A delegation from the Universidad del Cauca, led by the rector Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, conducted an academic tour through Sweden, Hungary, and Spain with the aim of strengthening interinstitutional and international relationships. Through these processes, the mission to continue transforming lives and making dreams come true through Higher Education is advanced.

Committed to expanding educational and development opportunities for its students, a delegation from the Universidad del Cauca conducted a successful academic tour through Sweden, Hungary, and Spain. The delegation was composed of Dr. Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, Rector of the Universidad del Cauca; Ing. Juan Carlos Casas Zapata, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering; Jaime Rafael Obando Ante, Director of the CDT Vial Project and Professor of the Department of Geotechnics; Fredy Eduardo López, Professor of the Department of Construction; Luisa Fernanda Hurtado Bedoya, Advisor to the Office of International and Interinstitutional Relations; and Natalia Serna López, University Professional affiliated with the Rector's Office.

The main objective of this delegation was to strengthen international cooperation ties by establishing and consolidating agreements that facilitate student and faculty mobility, as well as the implementation of internships and joint research projects. This process not only aims to improve educational quality and development opportunities for the Unicaucana community but also to foster collaboration in terms of resources and laboratories, thereby benefiting research groups. Through these cooperation ties, the University positions itself as a leader in higher education, committed to internationalization and regional development.

"For the Universidad del Cauca, the internationalization of faculty, students, and researchers is of great importance. This academic exchange allows us to strengthen our educational and research processes, as it not only facilitates student and faculty mobility but also cooperation in terms of resources," said Dr. Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, Rector of the Universidad del Cauca. He also stated, "To ensure that agreements do not remain just words on paper, we need responsible parties to manage these processes. The University Administration and the Office of Interinstitutional and International Relations are committed to bringing these agreements to life and making them more dynamic."

Here is an overview of the interesting and enriching route undertaken, resulting in several outcomes that greatly excite us and which we are pleased to share:

Visit to Sweden: Signing of a New Agreement with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)

The important academic tour began in Sweden, where the delegation visited the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), a significant partner for our Alma Mater. The visit strengthened ties through the signing of a new cooperation agreement with clear objectives, such as the exchange of pedagogical experiences, participation in academic events, and the mobility of faculty and students. Meetings and discussions were also held with professors from various disciplines, including chemistry, energy, geospatial information systems, civil engineering, and architecture. The visit included a tour of KTH's visualization laboratories.

This agreement allows undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and researchers, to participate in short-term mobility and missions abroad. It also enables the Universidad del Cauca to host members of KTH. This exchange is cost-free and is governed by specific terms and conditions regarding duration and activities to be carried out.

The Director of the CDT Vial Project explained that the University has specific regulations for international mobility. 'It is essential to consider the institutional framework that regulates these processes. From the Faculty of Civil Engineering and other faculties involved in the CDT Vial, we provide support and seek counterparts at the host university to facilitate the exchange. We have established a pathway with the International Relations Office of KTH, where we initially pre-select individuals aligned with the project and interested in traveling, and they are then contacted. Everything must be framed within the topics of the CDT Vial project, and we are available to provide any necessary clarifications.”

Meetings in Hungary: Signing of Agreement with the University of Dunaújváros

In Hungary, the delegation from our Alma Mater visited ELTE University and the University of Dunaújváros, as well as a nuclear plant. They met with the Colombian Ambassador to Hungary, Ignacio Ruiz, an alumnus of the Universidad del Cauca, to discuss academic mobility through the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship. However, one of the most significant achievements of this visit was the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation and Exchange with the University of Dunaújváros. This agreement, effective from 2024 to 2029, will promote the exchange of faculty, students, and academic materials, as well as the implementation of joint research projects.

Rector Hurtado Herrera emphasized that the agreement with the University of Dunaújváros is the result of significant efforts in building relationships with the Hungarian Government and Ambassador Zsófia Villegas-Vitézy. This agreement is part of a Hungarian rectors' mission to Colombia, reflecting the willingness of the Hungarian Government to offer scholarships to Colombian students, of which 50 are available, though many are not being utilized. The rector highlighted the importance of seizing this opportunity for the Universidad del Cauca.

At ELTE University, interest in Colombian literature and books published by the Editorial Seal of the Caucana Alma Mater was noted. As a result of this visit, a package of books will be sent to the Institute of Latin American Studies at ELTE University and other Hungarian universities using the Colombian government's diplomatic pouch, to showcase the intellectual output of the Universidad del Cauca, emphasizing the quality and undeniable excellence of our publications

Closing in Spain: Innovation and Leadership

The tour concluded in Spain, where Dr. Deibar René Hurtado Herrera participated in the ASCUN Rectors' Mission at the Polytechnic University of Valencia. During the visit, key topics such as leadership for innovation and opportunities for innovation with the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia were discussed

Without a doubt, this academic tour has not only strengthened ties with renowned European institutions but has also opened new doors for Universidad del Cauca students to transform their lives and realize their dreams through exchange programs, joint projects, and quality education. There is nothing more enriching than the opportunity to exchange experiences, knowledge, and insights among individuals from diverse cultures.

"I have always believed in the importance of these relationship-building experiences because they demonstrate a commitment from University Management to these processes. The experience—academic, research, and cultural—enriches us both professionally and personally, opening up the world and revealing new opportunities to seize. This motivates us to continue developing and improving, recognizing the importance of mastering English and other skills to navigate international contexts," said Dr. Hurtado Herrera. He concluded by stating that this international commission helps us move closer to achieving the goals of a nearly bicentennial University that is #HeritageForAll.