Student mobility is a relevant part of the international projection that the Universidad de La Frontera has promoted and encouraged throughout its trajectory. In this context, a group of 28 students from undergraduate programs are preparing to travel to different institutions in America and Europe to complete internships and professional practices.
To recognize the students embarking on this challenge, the Internationalization Directorate held its traditional Outgoing Student Mobility Farewell Ceremony, this time corresponding to the second semester of 2025. The activity included the participation of university authorities, from Faculties and Career Directions.
In this symbolic moment, the academic vice-rector, Dr. Eduardo Cisternas, valued the opportunity to recognize students who will take the UFRO to institutions in other countries, wishing them success in what they will do at their respective destinations. “You will live an experience that enriches, that provides specialized knowledge and allows you to know other cultures; you will carry part of our university to those places of destination,” he added, noting that student mobility strengthens visibility and recognition with collaborating institutions around the world.
For his part, the Internationalization Director, Dr. Víctor Beltrán, stated: “You are UFRO ambassadors and ambassadresses; bearers of academic excellence, of your values, of your commitment and public vocation. With your talents, knowledge, and dreams, you will carry to the destinations you have chosen, a part of what we are as a Frontier University”.
STUDENT MOBILITY PROGRAM
Each student departs on their mobility after having completed a postulation and selection process, formally entering an international mobility program of the Internationalization Directorate through its Student Mobility Coordination. Through the “Preparing for My Mobility” Program, practical tools and cultural orientations are provided for the adaptation process and learning of students. This support does not end in preparation alone, but continues throughout the young people’s stay in the destination countries and also when they return, since upon returning it is expected they will develop a socialization activity as a way to share with the University Community part of the experience and learning achieved.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Antonia Córdova studies Civil Computer Engineering and is preparing for mobility at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. She explains that there she will take courses as part of her seventh semester of the program, which she will take in English along with intensive German language courses. “Since it is an institute with a technological focus, I hope to specialize in computer science aspects and those that interest me most.”
Similar expectations are held by Ignacio Millán, from Civil Engineering, who will travel to Sapienza Università di Roma in Italy, where he seeks to connect with international experience. “The preparation process has been arduous, but we have felt the support of the Student Mobility Coordination, as well as from people who have already completed exchange programs”.
France is the destination that will welcome Valentina Aguayo, a Sociology student. At the Institute of Political Studies in Rennes, where she will join a program with French political studies courses. “This is a specific scholarship for the program. I was motivated to apply because France is one of the cradles of sociology and the institution I’m going to is of great prestige”.
Ayleen Laurie is in her fourth year of Natural Resources Engineering and chose the University of Huelva in Spain, where she will take courses and experience student mobility. “Since I entered the University I had the dream of studying in another country. I am interested in seeing how what we do here at UFRO is done in other places. This opportunity is also to open myself up more to the world”.
Spain will also be the destination for Jesús Guenel, who will travel to Miguel Hernández University in Elche. As a Kinesiology student, he will join the Faculty of Medicine to complete his clinical internship. “This mobility is something I sought and worked hard for. I hope to broaden my horizons and my clinical perspective,” he commented, adding that he hopes to learn about comprehensive care for the person and also contribute about how this is carried out at UFRO.
Next January, Luis Calfumil will depart for the Public University of Navarra in Spain. As a Business Administration student, he will take courses in Europe related to public management, sales and communication, logistics and distribution. “From this mobility I hope to grow professionally and personally, as well as get to know a different culture”.
International student mobility is a valuable opportunity to strengthen academic training and coexist with new cultures. Fundamental as well, for what is expressed in the Educational Model and its Global Citizenship pillar, and the University’s Internationalization Strategy.
