The Friends of Fulbright at UNM may be headed home, but they will remain true to the name–longtime companions of the university.

For five years now, UNM has hosted the Friends of Fulbright Argentina Undergraduate Student Exchange Program through the Global Education Office (GEO). 

The program has a unique, accommodating setup to allow for young students who cannot afford a full-length exchange timeline. For six weeks, eight undergraduate students got to take two-upper level classes related to their majors. So far, that’s been an opportunity for 56 students from 23 Argentinian universities. 

“The UNM Honors College is thrilled to continue our partnership with the Friends of Fulbright Argentina Program. International study is a transformative experience and the UNM Honors College faculty are thankful to have these wonderful students join our seminar classes for an exchange of ideas, perspectives, and culture that benefits both our guests and our students,” Honors College Dean Eric Lau said. “The personal guidance and tips provided by Fulbright Alumni to the FOF students on everything from what to eat to where to visit, helped them get the most out of their experience at UNM and will provide insight to future students.” 

Something extra special about the program is that it focuses on cultural immersion. That includes community service, field trips and seminars. At UNM, the students participated in professional development workshops, cultural activities, hands-on lab time and an additional Honors College course. Just a few of the scheduled opportunities included hiking, skiing, visits to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and optional excursions to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. With evolving UNM and New Mexico opportunities, GEO is able to make no cohort experience the same.

“Now in its sixth iteration, this incredible program continues to be facilitated and managed by our office,” GEO Global Programs Manager Sue Wilder. “While each program has provided a meaningful study abroad experience for these students, the program of events is always slightly different. ” 

UNM has been heralded as a top university to host the competitive, recruitment-based program. 

“I am very proud of the educational exchange between UNM and the universities in Argentina. Since 2018, UNM,” UNM School of Medicine Director in the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Veronica Plaza said. “Each Fulbright student scholar is outstanding in their field. The FoF Argentina exchange program is helping to develop the next-generation of academic leaders and build international relations earlier in their professional development.”

The students were honored prior to returning to Argentina at a farewell networking lunch at the Honors College Forum. Their names, Argentinian province and school and areas of study are below:

  • José Darío Aguayo, Chaco, Universidad Tecnológica Nacional, Chemical Engineering
  • Agustín José Bertini, Tucumán, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, History
  • Valentino Di Piero, Buenos Aires, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Physics 
  • Ezequiel Martinez, Buenos Aires, Universidad Nacional de La Matanza, Computer Science Engineering
  • Emilia Rea, Buenos Aires, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Microbiology
  • Agostina Ayelén Sabena, Córdoba, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, International Relations
  • Florencia Sommer, Córdoba, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Civil Engineering
  • Micaela Ailin Costa, CABA, University of Buenos Aires, Law


Learn more about the opportunities available abroad through UNM, at the Global Education Office.