Its 96-year tradition, its academic prestige and the possibility of learning the Spanish language have made this university an attractive academic destination for students from other latitudes.
The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) receives foreign students through the General Directorate of International Affairs. Coming from the five continents, these students have the opportunity to participate in exchanges, short internships, research collaborations, among other academic modalities.
In addition, the university has a number of support services designed specifically for international students. These services include academic orientation, language support, and assistance with visa and accommodation issues, ensuring a comprehensive and quality experience for all who choose PUCV as their destination.
EXPERIENCES
Leslie Sanches arrived in Valparaíso from the University of North Texas, United States, and values this opportunity because it is her first experience abroad and she is the only exchange student in her business class; she highlights: "I have learned a lot about Chile's economy and government. All the teachers and directors have been very attentive and concerned about how we are progressing in this international mobility experience".
On the eve of her return to the U.S., Leslie Sanches says that while she will miss PUCV, she is "happy" to have studied at this university. "I love visiting the ocean after class, since it's literally across the street," she says.
Inés Belhadj, a student of the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées in Lyon, France, traveled more than 11,000 kilometers from Lyon. During her exchange at the PUCV, she emphasizes the intense learning about "how electrical engineering can help solve environmental problems, especially with the use of renewable energies".
She also highlights the "vibrant street art of Valparaíso", which has become one of her favorite pastimes. The subject "Innovation for my profession" has motivated her to think in a disruptive way and to value the cultural diversity that Chile has to offer.
He adds that "the wonderful landscapes of the country have inspired me to focus my skills on sustainability and innovation itself".
In July of this year, Nicolle Suárez will return to the University of Burgos, in Spain. After a year at PUCV, she defines her experience as "incredible. I feel very fortunate and very grateful for everything I have experienced and learned".
"The warm welcome from PUCV and Chileans has made me feel that Chile is my second home. I'm sure I'll be back someday," she says.
Nelson Luther arrived at PUCV from the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), in the U.S., and says that this university is "the best university in Chile to study when you come from abroad" and adds that his Spanish professors are "the best" he has had so far.
"The university takes good care of foreign students. It is an institution with a prestige that is more than 96 years old. All the students I have talked to want to come back for another semester, to continue learning more about the country's culture and, most importantly, to improve our Spanish," he says.
For Christian Dieck, a student coming from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, USA, his stay in Chile has been "wonderful, I discovered beautiful views, unforgettable experiences and good friends".
"I had never seen a wild penguin before, but during my stay in Chile, I had that privilege," he says.
With only a month to go before the end of his exchange at PUCV, Christian Dieck says that the university has given him "all its support and teaching and that has been fundamental, because thanks to the professors I have been able to develop and practice my Spanish, which challenges me with many activities to do".
