A total of 168 foreign students arrived at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and participated of the traditional welcoming ceremony, organized by the General Office of International Affairs (DGAI for its name in Spanish). The purpose of the activity is that students feel welcome, in addition to foster the exchange of experiences and cultures, which adds richness to the education provided by the institution.
The students come from 17 countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Spain, Scotland, Sweden, and the United States. The ceremony took place in the Fernando Alvarado Auditorium at the School of Business and Economics.
To this respect, the General Director of International Affairs, Orlando de la Vega, stated that “our university is a space for interculturality, encounter and fellowship, especially in a complex moment as the one we are facing today. We hope to continue to be a welcoming place and that our country, Valparaíso and also the PUCV continue to build bridges and collaborate between different people”.
De la Vega added that recently, more Latin American students have opted to participate in exchange programs at the university, although the majority come from the United States. Among the institutional challenges, the need to attract more students from Asia, Oceania, and Africa stood out. In Africa, there are existing postgraduate-level connections, particularly through the Nelson Mandela Scholarships.
“We are contributing to the internationalization of the University's work. We strive to contribute to undergraduate and graduate education, as well as to creative and innovative research. In this sense, we are constantly seeking to generate lines of knowledge and contact with people who can strengthen this work,” the director added.
Student highlighted cultural immersion experience
Axel Pierson, student from the United States, explained that he chose Chile for his first approximation to Latin America. “I chose this country because it is very beautiful, and it has different climates and landscapes. In addition, I want to improve my level of Spanish and the people are very kind. I study Psychology and Music. I am interested in getting to know research from other countries, and musically, I want to practice playing drums”.
For her part, Lucía Gutiérrez, student from Spain, commented that sometime ago, she had plans to study outside of her country. “My cousin studied Architecture here two years ago and recommended the PUCV. I also have a friend that studies in Granada, and she encouraged me to come. I have liked it very much. In the School of Psychology there are a few classes that are not taught there. Each country has its own focus. I recommend Chile one hundred percent, an incredible experience”, she indicated.
June Kobeaga, also studied in Spain and expressed that “she had heard that Valparaíso is very beautiful and fun, so I looked into the Católica of Valparaíso. I hope to meet chilean people and learn. And I have traveled a lot and I have liked it very much, especially the Patagonia, which I visited with my family”.
Jorge Ventura came from Perú and valued the opportunity of getting to know a new culture. “I chose the PUCV because I saw the opportunity of acquiring new knowledge and experiences, in addition to learn more about the chilean culture. This is a great door that opens to foreign students, and we are very thankful for the reception”.
Ángel Chipana, also from Perú, expressed that he has high expectations regarding this exchange. “I really liked the PUCV, and I wanted to know more about the chilean culture. What can be better than doing it in Valparaíso and in a well-known higher education institution. I also received feedback from students that were here in 2016. We are meeting people from other counties, sharing our cultures and knowledge, it is a way of sharing and learning from others”, he added.
By Juan Paulo Roldán
Strategic Communication Deparment
