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Posts con la etiqueta ‘Estudiar en Chile’

Solidarity, the best barrier for this pandemic

We’re currently living through a situation that hasn’t been experienced for generations on a global level; a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which has caused many countries to close their borders. In Chile, this decision was taken on March 16 for all foreigners arriving by plane, boat or land in order to avoid further spreading the virus. As a network of higher education institutions, we also want to disclose the measures adopted by our member institutions.

Although this is a transitory situation, what we need most right now is solidarity. We must work together to overcome the rapid spread of infections. This pandemic will put to the test our empathy and commitment to common, and not only individual, wellbeing. As such, the message is clear: stay at home and leave the house only when strictly necessary. In this way, we can all take care of each other.

The university community and vocational schools in Chile have decided to suspend classes, and are taking measures to facilitate the continuity of international students’ education at home, offering in most cases the option of attending online classes.

We ask the community that follows us on our platforms, those who have visited Chile, and students currently in our country or thinking about coming in the future for their solidarity, and to adhere to the prevention guidelines issued by each country and international health authorities.

Chile has already taken a series of measures, based on the experience of other countries. Once this situation has resolved, we will be waiting for you to come and enjoy the experience of living and studying in Chile.

US students complete conservation biology program in Concepción

A group of students from the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Biology Department completed a full-time overseas study program which lasted for one semester focused on ecology, biodiversity and conservation biology. This course was given in English by four professors from the University of Massachusetts Boston and Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC) in the city of Concepción, Chile, and will be repeated in autumn 2020.

Concepción, located in the south of Chile, is known as a gateway to the country’s Patagonia region. The course paid special attention to flora, fauna and ecosystems unique to the south of Chile, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. During their stay in Chile, the exchange students were able to explore La Campana National Park, Las Trancas, the Itata Valley and the San Ignacio del Huinay Foundation.

Classes were also held at USCS’s marine biology station in Lenga, in addition to field excursions and night trips. The night expeditions involved visits to major cities, national parks and coastal areas, where students were able to put into practice everything they learned in the five courses held during the semester. Transport, accommodation and food (or food subsidies) were provided for all trips outside of Concepción.

2020 and the solar eclipse

Students who register for the 2020 version of this program will also have the unique opportunity to experience the total solar eclipse which will take place on December 14 next year, with coverage in Concepción reaching 95%. The sun will be 100% covered in nearby cities such as Temuco, Villarrica or Pucón.

This program is not exclusively for University of Massachusetts Boston students—students from other universities can also register. So, if you want to experience an adventure full of natural and astronomical phenomena, prepare yourself for the start of the next exchange, which will take place from August 27 to December 16, 2020.

More information on registration.

Universities aim to foster dialogue in ongoing social transformation in Chile

The eyes of the world have been on Chile in recent weeks. The 23 universities belonging to the Learn Chile network wish to inform that we have maintained constant contact with our foreign students, accompanying them and ensuring their safety, and we will continue to do so. As higher education institutions, our efforts have been focused on ensuring the necessary conditions to guarantee debate and the generation of knowledge in support of a revival that we want to form part of, in order to work together to build a fairer, more supportive and stronger Chile.

We are one of many actors in the social, political and economic process currently ongoing in Chile, framed within a global phenomenon of social demonstrations and protests in the common interest.

We believe that the solutions to this crisis must be reached via institutional channels, and that all demonstrations must be carried out on the basis of respect, dialogue, empathy and repudiation of violence. As education institutions, we have communicated this position to our students, and we are convinced that this is a temporary and transitory situation from which we will emerge strengthened and distinct. It will also contribute a new perspective to our educational programs, in tune with the challenges of a globalized world.

These are some of the conclusions that we have reached following the reflection sessions organized by our member institutions with their students, academics and staff to discuss and analyze the current social and political crisis affecting the country from an interdisciplinary viewpoint. These contributions may be merged with those generated by groups of citizens who have held meetings in various cities throughout the country in order to discuss the possible social changes that will be required going forward.

International education has a powerful role to play in this social transformation of limitless potential. In that regard, we wish to thank all of our member institutions which form part of this collaborative ecosystem that we have developed over recent years.

We have received many messages of support and solidarity, for which we are hugely grateful. We have also received positive feedback on the protocols activated and the support that we have provided to foreign students in Chile, which forms part of our duty of care to all of our students. This gives us confidence that, thanks to Chile’s people and its institutions, the result of this historic process will be positive and transcendent.