Driven by the conviction that collaborative work among Latin American universities is essential to addressing the shared challenges facing both the region and higher education, the Universidad de La Frontera and the University of São Paulo have built a productive relationship spanning more than two decades, grounded in trust and in academic and scientific collaboration. This history of international engagement is now entering a new phase focused on student mobility, innovation, entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence, shaping a strategic partnership that connects knowledge, development and global citizenship.
This was emphasised during a recent visit to UFRO by the Deputy Director of Academic Mobility at the University of São Paulo (USP), Dr Paulo Braz-Silva: “USP selected a number of universities across Latin America and around the world as strategic partners, and UFRO is among them. Together with these institutions, we will develop institutional projects, dual degree programmes, mobility initiatives and research projects,” he stated.
In this regard, the academic highlighted the historical value of this institutional relationship, which spans more than 20 years and is founded on friendship and the quality of the scientific work carried out by both universities. This productive and forward-looking partnership has supported academic exchange, joint research and the strengthening of postgraduate education, among other collaborative initiatives.
One of the main priorities for 2026 is the design and implementation of a joint international mobility programme for undergraduate students from different disciplinary fields at both universities, linked to digital transformation, entrepreneurship, innovation and artificial intelligence.
He added that the objective is for students to work collaboratively on specific real-world challenges connected to local contexts, whether in Chile or Brazil, developing socially impactful solutions that incorporate artificial intelligence. To this end, both institutions are currently working together on the programme’s design phase, and Dr Braz-Silva’s recent visit to UFRO forms part of the actions planned to continue advancing its implementation.
STUDENT MOBILITY AND SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION
For Dr Braz-Silva, international mobility contributes significantly to students’ education, strengthening a range of competencies, including intercultural skills and a global outlook. “These experiences change students’ lives because international mobility enables them to encounter different realities and work with people from other cultures, perspectives and backgrounds. It helps shape global citizens.”
During his visit to UFRO, he also emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation among Latin American universities in response to the shared challenges facing higher education across the region. “When we work together, we can develop faster and more effective solutions,” he commented.
For this reason, south-south cooperation enables the development of more relevant responses to shared challenges, while understanding the Latin American higher education system is essential for strengthening international collaborative work.
UFRO DELEGATION
In April, an academic delegation from UFRO comprising Dr Ania Cravero and Dr Erick Scheuermann, Dr Christian Vergara and Dr Jimmy Martínez carried out a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening academic and student mobility, as well as collaborative work in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence.
Regarding this, Dr Braz-Silva noted that USP has an innovation agency through which it develops mobility projects focused on innovation. “The delegation became acquainted with these initiatives and, based on this, we will organise innovation mobility programmes together with this agency,” he added.
