The benefits of studying a master’s program in the United States and financial support options are some of the topics that will be covered in the webinar. Sign up below.

We invite students who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S. in areas related to sustainability to join our upcoming information session, organized in collaboration with EducationUSA and Columbia University. The following topics will be covered: 

• The Master of Science in Sustainability Management at Columbia University and the Luksic Scholarship.
• The requirements and benefits of studying in the United States.
• The financial support options for completing a master’s degree in the United States.

>> Sign up here. The session will take place on Tuesday, January 30th at 3:00 pm EST / 5:00 PM CLST.

The webinar will be held in English and a recording of the event will be made available afterward.

The Luksic Scholarship at Columbia University

The Luksic Scholarship for Sustainability at the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University was created to support the development of trained leaders in sustainability, aiming to equip professionals with the necessary resources to generate change within their communities and professional environments. A total of 2 full scholarships are available each year for students admitted to this program for the Fall semester.

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are open until March 15, 2024. Interested candidates can apply here.
It is important to note that the admission, selection, and fund allocation processes are exclusively carried out by Columbia University.

About Luksic Scholars

Luksic Scholars facilitates access to international academic opportunities in collaboration with renowned universities around the world, offering scholarships for master’s and doctorate programs, research, and bespoke programs.

Participants in any Luksic Scholars program become part of the Luksic Scholars Community, a global network of over 1,000 Scholars that offers unique benefits and opportunities.

About the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University

Since 1995, the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University has administered and developed programs to meet a wide variety of student needs and is committed to offering diverse and innovative programs that help students succeed in their educational and professional development.

About EducationUSA

EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network with over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world.

The EducationUSA Santiago office is the main EducationUSA office in Chile and provides academic advising at the undergraduate, graduate, and intensive English levels at all accredited universities in the United States.

More than 400 people, including leaders, academics, and representatives from the public and private sectors, gathered at CorpArtes to attend the “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conference, which featured a keynote speech by the Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. The polarization of society, the stability of democracies today, and the role of academia in promoting dialogue and the search for joint solutions were some of the topics addressed during the panel, which was formed by Paula Daza, Verónica Figueroa Huencho, Oscar Landerretche, and Sebastián Soto.

The “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conference, organized by the Luksic Foundation through Luksic Scholars, offered a space to delve into the significance of reaching consensus in an increasingly divided world and the role of academia in facilitating joint solution-seeking. The event, which offered both in-person and via streaming, gathered over 400 people, including leaders, academics, and professionals from across the country and abroad.

Is consensus necessary? Can agreements be reached without parties giving up their convictions? And, how do we avoid stagnation in a polarized democracy? These were some of the questions addressed during the conference. 

“We want to understand what is happening in the world and provide tools to contribute to the exchange of ideas and the development of people,” said Isabella Luksic at the beginning of the conference. The CEO of the Luksic Foundation also explained that the purpose of the organization is focused on contributing to the development of Chile through educational initiatives, and that this particular event arises from the conviction that academia plays a significant role in promoting the development of countries and that international experiences can create valuable knowledge exchange.

The keynote address was delivered by Ngaire Woods, the founding Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University. “Polarization is taking place around the world, societies are fracturing and not sharing, and that should concern us,” said the expert in her talk. Regarding the role of universities and education in this challenge, the Dean pointed out that “it is essential that we teach our students how to converse and engage in discussions. That at the end of the day, we can agree to disagree.” 

Following Dean Woods’ speech, a panel discussion took place between Oscar Landerretche, economist and academic at the Universidad de Chile, Paula Daza, former Undersecretary of Public Health, Executive Director of the Center for Public Policy and Health Innovation at UDD (CIPS-UDD), Verónica Figueroa, academic at the Institute of Public Affairs at the Universidad de Chile, and Sebastián Soto, Associate Professor at the Department of Public Law, Pontificia Universidad de Católica, and Vice-President of the Expert Commission.

