UC Chile Expands Support for Its International Community

Since its creation in 2020, the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs (VRAI) has aimed to implement exchange initiatives that foster the growth of UC Chile's international community.

After the global pandemic, UC Chile adapted its approach to international mobility by introducing virtual exchange programs. At the same time, it developed support initiatives that prioritize individual well-being and engagement.

In 2024, 1,400 international visitors chose to study or collaborate with UC Chile. This marks the highest number of international community members since 2018, three years after borders reopened post-pandemic. Since then, our support programs and initiatives have been significantly strengthened, driven by user feedback and collaborative efforts.

In response to this increase, the Office of the Vice President, along with the Global Mobility and Global Learning offices, has established two coordination offices. These offices are dedicated to creating initiatives that enhance our commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all international visitors joining the UC Chile community.

This initiative is also in line with the 2020-2025 University Development Plan, which emphasizes supporting the international community coming to Chile, drawn by the opportunities at UC Chile, as a key priority.

According to the Vice President for International Affairs, Lilian Ferrer, “In the past five years, we have strengthened and institutionalized support for the international community, fostering connections and ensuring that time at UC Chile is enriching, friendly, and community-oriented.”

The implementation of these support initiatives aims to ensure that the international community achieves its goals during and after their time at UC Chile. This effort involves not only the coordination offices but also various units within the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs and the broader university. UC Chile is committed to fostering the successful integration and development of international students who choose it for their academic and professional journey.

Additionally, activities are implemented that align with the integration of the international community and encourage participation, such as "Discover with UC," "Cultural Encounter," the "Comprehensive Support Panel," or international welcome events. These events foster the creation of support networks, interaction among community members, and the presentation of support tools aligned with various support areas.

UC Chile Provides Support Every Step of the Way

The initiatives include guides, courses, information panels, talks, events, and comprehensive support before, during, and after their stay.

Jaime Castro, a PhD student at the UC Chile School of Psychology, arrived from Colombia with his partner and soon encountered difficulties with immigration procedures and the Civil Registry.

Due to a system error, the electronic visa stamp was not issued with a registration number.

"After completing the procedures at the Civil Registry for the ID card, after a month, we were informed that due to this problem, it was not possible to issue the card."

This setback significantly affected their settlement in the country, in addition to being an unusual occurrence in typical procedures.

Jaime Castro then approached the International Community Coordination Office for support. They took his case, conducted thorough follow-up, and provided a solution.

“I received significant support, including detailed information on housing assistance for foreigners and their families, as well as ongoing follow-up to help with recovering a bank account. The dedication and support from the International Community team, especially from Julio Gulin, have been outstanding,” commented Jaime Castro.

Like Jaime, 193 people were assisted by the International Community team during the first semester of this year. Most sought support to resolve problems caused by delays in immigration procedures or lack of knowledge about the processes.

Tools for a Successful Integration

Support for those arriving at UC Chile is designed to provide information on immigration permits, stays, healthcare systems, recreational activities, and more.

Five support guides for the international community and students participating in mobility programs have been published in both Spanish and English:

• Guide for International PhD Students 
• Guide for International Master's Students
• Guide for International Staff, Scholars and Professionals
• Guide for International Students
• Guide for Outgoing UC Chile Students

There is also a detailed guide on immigration procedures for the international community, covering the processes for applying for temporary residence, ID cards, and the student visa extension system.

Those arriving at or departing from UC Chile have access to Green Guides developed in conjunction with the Sustainability Office. The goal is to ensure that the time spent in Chile and in other countries has the least environmental impact possible.

These guides provide recommendations and guidelines for greener, more sustainable mobility.

In addition to these initiatives, two training courses have been designed and implemented for all UC Chile students accepted into global exchange programs:

• Global, Intercultural, and Ethical Challenges in International Exchange Programs: This course promotes reflection on topics such as globalization, interculturality, ethics in a changing world, and international cooperation.
• Educational and Socio-Affective Tools for Successful Exchange: This course is designed to prepare students for the departure process. It focuses on developing global competencies to face challenges in international contexts.

Daniela Rodríguez, a student from the Faculty of Literature, participated in the "Pallqa Indonesia Cooperation and Leadership" program in early 2024. Before her departure, she completed the support course designed to prepare exchange students.

“It helped me realize that facing something new could actually be a great experience. It also showed me that the best way to deal with this change and any cultural shock is by being respectful and open to learning.”

She highly recommends not missing the opportunity to take the course. “It provided a solid foundation for my experience in Indonesia and helped me navigate intercultural interactions smoothly.”

Felipe Araya, who also participated in the Pallqa Indonesia program in 2024, highlighted the formative role of the same course and its value in preparing psychologically and personally to face a cultural exchange.

“It allowed me to deeply reflect on globalization and how we can contribute to building a more connected society based on mutual support and horizontal relationships.”

Welcome and Farewell Coordination

Currently, the Office of the President for International Affairs at UC Chile has two coordination areas focused on support and integration. One is for global exchange programs (students, academics, or professionals leaving Chile), and the other serves the international community (students or professors coming to Chile).

The Support Coordination Area for Global Exchange Programs is part of the Global Exchange Office and supports between 800 and 900 students, professionals, and academics per semester.

They usually support individuals who move for a semester. The Coordination’s work is divided by regions of the world:

• Ibero-America, including Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, and Portugal
• Europe (excluding Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom)
• Africa and the Middle East
• United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom
• Asia and Oceania

It also includes support for special programs, internships, and international work placements.

The International Community Coordination Area is part of the Office of Global Learning and serves the regular international community, meaning individuals who come to the country for extended periods of time, one year or more.

In the first semester of 2024 alone, they supported over 200 people from the international community, ranging from academics, administrators, staff, researchers, undergraduate and graduate students to PhDs.