Visit to Universidad de Los Andes

Strengthening Ties and Strategic Cooperation in Higher Education Between Portugal and Colombia

The participation of the Portuguese academic delegation in Bogotá reached another major milestone with an official visit to the prestigious Universidad de los Andes (UNIANDES). The initiative, carried out within the framework of the Feria de las Universidades, brought together 18 Portuguese universities and polytechnic institutes aimed at fostering bilateral partnerships, student mobility, and joint research projects.

The agenda commenced with an official welcome and institutional presentation by the leadership of UNIANDES, providing the Portuguese delegation with an overview of the host university’s academic excellence and strategic goals. Following the ceremony, the delegation participated in a guided campus tour to explore UNIANDES’ world-class facilities, dynamic academic environment, and vibrant university life.

A key highlight of the visit was the high-level participation of the Embassy of Portugal in Colombia. Deputy Head of Mission, Ricardo Bastos, alongside the Cooperation Attaché, Nuno Vaz, presented the policies, frameworks, and modalities driving higher education collaboration between Colombia and Portugal.

In a symbolic gesture to bolster cultural exchange, the delegation visited the Centro de Língua Portuguesa-Camões, where a collection of books was officially donated to enrich the local library’s resources and support Portuguese language studies.

The mission culminated in the “Acércate a Portugal” networking session hosted at the Auditorio Centro del Japón. This dedicated inter-institutional space brought together Portuguese representatives and Colombian higher education stakeholders to explore concrete avenues for academic co-responsibilities, student and faculty exchanges, and strategic research partnerships.

This successful event was made possible through the joint coordination of the Instituto para o Ensino Superior, under the leadership of Dr. Denise Castilho de Matos, and the International Department of Universidad de los Andes, led by Johan Cruz. The visit marks another decisive step in bringing Portugal and Colombia closer together in the internationalization of higher education.

See all photos of the participation here: FOTOS