Both Verónica Figueroa and Sebastián Soto belong to the Luksic Scholars Community, which is made up of of more than 1,800 people who have participated in an academic program promoted by the Foundation in collaboration with universities worldwide.

Ways to Reach Agreements

One of the topics discussed was the possibility of reaching consensus in a polarized society and the crisis of democratic institutions. In this regard, economist Oscar Landerretche noted: “I think that for the problems we are facing in our society, setting the requirement of achieving consensus is too high of a bar. I prefer the word ‘agreements or contracts’.”

During the conference, recent events that have happened in Chile were addressed, such as the social outbreak in October of 2019 and the recent plebiscite process for a new constitution. Paula Daza, former Undersecretary of Public Health, commented: “We have common objectives, we are concerned about contributing to our country and providing solutions to Chile. This allows us to reach consensus. The pandemic taught us a lot in this aspect. I believe that consensus is possible.”

Verónica Figueroa emphasized that as a country “we are coming out of processes that allowed us to discuss, reflect, and dream about the country we want. It is important that university spaces be spaces for reflection. I think that today we have significant challenges that we can focus on the dreams of the institutions we want for the country.”

As for Sebastián Soto, he commented that “in the future, democracies have as a great challenge on governability. Consensus is fundamental since one builds transactions and contracts on consensus. But we have to have a common ground. It will not be unanimity, but rather fundamental values that must be shared over time.”

Alongside the “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conference, two programs aimed at academics, researchers, and professionals in the field of public service will be held. The programs are “Case Method for Public Policy Workshop,” developed by the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, and “Negotiating Across Differences: Concepts, Strategies, and Tools,” implemented by Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University.

The founding Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford is set to be the keynote speaker at the “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conference, organized by the Luksic Scholars initiative of the Luksic Foundation. This event is focused on creating dialogue about the role of public service in fostering Chile’s development and on identifying the most effective methods for building consensus.

Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government, will be addressing topics such as how academia can equip future political leaders for a divided world and the impact of forming unconventional coalitions on effective governance during her visit to Chile.

As a keynote speaker for the “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conference, organized by Luksic Scholars, an initiative of the Luksic Foundation, Dean Woods is currently in-country for the event scheduled for Tuesday, January 9th.

In an interview with El Mercurio, Dean Ngaire, who is also an academic of global economic governance, highlighted several challenges that democracies are facing around the world today. These include the difficulty of increasing polarization in society, the questioning of government institutions, and the use of referendums and plebiscites as an “alternative” to representative democracy.

She emphasized that “when politicians are elected to assume responsibilities, but instead turn around and say they want to hear our voices individually, what they are saying is that they are looking for shortcuts to representative democracy. This is the case in Chile, regarding the Constitution, in Australia regarding the Aboriginals, and in Brexit.” She pointed out that plebiscites “exacerbate polarization and divide societies more and more.”

Specifically addressing the three constitutional plebiscites held in Chile, Dean Woods remarked, “constitutions are not magical solutions. Many governments attempt to modify electoral systems through constitutional changes, hoping to address underlying issues. While constitutions can sometimes offer solutions, if they do not turn out well, they can crystallize the status quo.”

International Conference: “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground”

Dean Ngaire will be the main speaker at the “Global Paths: Seeking Common Ground” conferece which will take place on Tuesday, January 9th at 6:30 pm Chile time. She will provide a keynote speech on how to improve the governance of organizations, the challenges of globalization, development, and the role of international institutions and global economic governance.

Her speech will be followed by a panel discussion held amongst experts with vast experience in the public and private sectors, including the former Undersecretary of Public Health of Chile, Paula Daza; economist and former Chairman of the Board of CODELCO, Oscar Landerretche; professor of the Faculty of Government of the University of Chile and former Undersecretary of Higher Education, Verónica Figueroa; and Chilean lawyer and academic, Sebastián Soto.
The event will be live-streamed via the website www.caminosglobales.cl.
For more information, please contact [email protected].

