Get to Know the New Guide for International Master's Students

With greetings such as "Bienvenidos," "Bem-vindo," "欢迎," "Willkommen," "Добро пожаловать," among others, we welcomed over 120 international Master's students who joined the UC Chile in the first semester of 2024. At the event, the new incoming students received information from a comprehensive support panel and tools designed for them.

On April we welcomed more than 120 international students from countries such as China and France to the main auditorium of the UC Innovation Center. All of these students have chosen to pursue their Master's programs at the UC Chile.

At the welcoming ceremony, the Vice President for International Affairs, Lilian Ferrer, encouraged students to "take advantage of every instance and learning opportunity they have during this time, not only academically but also in social interactions with others."

The event's organization reflects the commitment of the Office of Global Learning to integrating the international community at UC Chile. This is the second consecutive year the office has organized the welcome for the new group of Master's students.

"Today, we welcome international students looking to further their studies at UC Chile. Through the support we offer, events like this provide opportunities to share, create a support network, and acquire information and tools-all with a human touch, which is crucial for their adaptation to UC Chile and a new culture," said Maribel Flórez, Director of Global Learning.

The closing of the event featured the UC Chile Comprehensive Support Panel, an initiative from the Support Area for the International Community, which provided key information for international students.

"It is very important, as a UC Chile international community, to have spaces and initiatives that highlight the relevance of international Master's students joining the UC Chile community, as well as promoting connections among them and with the university that welcomes them," said Julio Gulin, Head of the International Community Area.

The activity also served as the perfect opportunity to present and deliver the Guide for International Master's Students, a tool offering recommendations of things to do before, during, and after their stay at UC Chile and in Chile.

UC Chile Comprehensive Support Panel

The Support Area for the International Community, part of the Office of the Vice President of International Affairs, organized a comprehensive support panel featuring prominent panelists from key university units.

María Paz Jana, Director of UC Health and Welfare, provided the audience with recommendations and information about the health system in Chile, as well as details on the health agreement for UC Chile regular students through the UC Christus Healthcare Network.

From the UC Chile Campus Ministry (Pastoral UC), the Deputy Director of Faculty, Cristóbal Palisson, invited students to participate in initiatives related to research, creation, solidarity, and Christian life offered to the university community.

The panel was closed by Valentina Hugues, a psychologist from the Adaptation to Change Program, from the Mental Heath Unit of the university, who shared 13 essential recommendations for managing the emotions and challenges associated with academic exchange.

Presentation of the Guide for International Master's Students

"First of all, we would like to welcome you to UC Chile and wish you the best in this new challenge. We are honored that you have chosen our university for your Master's studies, and we invite you to take advantage of every moment of your time with us. We hope that you will find here the tools to continue your education and that you will also have meaningful and enriching learning and life experiences."

That is the presentation of the Guide for International Master's Students, a comprehensive tool designed to provide incoming students with answers to their questions and solutions to their problems in one place.

It includes updated information on temporary and permanent residency permits, as well as recommendations for arrival in the country, health coverage, benefits, housing, and more. Additionally, the guide offers information about Chile, covering topics such as entertainment, handicrafts, places to visit, holidays, gastronomy, and more.

To help international students navigate the local language, it includes explanations of Chilean expressions like fome, gallo, guata, and tener tuto, ensuring they are well-prepared for their immersion in Chilean Spanish.

And you, do you know what "bacán" means?