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Learn Chile institutions generate more than 150 agreements at NAFSA 2022

After a two-year gap due to the pandemic, NAFSA 2022, the world’s largest gathering of international educators, was held in-person once again. Learn Chile was present at the event, together with 20 universities and technical institutes, with the largest stand of any Latin American country (100 m²) and 40 representatives of Chilean institutions who reached more than 150 agreements with international universities.

NAFSA 2022, held from May 31 to June 3 in Denver (United States), is the world’s largest international education fair, and was attended by more than 6,000 university representatives from around 100 countries. The event undoubtedly provides an excellent opportunity for outreach and international recognition, both for Chilean higher education institutions and to position the country as a great place to study. The event is supported by ProChile every year, both in Chile and the U.S.

This year, Chile was a special guest at the NAFSA 2022 ambassadors’ meeting, which was attended by only six countries selected to present their academic offering. Chile’s representatives, Scarlett Ramírez (ProChile Trade Representative in Washington) and Marcos Avilez (Learn Chile Director) had the opportunity to hold 30 business meetings to promote education in Chile to universities from around the world, which was a great privilege for the country.

Learn Chile is the only network that brings together public and private universities and technical institutes from throughout the country to promote their higher education offering internationally.

Positioning Chile

Universities that participate in the NAFSA event have always shown great interest in establishing relationships with Chile, above all institutions from the United States this year. “This week, we have had the opportunity to hold numerous meetings with various higher education institutions from the United States, which are very interested in the Chilean education market. We are happy to promote business and friendship relations with the Government of Chile”, said Ana Keener, from the U.S. Embassy in Chile’s Commercial Department.

On this occasion, the seventh time that Learn Chile has been present at the event, other Latin American countries showed remarkable interest in deepening their ties with Chile, thanks to the cooperation efforts undertaken as part of the Latin American Initiative for the Internationalization of Higher Education (INILAT). The NAFSA event was a conducive setting for representatives of INILAT’s member countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru) to meet in person for the first time, further consolidating the bonds established virtually since 2020.

Meanwhile, Colombia’s Ministry of Education met with Learn Chile to present Go Colombia, a program created last year, and to find out more about how the Chilean network has become a benchmark for Latin America.

The expo

Learn Chile representatives held 600 networking meetings with their peers from other countries to provide information on the Chilean education system, higher education institutions, and their academic offering. These relationships will give rise to more than 150 new cooperation agreements (some of which have already been signed), and the arrival of students from around the world who wish to continue their education in a Spanish-speaking country.

“At these events, we can verify the interest in collaborating with Chilean universities. The results have been positive, and we are highly satisfied with our participation through the Learn Chile brand”, said Jorge Burgos, Director of International Relations at Universidad Católica del Maule.

Participating higher education institutions

Duoc UC
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Universidad Austral de Chile
Universidad Autónoma de Chile
Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins
Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción
Universidad Católica del Maule
Universidad Católica del Norte
Universidad Central de Chile
Universidad de Chile
Universidad de La Frontera
Universidad de los Andes
Universidad de Santiago de Chile
Universidad de Valparaíso
Universidad del Bío-Bío
Universidad del Desarrollo
Universidad Diego Portales
Universidad San Sebastián
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
Universidad Viña del Mar

Chile: a Model to Follow in Sustainable Practices

Due to its privileged natural conditions, Chile has committed to sustainability in many different aspects such as tourism, transport, and academic offer.

Due to Chile’s geographic diversity, the country has a broad range of climatic and natural conditions, which are used to produce renewable energy, with an emphasis on the conservation of biodiversity. In this way, Chile has slowly become a model to follow in terms of sustainable practices.

Read on to find out more about Chile’s initiatives for sustainability and the academic opportunities in this area.

Sustainable Tourism

After the inauguration of the Tourism National Round Table in 2013, the National Service for Tourism of Chile (SERNATUR) created the S certification. This distinction is awarded to tourism operators that comply with different criteria in the three universally acknowledged areas of sustainability: economic, cultural and environmental. Today, more than 160 operators have received this certification.