This year there was a notable increase in applications to the Luksic Scholars Fund, which supports initiatives of the members of the Luksic Scholars Community in order to continue fostering the professional and personal development of individuals who have participated in Luksic Scholars programs. The total amount of funding available increased from $50,000 USD to approximately $72,000 USD.

FOR DETAILS ON THE SELECTED PROJECTS

A course on digital transformation, an innovation network in teaching for nutritionist training, a book on transfer pricing, and a study on the impact of Pro-Entrepreneurship Public Policies on the survival of enterprises in Chile, are part of the projects selected in The Luksic Scholars Fund 2023.

The initiative was created in 2021 with the aim of continuing to provide continuous support to members of the Luksic Scholars Community after they have participated in any of the academic programs offered by the organization. Scholars can receive up to $5,000 USD to develop initiatives in their areas of interest, thereby strengthening their leadership skills, acquiring competencies in key areas for their careers, or developing knowledge and research that contribute to their expertise.

This year, there was a significant increase in applications received by the Fund, reaching a total of 61 applications. Additionally, the funds to be distributed among the selected was increased to a total of approximately $72,000, in order to support more initiatives from the Community.

The panel responsible for evaluating each of the applications is formed by Georges de Bourguignon, co-founder and President of Asset Chile; Verónica Martini, Assistant Vice President for University Development at Columbia University; Steve Reifenberg, Professor of International Development at the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame; and Manuela Sánchez, Director of the Luksic Foundation.

Of the 16 Luksic Scholars whose projects were selected, 13 are from Chile, more specifically residing in the regions of Antofagasta, Biobío, Coquimbo, La Araucanía, and Metropolitan. Additionally, this version included a recipient from the United States, one from Mexico, and one from Croatia.

Selected Initiatives – The Luksic Scholars Fund 2023

Name: Ariel Ávila.
Project: “Leading with Finance” course at Harvard University.
Luksic Scholars Program: Babson SEE Chile 2021.

Name: Beatriz Millan.
Project: “Impact of Pro-Entrepreneurship Public Policies on the Survival of Enterprises and Their Internationalization Strategies. The Case of Chile 2010 – 2021”.
Luksic Scholars Program: Babson SEE Chile 2014, Babson Luksic Fellows 2015.

Name: Catalina Balmaceda.
Project: Classical Numismatics in Chile.
Luksic Scholars Program: Faculty Exchange Luksic Grants 2020.

Name: Claudia Bugueño.
Project: Innovation and Research Network in Teaching for Nutritionist Training (RIID).
Luksic Scholars Program: Babson SEE Antofagasta 2023.

Name: Herman Bennett.
Project: Book on the topic “Transfer Pricing”.
Luksic Scholars Program: Babson SEE Chile 2023.

Name: Juan Pablo Ramaciotti.
Project: Analysis and Policy Proposals regarding the implementation of Visas for Seasonal Migrant Workers.
Luksic Scholars Program: London School of Economics, Master in Public Policy (MPP) – Luksic Scholarship 2020.

Name: Kristina Fister.
Project: Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence in Croatian Healthcare.
Luksic Scholars Program: Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education – Croatia 2019.

Name: Loreto Cox.
Project: Chile 50 Years after the Coup: Permanence and Change of Political Divisions across Generations.
Luksic Scholars Program: MIT Doctorate in Political Science – Luksic Fellowship 2013.

Name: Miguel Cortes.
Project: Specialization Course in Digital Transformation.
Luksic Scholars Program: Conducting Business in China – CMIX 2008.

Name: Natalie Meyers.
Project: Establishing a National Strategy and Roadmap for GO FAIR in Chile.
Luksic Scholars Program: Faculty Exchange Luksic Grants 2019.

Name: Rodrigo Perez.
Project: Creating Value through Design 3rd Edition.
Luksic Scholars Program: Babson SEE Chile 2023, Babson Luksic Fellows 2023.

