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In 2016 UNal has received 512 foreign students.

UNal received Mexican, German, French, Chilean and Argentinean students.

Ignacio Mantilla, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Rector.

50% of the foreigners carry out their careers in Human Sciences.

A total of 510 students have received scholarships from the Fulbright Program.

Colombia is turning into an attractive destination for formal internships.

As confirmed by UNal Rector Professor Ignacio Mantilla, who highlighted that while in 2012 they had 113 between foreign and local (other Colombian universities) students, for this year, the figure reached 769. 

In Bogotá, foreign students increased from 157 to 395 between 2012 and 2016. In Medellín they passed from 19, in 2013, to 65; while in Manizales the amount increased from 32 to 48. They received Mexican, German, French, Chilean and Argentinean students as well as students from United States, Canada and New Zealand. 

Furthermore, according to data of the Fulbright Program, sponsored by the United States Department of State since 1961, 510 UNal students have been granted scholarships, many of them professors who carry out their graduate studies in U.S. universities. Among the most sought universities are the Universities of Ohio, Virginia, Illinois, Georgetown, Maryland and Cincinnati. 

The scholarships granted by the Fulbright Program seek to promote intercultural knowledge, scientific and research cooperation and development, through advanced leader education, formed with high social commitment. 

In total, 141 American students with a scholarship have come to UNal,   50% attracted to Human Sciences, 13% interested in Education areas and 14% by Agricultural Sciences programs. 

Colombians with scholarships which go to the U.S. for instance, opt to continue their studies in Sciences, Engineering, Physics and Biology. 

For instance, UNal-Amazonia will receive, for the first time, an American professor, thanks to a Fulbright agreement to teach a 6-month course. 

According to Professor Mantilla, currently most UNal students see a good option in taking graduate courses abroad. 

“The relationships established with other universities enable our students, which have completed their studies, to progress in their academic formation. However, this requires reciprocity, hence we opened our doors to foreign students so more institutions will accept ours,” he added. 

Increasing figures show that Colombia is turning into an attractive destination for formal internships. 

“Foreign universities are increasing their respect for the Universidad Nacional, which now consider it as an important peer university to promote student mobility. As a greater amount of foreign students from recognized universities around the world come to UNal, the university gains greater reputation,” he said. 

Lastly Mantilla highlighted that foreign students are the best ambassadors Colombia can have, because on their return they will attest to the real situation of the country and how new generations are being formed.