The ceremony marked the end of the academic year for international students in their second semester and for the entire 2025–2026 academic year

Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV) held a farewell ceremony for the 536 international exchange students of the 2025–2026 academic year, an event marked by gratitude, emotion, and recognition of the academic, personal, and cultural experiences they had during their time at the university.

The ceremony took place on Tuesday, May 5, in the Aula Magna of Building H and brought together students, faculty, family members, and staff from the Office of International Affairs. The event was presided over by Juan Pérez-Miranda, Vice Rector for Internationalization; Alma Vázquez, Director of the International Office; Mónica Alberich, Head of the International Secretariat; Luis Javier Garavito, professor in programme ; and Carla Vilallonga, professor and coordinator of various international programs at UFV.

IMG_4705-Edit UFV bids farewell to its international students after a semester of learning, fellowship, and cultural exchange Study at the Universidad Privada Madrid

An international experience that goes beyond the classroom

During the event, UFV highlighted the human and cultural richness that international students bring to the university community each year. The gathering provided an opportunity to recognize not only their academic achievements but also the personal impact of living an international experience, adapting to a new environment, and becoming part of a different university community.

The group of 536 students represents 37 different nationalities, with the most represented countries being France, Italy, Mexico, the United States, South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany, and Portugal. As for exchange programs, there are 304 Erasmus students, 227 in bilateral programs, and 5 in SICUE (national exchange). There were 380 outgoing students in the 2025/26 academic year, with 265 international agreements.

Throughout the event, several students shared their stories on behalf of their peers. Among those who spoke were Yusef Ghailan, a student from Thomas More in Belgium; Léna Poudevigne and Emmanuelle Lihan, students from the Institut de Gestion Sociale - IGENSIA in France; and Pantea Ajnegan, a student from Uppsala University in Sweden.

The students have highlighted the value of UFV's support

French students Léna Poudevigne and Emmanuelle Lihan shared how their experience in Madrid began to change the moment they arrived, thanks to the warm welcome from their Spanish buddies, who picked them up at the airport and accompanied them to their homes.

Both students emphasized the importance of feeling supported from day one in a foreign country. They also highlighted the support they received from the university’s incoming student team, praising their approachability and availability throughout their stay.

A transformative experience for students

Pantea Ajnegan, a student at Uppsala University in Sweden, emphasized that an international study abroad experience goes far beyond the academic realm and becomes a life-changing experience. The student highlighted the role of UFV in creating spaces for connection and belonging, noting that the university offered them “real opportunities” to build authentic relationships and feel part of the university community.

A people-centered approach to internationalization

In this regard, Francisco de Vitoria University has developed an internationalization model focused on the holistic education of students, through agreements with more than 200 universities around the world and academic exchange programs that promote cultural exchange and personal development. Each academic year, UFV promotes both the arrival of international students and the departure of its own students to international destinations, within the framework of agreements with higher education institutions in various countries.

The farewell ceremony for international students reflects an understanding of the college experience that goes beyond the academic realm and places the individual at the center. Through cultural exchange, support, and openness to diversity, Francisco de Vitoria University fosters in its students a broader view of reality and a personal commitment to their surroundings, thereby contributing to the construction of that human revolution it promotes through its educational mission.

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UFV bids farewell to its international students after a semester of learning, fellowship, and cultural exchange

The ceremony marked the end of the academic year for international students in their second semester and for the entire 2025–2026 academic year

An international experience that goes beyond the classroom

The students have highlighted the value of UFV's support

A transformative experience for students

A people-centered approach to internationalization

You may be interested

The ceremony marked the end of the academic year for international students in their second semester and for the entire 2025–2026 academic year

An international experience that goes beyond the classroom

The students have highlighted the value of UFV's support

A transformative experience for students

A people-centered approach to internationalization

You may be interested