Name: Samuel Fernandez.
Project: Dissemination of research results on the Council of Nicaea (325).
Luksic Scholars Program: Faculty Exchange Luksic Grants 2015.

Name: Sandra Arenas.
Project: Reception of the ecumenism of the Second Vatican Council in Temuco-Chile: public incidence in a plural religious context.
Luksic Scholars Program: Faculty Exchange Luksic Grants 2015.

Name: Sebastian Gonzalez.
Project:  Transforming Classroom Teaching: Integrating Thinking Routines, High-Impact Practices, and Design Thinking for the Development of 21st Century Skills (Golden Skills).
Luksic Scholars Program: Babson SEE Chile 2023.

Name: Tesalia Rizzo.
Project: Between Citizens and the State: How Bureaucratic Transaction Costs Sustain Clientelism.
Luksic Scholars Program: MIT Doctorate in Political Science – Luksic Fellowship 2015.

Name: Silvana Cerda.
Project: Israel Innovation Experience 360° – From the Desert of Tel Aviv to Arica.*
Luksic Scholars Program: Babson SEE Antofagasta 2023, Babson Luksic Fellows 2023.

*The project has been temporarily suspended due to the recent circumstances in the area.

Note: The details and conditions of the projects mentioned in this publication are subject to modifications and updates. The Foundation reserves the right to alter any aspects of the projects as required to guarantee their efficacy and alignment with the overarching goals of the initiative.

Over the past decade, more than 170 academics, students, and administrative staff have been part of the Faculty Exchange Luksic Grants program, enabling them to connect, collaborate and share in diverse fields such as philosophy, engineering, mathematics, arts and humanities. 

“New beginnings,” “openness,” “friendship” and “opportunities.” With these words, Faculty Exchange Luksic Grants participants define their experience in the program that for the past 10 years has strengthened relations between Chile and the United States, fostering exchange between the communities of two renowned academic institutions: the University of Notre Dame du Lac and the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. 

In total, 176 academics, students and administrative staff from both universities collaborated by doing joint research, participating in exchanges, and attending conferences organized by the universities in both countries. This collaboration fostered a virtuous connection in one of the spheres with the greatest transformative potential in society: higher education.

“Throughout these years, we have seen how the strategic collaboration between these institutions has positively transformed the educational and professional trajectories of hundreds of people. But we have also been able to observe how the collaboration has promoted knowledge, research and cultural exchange between the two countries”, said Isabella Luksic, Executive Director of the Luksic Scholars Foundation. 

To celebrate the achievements and results of the program, academics and executives from the University of Notre Dame visited Chile to participate in a meeting with Luksic Scholars who were part of this educational experience, as well as with representatives from the Catholic University, the Notre Dame Santiago Global Center office, and the Foundation’s team. 

“We are very pleased with what has been achieved with this program. Thanks to the Luksic Scholars Foundation for planting this seed, which has meant that today we are very close strategic partners with Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. We really feel that in the future this bond can only grow stronger, since the relationship with Chile is an exchange that is very important to us”, stated Michael Pippenger, Vice President and Associate Provost for Internationalization at the University of Notre Dame. 

President of Universidad Católica, Ignacio Sánchez, stressed the importance of continuing to promote internationalization in higher education. “As a university we are committed to continuing to establish strong relationships with universities and research centers around the world. This program marked the beginning of a very fruitful collaboration that has benefited academics, administrators, and mainly our students. We believe that we need to foster global skills for global challenges, and internationalization opens opportunities in that path”. 

Camila Varela, a professor and coordinator of international affairs at the UC School of Nursing, was one of the participants in the program and went to the United States in early 2022. She commented, “I was able to find a very interesting path that had to do with my role in promoting the internationalization of our students and academics at the school. I had meetings, learned about best practices and was able to explore the experiences they had developed to promote collaborative work with other countries, allowing me to bring that learning and propose new challenges in favor of internationalization”. 

