Written by Susanne Nylund-Torp, International Partnerships Manager, and Anne Ahlqvist, International Education Specialist, University of Vaasa, Finland
Following the inspiring summer experiences shared in an earlier post Summer in Vaasa: Pursuing an International Double Degree, the TFK2023 project took another exciting step forward in October 2025. Representatives – Susanne Nylund-Torp, International Partnerships Manager, and Anne Ahlqvist, International Education Specialist – from the University of Vaasa travelled to Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) to deepen academic ties and advance the development of a double degree program between the two institutions.
This 10-day visit to Lima and Cusco was part of the same initiative that brought international staff to Vaasa during the summer. Now, the focus shifted to institutional collaboration, curriculum alignment, and intercultural exchange.
Building Bridges Between Institutions
The University of Vaasa International Partnerships Manager Susanne Nylund-Torp and International Education Specialist Anne Ahlqvist represented the University of Vaasa in meetings with PUCP’s School of Management, research departments, and international relations offices. In workshops the structure of the double degree was finalized, Erasmus+ opportunities were explored, and best practices in student wellbeing and academic support were shared.
The visit also included participation in PUCP’s Annual Research Meeting and a joint workshop with UNSAAC in Cusco, reinforcing a broader understanding of Peruvian higher education.
Culture, Connection, and Context
Beyond academic discussions, the visit offered rich cultural immersion—from exploring Museo Larco and Lima’s historic centre to visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas and engaging in a workshop on interculturality at PUCP’s Pisac Campus.
These experiences not only strengthened professional relationships but also deepened mutual understanding of the cultural contexts that shape higher education in both Finland and Peru.
What’s Next?
The journey concluded with a clear roadmap for finalizing the double degree agreement and concrete plans for how to secure future funding for our collaboration. The summer in Vaasa laid the foundation for deeper cooperation between the institutions, this visit to Peru developed the way forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on the UVA-PUCP collaboration as it continues to connect institutions, cultures, and people across continents, enabled through TFK2023.
Acknowledgement
This visit was part of a collaborative project “Education for sustainable internationalisation of a firm (ESGinMNC)” uniting the PUCP and the University of Vaasa. The project was funded by by the Finnish National Agency of Education, TFK 2023. This project has been coordinated by Aušrinė Šilenskytė, Program manager and researcher at the University of Vaasa, Finland.
