Professor Paola Vernaza, from the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of Cauca, has been selected for a research internship at the prestigious University of Vigo in Spain. This opportunity comes through the invitation of Dr. José María Pazos Couto, Director of the Department of Special Didactics at the European institution.

Paola Vernaza, a professor in the Physiotherapy Program and a student in the Doctorate in Educational Sciences (Rudecolombia), was invited by Dr. José María Pazos Couto from the University of Vigo to undertake a doctoral research internship with the primary aim of sharing work and experiences in the field of motricity and the body as a category of force. At the University of Vigo's Pontevedra campus, she will meet with faculty from the Department of Evolutionary Psychology and Special Didactics, which will provide her with a deeper understanding of these fields. Additionally, she will have the opportunity to work with the directors of the ONCE Foundation in Vigo, an organization known for its work in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Similarly, in the city of La Coruña, Professor Vernaza will visit the ASPRONOAGA Foundation, an organization that works to promote inclusion and equal opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This visit will allow her to see firsthand the efforts made in this area and how they can be applied to her own research and teaching. Additionally, at the University of Santiago de Compostela, she will meet with the education faculty team to discuss topics related to educational inclusion. This dialogue will be an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and learn more about best practices in this crucial field.

As part of her contribution to this internship, Professor Vernaza will conduct a workshop on building pedagogical relationships in everyday life for students at the Faculty of Education at the University of Vigo. This international experience will not only enrich Professor Vernaza’s research for her doctoral thesis but also strengthen the curricular development of the Physiotherapy Program at the University of Cauca.

In her own words, Professor Vernaza describes this journey as a “constant movement, a walking back and forth, a process of learning, a source of surprise, and a discovery of possible worlds.” This internship has been more than just a graduation requirement; it has been an opportunity to be embraced by a research group that has included her in what they call their family. Moreover, she highlights the importance of this opportunity for her personal and professional growth, as well as for the exchange of knowledge and experiences between educational institutions from different countries. Her dedication to the field of physiotherapy and her commitment to academic excellence make her participation in this process an inspiring example for our university community.

From this institution of excellence and solidarity, we celebrate the enriching experiences that members of our educational community are able to live. It is important to remember that among the opportunities offered by our institution is academic mobility. Considering this, we invite all Unicaucanos to explore the various agreements and opportunities available through the Office of Interinstitutional and International Relations. Engaging with other cultures and perspectives undoubtedly opens pathways and strengthens connections with other organizations through research; it is another way to continue making a positive impact in our environment.

For more information:

Faculty of Health Sciences
Email: fsalud@unicauca.edu.co