Furthermore, six places in Chile have been placed in the latest Top 100 list of sustainable destinations worldwide; the Huilo Huilo Reserve, the Chiloé Island, the town of Curacaví, Cape Horn, Futaleufú and Puerto Natales. Cape Horn has a miniature forest of around 1000 acres, where unique species of bryophytes can be found along with 450 different types of moss, and 368 species of lichen and insects.

Sustainable Transport

Santiago’s subway (Metro), which is the second largest and most modern network in Latin America, will be the world’s first public transit system mostly powered by solar energy thanks to project “Pelícano”, a solar energy plant of 186 acres located in Coquimbo, in northern Chile. The plant uses 254,000 solar panels.

About 42% of the electrical energy used by the Metro comes from solar energy and 18% from wind power. Thus, the Metro is the only underground transport system worldwide to operate with 60% clean energy.

Academic Programs

Sustainability and the protection of the environment are issues tackled by a broad range of programs in different Universities throughout Chile. Both at a professional technical level, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, there is a wide variety of programs related to sustainable management; renewable energy; energy efficiency; conservation of wild fauna; natural resources, etc. Universidad del Bío Bío, for example, offers a blended learning Master’s program in Sustainability and Energy Efficiency. In Santiago, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana (UTEM) offers a similar Master’s program in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability with specialization in Edification, while Universidad Santo Tomás offers a PhD program in Conservation and Biodiversity Management.

Besides these degree programs, different institutions are offering short-term courses that relate to sustainability, for example Universidad Viña del Mar is offering a short course on Poverty reduction and sustainable development.

Chile has taken important steps in the implementation of sustainable solutions with the aim of protecting the environment, and complying with the highest international standards. Additionally, the country offers a broad range of academic programs related to these issues.

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.

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.

More than 150 cooperation agreements will be generated following NAFSA 2019

For a sixth consecutive year, educational institutions which form part of Learn Chile were present at the NAFSA 2019 conference, the largest meeting of international educators in the world, which took place from May 28 to 31 in Washington, D.C., United States. Chile joined more than 10,000 attendees from over 100 countries at this annual event.

Under the framework of NAFSA 2019, consortium representatives promoted their institutions’ academic offerings, and held more than 800 networking meetings with their peers from other countries. These meetings will give rise to more than 150 new cooperation agreements, which are expected to be signed to facilitate the arrival of students from all over the world who wish to continue their education in a Spanish-speaking country.

According to the Ministry of Education’s report on the Enrollment of Foreign Students in Chilean Higher Education Institutions, 86% of foreign exchange students who enrolled in Chile in 2017 did so through an agreement between their home university and the Chilean university at which they carried out their exchange program.

“University exchanges that take place under agreements have experienced sustained growth, and the results achieved at NAFSA will enable us to continue this positive trend”, said Learn Chile Director Marcos Avilez. In total, Chile receives more than 30,000 foreign students every year.

Visits to innovation centers

Chile is the most innovative economy in Latin America (Global Innovation Index) and leads the Latin America & Caribbean Edition of the Digital Evolution Index (DEI LAC). Learn Chile has set itself the objective of strengthening ties with the private sector. As part of these efforts, the NAFSA 2019 delegation visited the George Washington University Innovation Center, the 3M Innovation Center—a multinational company with branches in Chile—and Amazon’s renowned distribution center. Opportunities for exchanges between institutions arose at each of these visits.

Meanwhile, under the framework of NAFSA 2019, the “Applied research and innovation between associations in the United States and Chile” workshop was held at the American Councils for International Education in Washington, D.C. This workshop constituted an excellent opportunity to present the progress being made by universities from both countries in terms of research and innovation.

“We were very happy with the results of this meeting, which gave rise to collaboration opportunities in applied research for educational institutions that form part of Learn Chile”, said Steve Baeza, Director of Institutional Relations at Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción.

The Chilean delegation was greeted by the Chilean Ambassador to the United States, Alfonso Silva, at his residence, together with representatives from universities around the world, who the ambassador invited to visit Chile and establish agreements with the country’s educational institutions. The diplomat highlighted the work carried out by Learn Chile in the six years since it was created as the only network that brings together public and private universities from all over the country to promote the export of educational services throughout the world.