The meeting was moderated by Lilian Ferrer, Vice Rector for International Affairs at Universidad Católica. At the event, different Luksic Scholars shared their testimonies and experiences which included research and collaborations in diverse fields such as art, history, physics, biology, architecture and philosophy.

As part of the celebration of the program’s 10th anniversary, a seminar titled “Internationalization in Higher Education: Reflections on the Effects and Impact of the Strategic Collaboration of Institutions” was held. The event was open to the public and featured panelists including Lilian Ferrer (UC); Michael Pippenger (ND); Domingo Mery (UC), Rob Nerenberg (ND), Cristian Diaz Castro (UC), Hong Zhu (ND) and Steve Reifenberg (ND). 

The seminar addressed topics such as the challenges and achievements in establishing a vice-rectorate for international affairs; the path of dual certification; and the impact of promoting an inclusive and sustainable student exchange.

Luksic Scholars, Loreto Cox, Alejandra Loyola, and Susana Sierra were selected from more than 32,000 nominations received in the 22nd edition of this annual accolade. The initiative, organized by El Mercurio along with Mujeres Empresarias, seeks to recognize the work and trajectory of women who contribute to society from their various fields. 

The recent “100 Women Leaders 2023” awards, organized by El Mercurio and Mujeres Empresarias, celebrated the achievements of Luksic Scholars, Loreto Cox, Alejandra Loyola, and Susana Sierra. They were selected from over 32,000 nominations in the 22nd edition of the contest, which honors women contributing significantly to various societal sectors.

This annual accolade, that has now become a tradition, highlights the talent and leadership of Chilean women across multiple fields and rtoles, acknowledging their contributions to the nation’s social and economic progress.

The awards spanned five categories this year: Businesswomen and Entrepreneurs; Social Service; Executives; Public Service; Professionals, Academics, and Researchers. With over 32,000 nominations translating to 1,386 distinct applicants, a diverse jury of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and representatives from academia and various sectors selected the top 100, including three Luksic Scholars (people who have participated in an academic program supported by Luksic Scholars, an initiative promoted by the Luksic Foundation). 

Loreto Cox, a professor and researcher at the UC School of Government, was recognized in the “Professionals, Academics, and Researchers” category. Her research delves into political behavior, employing surveys and experiments. Cox, an economist and sociologist, pursued her Ph.D. in political science at MIT, supported by the Luksic Fellowship from 2014-2019.

In the “Businesswomen and Entrepreneurs” category, Alejandra Loyola and Susana Sierra were recognized. Alejandra Loyola is the founder of TheHouse Advisory, an organization dedicated to advising boards of directors and managers of local and international companies to increase their effectiveness and enhance their results strategically, providing more than just financial support. A commercial engineer from the Catholic University, Alejandra Loyola is also a member of the boards of Mapfre Seguros, Fundación Tacal and participates in the presidency of the board of directors of the Foundation of Graduates of the UC School of Economics and Administration. She participated in the 2013 Luksic Scholars Conducting Business in China (CMIX program), fostering business plan development between MBA students at Tsinghua University and the Catholic University of Chile.

Susana Sierra, CEO of BH Compliance is a company that guides organizations to protect themselves against business malpractice and helps them to act sustainably. Her extensive experience in transparency and organizational culture has earned her multiple accolades. Sierra participated in the 2007 Luksic Scholars-supported Babson Chilean Symposium for Entrepreneurship Educators (SEE), a symposium for entrepreneurship educators in Chile. 

Congratulations to all the women who have been recognized this year!

Columbia University School of Professional Studies is proud to announce the Luksic Scholarship for Sustainability at Columbia University for students in the Master of Science in Sustainability Management program. The scholarship, supported by the Luksic Scholars Foundation, will cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses. Students who have lived or worked in Chile and who are committed to working on sustainability efforts in the region will be eligible for the scholarship.

“We are grateful to partner with the Luksic Scholars Foundation to give more students access to Columbia University and all the resources it offers,” said Troy Eggers, dean of the School of Professional Studies (SPS). “Our courses will equip these students with the skills and knowledge to implement change in the Chilean region and in communities that have been on the front lines of climate change.”

