vocational Education Act Year: 1996
Decree: The Higher Education and Research Act (WHW) Year: 1993
Concerns: university and HBO (Higher Professional education)
Academic year: 
Classes from: Sep to: Jun
Long vacation from: 15 Jul to: 1 Sep
Languages of instruction: Dutch"
[...]
"Responsible authorities: 
Department of University Education, Ministry of Education, Culture and
Science, (Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschappen)
Minister: L. Hermans
PO Box 25000 Europaweg 42700 LZ ZoetermeerNetherlands
Tel: +31(79) 323-2323
Fax: +31(79) 323-2320
WWW: http://www.minocw.nl

Role of governing body: Principal authority responsible for
administration, financing and coordination of higher education."



ST. KITTS and NEVIS
Official Web Site of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
http://www.stkittsnevis.net



Minister of Foriegn Affairs and Education
HON. DR. TIMOTHY SYLVESTER HARRIS
Church Street
Basseterre, St. Kitts
Tel: (869) 465-2521
Fax: (869) 465-2635

Permanent Secretary:
OSMOND PETTY

E-MAIL: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Education -
minelsc@caribsurf.com


Attorney General

Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs
HON. DELANO BART
Church Street
Basseterre, St. Kitts
Tel: (869) 465-2521
Fax: (869) 465-5040

Permanent Secretary:
CAROLINE RICHARDSON

Legal
http://www.stkittsnevis.net/legal.html
attnygenskn@caribsurf.com

Saint Kitts and Nevis - Education system
http://www.unesco.org/iau/cd-data/kn.rtf

"Higher education:
The Federation of St Kitts and Nevis is affiliated with the University
of the West Indies (UWI), a regional institution with main campuses in
Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad. Selected UWI programmes are conducted
at the local centre and via the distance education network system. The
Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College of Further Education is the country's
only national institution of higher education. There are currently six
private institutions which offer certain degree programmes, recognized
and accredited by the Accreditation Board, Ministry of Education. They
are: Berne University International Graduate School, which offers
graduate programmes at the Master's and Doctoral levels, and Ross
University School of Veterinary Medicine, both of which possess full
accreditation status. There are two medical colleges in St Kitts:
International University of the Health Sciences and Windsor
University, and one in Nevis: Medical University of the Americas. The
Accreditation Board serves as the national accreditation body for the
higher education system in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis. The
Board also conducts and monitors the evaluation of foreign
credentials.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Accreditation of Institutions Act
Concerns: University education
Decree: Education Act N° 18 Year: 1975
Concerns: All matters related to education
Academic year: 
Classes from: Sep to: Jul
Long vacation from: Jul to: Aug
Languages of instruction: English"
[...]
"Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Education
Head: Timothy Harris, Minister
Administrative officer: Osmond Petty, Permanent Secretary
P.O. Box 333, Cayon Street
Basseterre
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Tel: 1(869) 465-2521
Fax: 1(869) 465-2635  +1(869) 466-8974
EMail: Minelsc@caribsurf.com

Role of governing body: To administer, finance and coordinate public
institutions and regulate and monitor private colleges and
universities.

Accreditation Board
Head: Osmond Petty, Chairman
Administrative officer: Evan Harvey, Secretary
P.O. Box 333, Church Street
Basseterre
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Tel: +1(869) 466-8610
Fax: +1(869) 466-3322
EMail: minelsc@caribsurf.com

Role of governing body: Statutory body established to increase
availability of university level training through the accreditation of
programmes offered by other tertiary institutions.  It considers
applications submitted to the Board pursuant to the provisions of
section 7 of the St Christopher and Nevis Accreditation of
Institutions Act, 1999 (Amendment, 2001); it makes recommendations to
the Minister on applications considered by the Board.  It receives the
charters of institutions subject to the provisions of this Act,
investigates any event that occurs at any institution which is likely
to impact negatively on the reputation of the Federation of Saint
Christopher and Nevis."
[...]
"Foreign students admission
Definition of foreign student: Not a citizen of the Federation of St
Kitts and Nevis
Admission requirements: The Medicine programme and the Master's degree
require a Bachelor's degree for admission. The Doctoral degree
admission requirements include a Master's degree with specific
professional experience in some instances
Entry regulations: Students must hold a visa
Health requirements: Foreign students must be certified in good health
by a medical practitioner. Specific vaccinations are required. Some
schools require health insurance coverage
Language requirements: Knowledge of English is essential
Recognition of studies & qualifications: 
Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation):
The Accreditation Board considers applications of institutions
submitted to the Board pursuant to the provisions of section 7 of the
St Christopher and Nevis Accreditation of Institutions Act, 1999
(Amendment, 2001) and makes recommendations to the Minister on
applications considered by the Board.
Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition
of foreign credentials):
Accreditation Board
Head: Osmond Petty, Chairman
Administrative officer: Evan Harvey, Secretary
P.O. Box 333, Church Street
Basseterre
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Tel: +1(869) 466-8610
Fax: +1(869) 466-3322
EMail: minelsc@caribsurf.com"
[...]
"INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international
cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Education
Head: Timothy Harris, Minister
Administrative officer: Osmond Petty, Permanent Secretary
P.O. Box 333, Cayon Street
Basseterre
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Tel: +1(869) 465-2521
Fax: +1(869) 465-8974

Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports
Eid's Building, Cayon Street
Basseterre, St Kitts
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Tel: +1(869) 465-2521
Fax: +1(869) 465-7075
EMail: culture@caribsurf.com

Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education
programmes
Name of exchange programme: CARICOM Programme 
Name of exchange programme: Commonwealth Exchange Programme"


BELIZE

Ministry of Health - Belize
http://www.belize.gov.bz/cabinet/s_baeza/welcome.shtml

Contact Information
http://www.belize.gov.bz/cabinet/s_baeza/contact_inf.html

Ministry of Health
Contact Person: 
Permanent Secretary, Dr. Gregorio Pott
Tel.: 501-8-22326; 22325; 22363; 22497
Fax: 501-8-22942


Director of Health Services
Dr. Dennis Hoy
Old Belize City Hospital Compound
Eve Street, Belize City, Belize
Tel: 501-2-45767; 72753; Fax: 77255



Therefore, the first step is to contact the authorities in the country
of interest, as noted above. The officials of that host country will
advise you on the national process by which a petition for a charter
can be made, and the requirements in law and regulation that need to
be satisfied before a charter can be granted.  At the same time, the
process for obtaining preliminary accreditation must be taken, to
insure that enrolling US students will be eligible to sit for the
licensing exams and to receive financial assistance when the school is
ready to open.


SEARCH TERMS


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://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Dominican+Republic+embassy+Washington

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