UPR, Spanish university launch exchange initiative
By THE STAR STAFF
The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and Complutense University of Madrid (UCM by its initials in Spanish) have established a collaborative agreement aimed at strengthening academic, scientific and cultural development between both institutions, through exchange initiatives, research, professional training and activities of international scope.
The agreement, valid for four years, creates an institutional framework to facilitate the exchange of undergraduate and graduate students between UCM and the UPR Río Piedras Campus, allowing students from both universities to participate in academic programs of the partner institution. It also contemplates the exchange of academic staff, including professors and researchers, as well as administrative staff, with the purpose of promoting shared teaching, joint projects, good practices and new experiences of university management.
UPR President Zayira Jordán Conde stressed that the agreement expands international opportunities for the university community and strengthens the academic projection of the institution.
“This agreement represents a concrete opportunity to expand the spaces for learning, research and international collaboration of our students, teachers and researchers,” she said. “The University of Puerto Rico continues to strengthen strategic alliances that connect our talent with global academic scenarios, promote the exchange of knowledge and open new possibilities for the scientific, cultural and professional development of our university community.”
As part of the agreement, both institutions will be able to develop congresses, seminars, conferences and professional development workshops aimed at the university and external community. In addition, the agreement will allow the development and exchange of research, collaboration in scientific projects, the training of researchers and the exchange of scientific or academic literature of mutual interest, as well as information and experiences in specific fields of research.
Río Piedras Campus Interim Chancellor Dr. Mayra B. Chárriez Cordero said the “signing of this agreement reaffirms our commitment to the internationalization of higher education and to the creation of opportunities that enrich the academic, research and cultural training of our university community.”
UCM Chancellor Joaquín Goyache and Vice Chancellor for International Relations, Cooperation and Volunteering María del Rosario Cristobal stressed in a joint statement that the agreement represents a further step in the internationalization strategy of the university and consolidates the historical, academic and cultural ties between Spain and Puerto Rico.
“The agreement will favor the exchange of knowledge, academic mobility and the development of joint initiatives in teaching, research and transfer, contributing to face the global challenges of higher education in a shared way,” the officials said.
The agreement also contemplates cultural exchange activities, with the aim of promoting intercultural understanding and enriching university life through academic and cultural experiences shared between Puerto Rico and Spain.