“At the Luksic Scholars Foundation, we are committed to supporting the development of skilled leaders in sustainability, equipping professionals with the resources to be able to create change within their communities and professional environments,” said Isabella Luksic, executive director of the Luksic Scholars Foundation. “Working with the School of Professional Studies’ M.S. in Sustainability Management program is a vital component in achieving this goal.”

Bolstered by the cutting-edge research from Columbia Climate School’s Earth Institute and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the M.S. in Sustainability Management program offered at SPS combines innovative instruction in leading climate change science research with practical strategies to implement that knowledge in sustainable industries. The instructors in the program are both Columbia full-time professors and practitioners in the field of sustainability from organizations and companies including the New York City Mayor’s Office, ConEdison, Morgan Stanley, Etsy, Coach, and Cerberus Capital Management.

“The M.S. in Sustainability Management program at SPS provides our students with an education that will help them change the world for the better,” said Steve Cohen, senior vice dean of SPS and director of the M.S. in Sustainability Management program. “This scholarship will help us reach more students from a region that is at the forefront of global sustainability efforts, and we enthusiastically look forward to the ideas and experience these students will add to classroom discussions.”

One recent graduate, Valentina Muñoz Venezian (’23SPS, SUMA), a former student president of the M.S. in Sustainability Management program and a Chilean national, is excited that more students from her region will have the opportunity to study at Columbia. “I look forward to seeing what the next generations of students will do with the skills they learn at Columbia. And I’m sure that one day our paths will connect while developing high-impact sustainability projects in Chile and Latin America.”

 Application for fall 2024 enrollment is open. The deadline for international applicants is March 15, 2024. Further information regarding application requirements can be found here. 

Interested candidates are encouraged to attend a virtual session on November 30, 2023, at 12:00 pm CLST to learn more about the scholarship, the program, and application requirements and deadlines. 

In collaboration with the London School of Economics (LSE), the University of Oxford, MIT, and Sciences Po, the Luksic Scholars Foundation is offering information sessions that will feature representatives from each university, as well as Luksic Scholars, allowing prospective candidates to learn more about the programs and Scholarship opportunities available.

The Luksic Scholarships in Public Service have been developed by the Luksic Scholars Foundation to enable Chilean professionals to pursue an international master’s or doctorate degree with a special emphasis in this field. These full scholarships have been created in association with globally renowned institutions: LSE, the University of Oxford, MIT, and Sciences Po.

How to access the Luksic Scholarships? Apply directly to the respective university and adhere to their admissions and financial aid guidelines.

JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATION SESSION:

Engage with representatives from each university, get insights on admissions and financial aid processes and requirements, and hear firsthand experiences from Luksic Scholars. Sign up below for the information sessions of your choice:

London School of Economics (LSE) – London, UK / Sign up here.

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 12:00 pm CLST

• 4 Scholarships offered each year for the Public Policy (MPP) and Public Administration (MPA) programs (2 for MPP and 2 for MPA)
• Application period: October 2023-January 2024 for program applications / February 2024 for Scholarship applications

Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford – Oxford, UK / Sign up here. 

Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 10:00 am CLST

• 3 Scholarships offered each year for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program.
• Application period: September 2023-January 2024

Department of Political Science, MIT – Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA / Sign up here. 

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 5:00 pm CLST

• 1 Scholarship offered each year for the Doctorate in Political Science program.
• Application period: October 2023-December 2023

Sciences Po – Paris, France / Sign up here.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 9:00 am CLST

• 3 scholarships offered each year for programs at the School of Public Affairs and the Paris School of International Affairs.
• Application period: October 2023-December 2023

Stay connected: For regular program updates, you can follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

For questions related to admissions or financial aid, please reach out directly to the university you are interested in applying to, as they oversee the admissions, selection, and funding processes.

