Universidad Austral de Chile (Chile)

The Universidad Austral de Chile (the Southern University of Chile), is a research university in Valdivia, Chile. UACH was founded in 1954 as one of the eight original Traditional Universities in Chile. UACh has over 11,000 students enrolled and is considered one of the top research institutions in Chile. Universidad Austral de Chile’s website>>

University Social Responsibility

UACh has traditionally had strong connections with the community. This has been enhanced since 2001 through collaboration with Universidad Construye Pais, a national higher education network that promotes social responsibility in Chilean higher education. This culminated with the establishment of a University Social Responsibility (RSU) Unit under the Directorate of Extension at UACh. Learn more>>

Service Learning

With funding from the Inter-American Development Bank and in collaboration with the other universities in Universidad Construye Pais, UACh’s Social Responsibility Unit is working to incorporate service learning into the curriculum. The key objectives of the project, “Learning Together: Strengthening Social Capital between the University and the Community,” are to train key stakeholders in implementing the service learning methodology, disseminating best practices in service learning, and advising key officials on implementation of service learning courses.

Research

UACh’s Research Division works in collaboration with the Social Responsibility Unit to implement individual projects on socially relevant issues such as sustainable development. Researchers are encouraged to keep both regional and national needs in mind, and to collaborate with community partners. Furthermore, undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in these research teams. Learn more>>

Extension

Faculties across UACh implement extension activities using their particular expertise to serve the local community. For example, the Faculty of Medicine organizes community blood drives, provides medical services and testing to disadvantaged communities, and runs various public awareness programs on health issues. Learn more>>