If you love adventure, these three university degrees will be perfect for you

When it comes to choosing a profession, many people prefer the comfort of an office job, drawing up plans or preparing reports. Others, however, prefer the adventure of the outside world.

For those who hate routine, there are university degrees that perfectly fit the lifestyle they’re looking for: visiting new places and enjoying nature.

If you love adventure, you could study any of the below degrees in Chile

Tourism

If you study tourism, each day at work will be different from the last. Your job will be to promote top tourism destinations, giving you the opportunity to work anywhere in the world, expanding your horizons and professional future. Studying this degree in Chile offers you an unparalleled experience, enabling you to visit the memorable and inspiring landscapes of this South American country. In 2017 alone, more than six million people visited Chile, experiencing its culture and cuisine, making tourism a key sector of the country’s economy.

Marine biology

Students of marine biology have the opportunity to gain cutting-edge knowledge in the field of marine fauna and flora. This is the perfect degree for those who love the environment and want to defend it, as the professional activities of marine biologists are linked to biological, social and economic issues around marine environments, such as pollution reduction and attenuation of the environmental impact of human actions. Chile’s marine biodiversity is among the most abundant in the global ecosystem, and as such marine biologists have a great future in the country.

Astronomy

The astronomical horizon is endless, the sky has no limits, and Chile is a global hub for the development of this field. If you want to study astronomy, Chile is the ideal place, thanks to its natural conditions, which combine desert landscapes with the world’s largest dark sky reserves. Chile is even home to the most powerful telescopes built to date.

The experience of studying any of these degrees has the ability to enhance your career and increase your personal happiness, as you’ll have the opportunity to work in a field that you’re passionate about.

Master’s degree in oceanography

For sea-lovers, there is another option: oceanography. Oceanography is the study of seas and oceans, their structure and composition, analyzing all aspects of these water bodies, including the physical characteristics of oceans, as well as chemical, geographical and biological aspects. Each day at sea presents a different challenge, so you’ll always have a new adventure to discover in this profession.

Requirements for foreign students to apply for a scholarship in Chile

Chile offers a range of scholarships for foreign students. Find out more about the options available below.

Chile is a country that is always open to receiving foreign students. Undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programs are offered at 61 universities, both public and private, and there is also a wide variety of scholarship and student aid options for foreign students that will encourage you to apply and enable you to excel in your chosen field of study.

What scholarships can I apply for? What are the requirements to apply for a scholarship for foreign students in Chile? Don’t let fear and doubt fill your mind and hinder your study plans. Below we explain how to apply for the three most popular higher education scholarships in Chile.

CONICYT scholarships

These scholarships are offered as part of the Formation of Advanced Human Capital Program (PFCHA), which was created in 1998 with the goal of increasing the number of high-quality researchers and professionals in all fields of study related to development in Chile and globally.

Both Chileans and foreigners with permanent residency can apply for the master’s degree scholarship, while foreigners without permanent residency may also apply to the PhD scholarship.

Master’s degree scholarship

The master’s degree scholarship provides support to students for a period no greater than two years from the study program start date. You should keep in mind that master’s degrees related to business, finance and marketing are not eligible for funding through this scholarship. Students awarded the scholarship will receive an annual maintenance allowance of CLP 5,883,360, provided in monthly installments for the duration of the master’s degree program. A further CLP 1,000,000 per year is provided for tuition fees.

PhD scholarship

The PhD scholarship is aimed at those who wish to further advance their professional prospects by obtaining a doctorate. Students awarded the scholarship will receive financial support for a maximum period of four years, regardless of the area of study. If necessary, this aid may be extended for up to six months while students complete their doctoral thesis. Both Chilean and foreign students with or without permanent residency in Chile may apply. The scholarship provides an annual maintenance allowance of up to CLP 7,800,000, distributed in monthly installments. A further CLP 2,700,000 per year is provided for tuition fees.

