The Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) welcomed nearly one hundred national and international students participating in the academic mobility program for the first semester of 2026, according to a March 27 announcement.
The initiative aims to promote integration among students from different regions and countries as they begin their studies at UNMSM. The group includes 33 foreign university students from Mexico, Chile, Colombia, the United States, Germany, France, and Italy. Additionally, there are 41 students from various Peruvian universities that have active agreements with UNMSM. These Peruvian participants come from cities such as Trujillo, Arequipa, Puno, Ayacucho, Cusco, Chiclayo, among others.
All of these students will attend classes at UNMSM in various faculties during the period from April to July this year. Cayo León Fernández, head of the General Office of Cooperation and Interinstitutional Relations (OGCRI), said this year’s welcome event differed from previous years by including activities designed to foster interaction among participants in a more relaxed atmosphere.
“We are breaking paradigms with this type of welcome activity for exchange students—with integration dynamics very different from traditional formal or protocol ceremonies,” León said.
During the event held on Friday March 27 at the university gymnasium, three teams were formed based on related academic areas: Engineering; Health; Humanities and Social Sciences. Each team wore green, yellow or cream sweatshirts. Guided by specialized coaches, both Peruvian and foreign students took part in group dynamics and games intended to help them get acquainted and build trust.
“The idea is that these three groups work together throughout the semester—sharing concerns and experiences—strengthening not only academic ties but also bonds of brotherhood,” León said. He added that it is expected all mobility program participants will feel committed to UNMSM after completing their stay due to what they learn in class and through their overall experience.
