A meeting of International Relations offices from Chilean universities was held at PUCV.

The event was attended by delegations from the Federico Santa María University, the University of La Frontera, the University of Valparaíso, the Metropolitan Technological University, the University of La Serena, the University of Talca, the University of Bío-bío and the Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences, along with DUOC-UC.

Also present were Mariana González, head of studies at the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), and representatives of the LearnChile sector brand.

In order to publicize the work being done within the Directorate of International Relations of the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso and to share, among the attending universities, the tasks inherent to the work, the successful experiences and, above all, the good practices exercised by each institution, a meeting was held to exchange good practices of the international offices.

In addition to the International Directorate team, the event was attended by directors, student mobility coordinators, international program directors, delegates, and program managers from Federico Santa María University, University of La Frontera, University of Valparaíso, Metropolitan Technological University, University of La Serena, University of Talca, University of Bío-Bío, and Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences, along with DUOC-UC. Also present were Mariana González, head of research at the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), and representatives from the LearnChile sector brand.

During the working days, and in accordance with the program, the International Relations Office presented the work of the University and its administration regarding internationalization. More detailed presentations were also given by the different areas present at PUCV, such as the International Student Exchange Program (PIIE), the Student Mobility Program (PME), International Cooperation, Communications and Marketing, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) lectureship.

The Director of International Relations, Marcos Avilez, welcomed the attendees and commented that the team was very pleased to have the opportunity to connect with directors, coordinators, and colleagues from universities with which they maintain friendly relations. He also noted the chance to discuss the internationalization efforts underway at each institution. Avilez added that they already have plans to repeat this activity in the near future.

“For us, as a team, it has been a very valuable exercise to be able to share with you. On the one hand, we have had to pause and, to some extent, systematize the large amount of information that is handled based on work routines. This has allowed us to review said information and name the routines, which will lead us to recognize if the work methods are adequate in order to improve and contribute to our organization and its divisions,” he stated.

For their part, the attendees praised the initiative undertaken by the Directorate, agreeing that the topics raised during the day were extremely interesting, considering what internationalization means and what role international relations departments play in research and international collaboration at the national level.

In light of the above, Mariana González, head of research at the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), stated, “I would like to thank you all, as the information you provided has sparked many questions for me. I also appreciate your time and dedication. I am impressed by both the size of the team and its consolidation and experience.” Similarly, speaking on behalf of CRUCH, the delegate commented that these are very important opportunities for Chilean universities to create learning spaces, given that all institutions have different levels of development.

Antonia Espinoza, from the University of La Frontera, also expressed her gratitude and surprise that the PUCV's International Relations Office (DRI) approaches its work from such a generous perspective. She alluded to the fact that the excellent work carried out by the university's leadership is reflected in the exhibited work.

*Source: PUCV International Relations Office, January 20, 2016.