AGCID scholarships

The Chilean International Cooperation Agency for Development (AGCID) also offers a range of university scholarship programs.

Republic of Chile master’s degree scholarship program

These scholarships enable Latin American or South African professionals to complete high-level postgraduate or training courses in Chile. Students are also received through the Pacific Alliance’s Student and Academic Mobility Platform.

More specifically, this program is aimed at professionals from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and CARICOM member countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago.

Chile-Mexico reciprocal scholarship program

This program is aimed at Mexican students and professionals who wish to continue their higher education in Chile.

Nelson Mandela master’s degree programs

Professionals from Angola, Mozambique and South Africa are eligible for funding through this scholarship.

Pacific Alliance scholarship

Pacific Alliance member countries—Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru—form part of the Pacific Alliance Student and Academic Mobility Platform. This scholarship provides funding for the full cost of higher education, including airfares, accommodation and health insurance.

Priority fields of study include public administration, political science, international trade, economics, finance, engineering, innovation, science and technology, the environment and climate change, business, international relations and tourism.

So what are you waiting for? Apply for one of these scholarships and improve your prospects by studying in Chile.

For more information, visit our Scholarships and Benefits section.

Advantages of studying architecture in Chile

Chile is a country full of talented architects. Find out more about the advantages of studying architecture in this South American country.

Architecture is the ideal degree for those interested in designing buildings, contributing to the development of their communities, and ensuring a harmonious balance between man-made structures and nature. Aspiring architects should have artistic skills, analytical capabilities and creativity when it comes to identifying solutions to improve architectural environments in harmony with their surroundings. Architects must also develop functional ideas arising from the interpretation of a community or city’s expectations and needs.

If you are an inquisitive and curious person, studying architecture in Chile is a great choice. You will have no shortage of projects to work on, incorporating elements from other disciplines such as philosophy, economics and social work. It’s not just about designing beautiful structures, but also functional constructions in line with the lifestyle and cultural expectations of individuals, communities and cities. What is the point of designing a huge apartment complex if it is not suitable for those who live in it?

Architecture is a long and complicated degree, but it is worth persisting and successfully graduating. Keep in mind that a good construction can have a direct effect on society’s wellbeing, and as such your creations have the potential to make a major impact and remain over time.

What are the advantages of studying architecture in Chile?

Architecture in Chile

Chile is one of the countries with the highest levels of seismic activity in the world. This constitutes an additional challenge when it comes to architectural design and project development. Studying architecture in Chile provides you the additional benefit of having the necessary knowledge to find architectural solutions for cities that are subject to seismic activity.

According to the Chilean Association of Architecture Firms, Chile is a global leader in the implementation of anti-seismic technology, together with the United States, New Zealand and Japan. In the last five years alone, there have been earthquakes above 8.0 on the Richter scale, without a major impact on the country’s infrastructure due to construction regulations that have been implemented in order to protect human life in the face of seismic activity.

Famous Chilean architects

During your stay in Chile, you will have the opportunity to learn more from the most successful Chilean architects and their works. In 2016, Alejandro Aravena, from Santiago, became the first Latin American in the last 10 years to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most important architecture award in the world. “Alejandro Aravena has pioneered a collaborative practice that produces powerful works of architecture and also addresses key challenges of the 21st century. His built work gives economic opportunity to the less privileged, mitigates the effects of natural disasters, reduces energy consumption, and provides welcoming public space”, said Tom Pritzker, Chairman and President of the Hyatt Foundation, which sponsors the prize.

Other globally renowned Chilean architects include Cecilia Puga, Smiljan Radic, Sebastián Irarrázaval and Mathías Klotz.

A range of options

You can study architecture at 33 universities in Chile, choosing between any of the 48 programs offered. In 2016, there were a total of 12,202 architecture students in the country, according to the university ranking published by Chilean publication Emol. The duration of architecture degree programs is between 15.5 to 20 semesters.

Annual tuition fees range between CLP 2,430,000 and 5,370,000, with an average tuition fee of CLP 3,500,000.

Don’t miss the opportunity to study architecture in Chile, and learn from the best architects in the country.