UDP Internacional

Monday June 30th, 2025

The Directorate General for International Relations (DGRRII) led a meeting with a delegation from the Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium), composed of Hervé Jeanmart, professor at the Polytechnic School and the Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering; and Christel Vacelet, director of the university’s international office. The meeting was attended by Mauricio Villena, dean of the Faculty of Administration and Economics (FAE); Julie Kim Lee, director of Community Engagement and Internationalization at FAE; and José Weinstein, director of the UDP Educational Leadership Program.

This meeting was held after UC Leuven authorities, their dean in particular of the faculty of Business, met with FAE members two weeks ago to explore future collaborations in the areas of undergraduate and graduate programs, mobility, and joint thesis supervision. Likewise, during this new session, the possibility of forming an alliance with the Faculty of Education to foster the exchange of knowledge regarding the educational systems of both countries was discussed. The idea of ​​creating a synergy with the Faculty of Architecture, Art, and Design to develop specific projects and for UDP students to visit the European institution was also explored.

In this regard, Christel Vacelet highlighted the possibility of creating new ties with the UDP. “We would like to offer more opportunities for students and university staff, and we will have a fruitful discussion about more opportunities,” she commented. Meanwhile, Dean Mauricio Villena noted that this “is a great opportunity” for UDP students, especially because “the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium is one of the best universities in Europe.”

Currently, the UDP has an active agreement with the Catholic University of Leuven; however, after this meeting, the entities agreed to expand the scope of this agreement to include new opportunities that enrich student education and research at both campuses.