News
Monday November 10th, 2025
The information session held by the General Directorate of International Relations (DGRII) on Thursday, November 6, at the Nicanor Parra Library, generated significant interest and high expectations. The session provided details about the call for applications for the international academic exchange program for the second semester of 2026.
The session was led by Luciano Caro, the DGRII’s Outgoing Student Mobility Coordinator, who explained the application process and offered guidance on how to successfully submit an application.
Caro clarified that international academic exchange involves more than just a semester of study abroad. Other mobility options include professional internships, short stays, research internships, and, specifically for Architecture students, dual degree programs.
He also emphasized that, regardless of the exchange program they choose, as long as they meet the program requirements, they will receive a certificate that accredits and validates their stay. This, he explained, constitutes a valuable competitive advantage when they graduate and look for work.
Before continuing, however, he stressed that student mobility is not only a certified academic experience, but also, and equally important, a life-changing experience.
Regarding the application requirements, he specified that students must be at least in their second year and at most in their penultimate year of study, since the exchange takes place after a year.
Then, among the documents that interested students must submit, he indicated letters of support and recommendation from two of their professors and a letter of motivation from both an academic and personal perspective. To make the selection, the above is evaluated along with the applicant’s ranking in the academic standings for their graduating class and major.
During the presentation, funding options for exchange programs were also addressed. The Coordinator confirmed that scholarships are available to cover expenses. Regarding external scholarships, he mentioned the Santander Scholarship, which can be applied for starting in the third year of studies, and the Pacific Alliance Scholarship.
The University also offers internal scholarships, although he clarified that these are awarded based on the destination country and city. This is primarily because the cost of living varies from country to country, and the available destinations are quite diverse, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, England, Germany, and China.
At this point, Caro encouraged students to research the cost of living in different locations to consider when deciding which university to apply to.
As a form of testimony, five students shared their experiences as exchange students abroad during the meeting: Ignacia Vargas and Felipe Valenzuela from Political Science; Levi Cisterna from Creative Writing; Rafael González from Psychology; and Vania Paredes from Industrial Design.
While they all attended different universities, each of their stories echoed, with nostalgia, how enriching the experience was.
Being in a distant country, with a different culture, without family support, is a space for significant personal growth, they agreed.
Regarding studying abroad itself, they concurred that it is a challenge, not because of its difficulty, but because there is a different approach and it requires adapting. In any case, they assured that there is always time to explore, socialize, and meet people, and these are likely the spaces where their best memories will emerge, they said.
To review all the information regarding UDP international student exchanges, visit this link.
Compartir esta página:
