Far from their homes and home universities, yet eager to embrace a transformative experience, 39 national and international exchange students have joined the University of La Frontera for the first semester of 2026. Their arrival reaffirms the institution’s commitment to internationalisation and to educating professionals with a global perspective.
This semester, 33 students are participating in international mobility programmes, arriving from Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, France, Mexico and the United Kingdom. They are joined by six students undertaking national mobility placements from the University of Valparaíso, the University of Los Lagos and the University of Magallanes, reflecting the spirit of inter-university collaboration promoted by the Consorcio de Universidades del Estado de Chile (CUECH, its Spanish acronym).
Rector Juan Manuel Fierro Bustos welcomed the group, highlighting the importance of mobility in enriching the learning process, where learning and sharing experiences play an essential role. “Travelling and discovering other parts of the world is a remarkable experience, a space for transformation where perspectives and understanding expand, but also where what one already has comes to be valued with even greater conviction and appreciation”.
The international students have joined all six Faculties and come from leading institutions, including KU Leuven; in Brazil, the University of São Paulo and the Escola de Engenharia de Lorena; in Colombia, the Industrial University of Santander, the University of Nariño and Mariana University; in Ecuador, the Central University of Ecuador; in Spain, universities in Almería, Jaén, Lleida, Girona and Valladolid; in France, UniLaSalle, L’Institut Agro and Université Lumière Lyon 2; in Mexico, the Metropolitan Autonomous University and the Juárez University of the State of Durango; and in the United Kingdom, the University of Cambridge.
Director of the International Office Víctor Beltrán also addressed the students, noting that “we hope you will embrace UFRO as your academic home during this period and that you will find here not only a high-quality academic environment, but also a place for connection, learning and personal growth. Mobility is not only an academic experience; it is a transformative opportunity that broadens horizons and builds bridges between cultures”.
University life
The first weeks at UFRO have centred on adapting to university life. To support this process, the International Office, through the Student Mobility Coordination Office, organised a range of activities as part of the Welcome Programme, aimed at facilitating academic, social and cultural integration.
Tabatha Davelli, a student from the University of São Paulo, explained that beginning classes and her professional placement in physiotherapy have been an intense experience. “Fortunately, I am working with incredible people, excellent classmates and lecturers. I feel that my experiences will become increasingly transformative. I want to make the most of every day to become a better person and professional”.
At the Central University of Ecuador, Mathías Coba studies mathematics and, at UFRO, he has joined the Civil Mathematical Engineering programme. “When reviewing partner institutions, the University of La Frontera stood out to me because several of my professors in Ecuador had studied here. I started looking for information, liked the curriculum, and now I am taking courses while also hoping to learn more about computational mathematics”.
“Chile has always attracted me because of its culture and natural environment. I decided to come to UFRO because it is a renowned university and I know people who have already studied here. I hope to make many friends, discover new places and make the most of this opportunity. I have felt very welcome, and many activities have been organised to help us get to know the city”, said Ana Carneiro, who arrived in Temuco from Brazil, where she studies at the Escola de Engenharia de Lorena.
National mobility also offers the opportunity to complete a semester at another state university. “I chose UFRO because it allows me to broaden my education in agronomy. Here I can learn about crops and agricultural methods that differ greatly from those in the area where I study (Punta Arenas). I was also motivated by the diversity of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife”, said Martina Cárdenas, from the University of Magallanes.
At this stage, support from the UFRO Student Mobility Buddies Group has been essential in promoting close, collaborative and enriching integration. “For us, welcoming them is much more than a task; it is a commitment”, said group representative Izumi Suzuki, adding that “we encourage them to make the most of every moment of this exchange experience. We hope this stage, which began a few weeks ago, continues to unfold as a journey full of learning, discovery and lasting friendships”.
Jassna Sepúlveda Beltrán
International Office
