Universidade De Vigo: An International Institution Dedicated To Meeting The Demands Of A Diverse & Dynamic Student Community | TheHigherEducationReview

Universidade De Vigo: An International Institution Dedicated To Meeting The Demands Of A Diverse & Dynamic Student Community

By Maribel del PozoTrivino, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation
The public higher education system in Spain is among the best in the world, making it possible for students from all walks of life to pursue higher education. The medical, audio-visual communication, sports science, engineering, aeronautical, marine science, mathematical, business, environmental science, and other fields are only a few of the many for which Spanish university graduates are in great demand across the globe. This is the case not just in the United States but also in the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, as well as other nations farther afield. Each year, a substantial number of international students travel to Spain to pursue higher education, necessitating that the country's educational institutions accommodate the needs of both international and local students. In light of this, Universidade de Vigo, which was established in 1990, is one of the most prestigious universities in Spain that caters to the different educational demands of international and local students.

This institution, which began as a college associated with Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), has grown into a full-fledged university that competes with the centennial USC on several fronts since its inception. It has strong moral foundations, where the primary goals are transparency, efficiency in administration, social cohesion, respect for difference, and care for the natural world. The Universidade de Vigo's dedication to specialization and quality research is aimed at fulfilling the relentless and ever-changing needs of a continually growing global society, hence knowledge transmission to society is a central emphasis of the training courses.

Strengthening Spain's Higher Education System


Each of the three campuses of the Universidade de Vigo, located in the cities of Ourense, Pontevedra, and Vigo, provides a distinctive blend of academic courses, including more than 30 training and research facilities, sports and entertainment facilities, and an active cultural program.
In recent years, colleges in Spain have diversified their curriculums to include more in-demand courses, such as aeronautical engineering, marine sciences, and artificial intelligence, among others. In addition, under the scope of the European Universities initiative, Universidade de Vigo has joined the ATHENA Alliance and, consequently, students from Universidade de Vigo may network not only with their Spanish classmates but also with international students from the other ATHENA partner countries, strengthening both their subject-specific knowledge and exposure to various cultures.

Galicia, where Universidade de Vigo is situated, is known for its verdant mountains and valleys and its pleasant, almost Mediterranean climate. Describing more about the university, Maribel del Pozo Triviño, the Pro-Vicechancellor for Internationalisation at Universidade de Vigo, says, "Compared to other Spanish institutions, this one is well situated near a variety of recreational activities, allowing students to go sailing, skiing, boating, canoeing, hiking, climbing, and many others, or just rest on a beautiful beach. A significant proportion of Galicians trace their origin to the Celtic people, bringing with them centuries of tradition in hospitality, music, ritual, and custom. Portugal is a 20-minute drive from Vigo, and students with Schengen visas may go there as frequently as they want.

Students from India may have a better understanding of the history of Goa, by studying Portugal's illustrious cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Moreover, numerous degree courses and collaboration agreements with Portuguese universities and research organizations contribute to the excellent quality of cross-border education". The Universidade de Vigo's 'Campus do Mar -International Marine Excellence Campus' is home to over 3,000 researchers from a global network of academic institutions devoted to studying basic and applied marine science.

Courses for International Students


The Universidade de Vigo offers 123 bachelor's and master's degrees, 40 Ph.D. courses, seven degrees with joint initiatives, and four degrees through mutual recognition agreements with overseas universities, besides providing hundreds of additional courses, activities, seminars, language classes, and more in addition to the Senior university curriculum. Courses in computational engineering, marine sciences, languages, business management, among many others, draw students from all over the world to Universidade de Vigo each year.

The city's exquisite location on a fiord (Vigo Bay), surrounded by nature and close to the Portuguese border, makes it a desirable study destination for students from all over the world. The fictional city of Atlantis in the novel '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' is based in Vigo Bay. National Geographic organizes nature cruises to the Cíes Islands, considered one of the top three beaches in the world. The relatively fewer international students in Galicia, facilitate contact with locals and their customs and traditions, thus making them feel more welcome rather than just a number when compared to other big Spanish cities.

"œUniversidade de Vigo is a Contemporary creative institution Committed to innovation, quality, Progress, and sustainability, For the scientific and cultural Advancement of society"

Many Indian students choose to study business and administration, marine sciences, languages, and various branches of engineering (electrical, chemical, computer, industrial, and more). Moreover, Universidade de Vigo offers Indian students the possibility to study Spanish, the third most spoken language in the world (UNESCO), thus enhancing their prospects of finding employment in Spanish-speaking nations upon graduation. The combined degree opportunity offered by the ATHENA program is an additional option for obtaining both knowledge and culture by studying the same degree in multiple European countries. Moreover, Indian students living in Spain are eligible for scholarships awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Education and the Universidade de Vigo.

The Universidade de Vigo is a contemporary creative institution today that aims for the scientific and cultural advancement of society. To that end, it focuses on tools such as diversity and gender equality, environmental stewardship, commitment to innovation, quality, progress, and sustainability. Maribel del Pozo Triviño concludes: "Universidade de Vigo's helpful, honest, and welcoming staff await you to make your stay a memorable one".