If you need more program-based information, please visit the following pages: LSE – MPP, LSE – MPA, MIT Political Science, Sciences Po, and the University of Oxford.

Álvaro Hofflinger began his experience as a “Harvard DRCLAS Luksic Visiting Scholar” a few weeks ago. Through this program, the professor from the Universidad de La Frontera, hopes to connect with academics and students working on similar topics and thus enrich his research. Currently, applications are open for Chilean researchers who want to participate in this program.

The Covid-19 pandemic had a profound impact on all aspects of everyday life, and one of the areas most affected was education. Schools, colleges, and universities around the world had to cancel in-person classes to avoid contagion, migrating to virtual education, and using different video calling and internet platforms. However, this solution was not available to everyone.

What happened to those students from communities where internet access was poor or nonexistent? And how will this experience affect the educational and professional trajectories of these students? These are the questions that Álvaro Hofflinger, an academic from the Universidad de La Frontera, seeks to address in his research: “Beyond test scores: the impact of school closures on Indigenous and rural students in Chile” (“Más allá de los resultados: el impacto del cierre de escuelas en estudiantes indígenas y rurales de Chile”).

“Due to the pandemic, Chile was the OECD member country that kept its schools closed for the longest time,” Hofflinger explained. “My project studies the impact of school closures on rural and indigenous populations, in particular the long-term effect on dropout rates, timely graduation rates, access to higher education, and the labor market,” added the academic.

The researcher is from Selva Oscura, a small rural village located in the commune of Victoria, in the Araucanía Region, so he has a personal connection to the topic. “The school in my town was closed for almost two years. My concern comes from there, of wondering what will happen to that generation of children and girls. I know their parents, their families, and I feel that from my work as an academic, I can make a contribution.”

International experience: Harvard DRCLAS Luksic Visiting Scholar

With the aim of enriching his research, the academic applied and was selected for the “Harvard DRCLAS Luksic Visiting Scholar” program, a collaboration initiative between the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard (DRCLAS) and the Luksic Scholars Foundation, which provides full funding for Chilean academics who wish to live a semester on the Cambridge campus, developing research in their area of interest. Participants can access shared offices, libraries, classes, and seminars at the university.

“There are always people in other places who are doing something similar to what one is interested in, and the key is to be able to meet and project instances of collaborative work,” emphasized Hofflinger.

One of the aspects that most catches his attention is getting to know the Harvard Study of Adult Development project up close, a research project that has been developed by the Harvard Medical School for the past 75 years. “In my research, I am following 40 families from the communes of Victoria and Lautaro. I have interviewed these families when their children were in eighth grade, and then in their first year of high school, and my goal is to follow them until they enter the workforce or higher education. I am interested in learning more about longitudinal studies to improve what I am doing and this experience will be of great help.”

Call for applications

Currently, and until Monday, October 16th, applications are open for the Harvard DRCLAS Luksic Visiting Scholars program for researchers who, like Álvaro, want to live this international experience through an opportunity of funding that includes travel costs, insurance, and maintenance.

For academics interested in applying, Álvaro gave some tips: “The research project must be consistent with the thematic areas of DRCLAS, they have defined different lines of work and it is important that the projects are aligned with the mission of the center. Second, it must be a relevant topic for the country, it must be clear the contribution that will be made and how the results can contribute to other countries in the region”, he assured. All application information is available on the program website or on the DRCLAS website.

The London School of Economics (LSE), the University of Oxford, and Sciences Po, are set to begin their admission processes for various academic programs later this year. In collaboration with these institutions, the Luksic Scholars Foundation is offering full scholarships to enable Chileans to embark on these international academic experiences. 

Public service, and all of those dedicated to it, play a crucial role in shaping a better society. It is within this sector that a myriad of social challenges are tackled, leading to transformations that a country needs in order to enhance the quality of life for its citizens. With the rapidly changing landscape of today’s social and global challenges, there is an ever-growing emphasis on strengthening the training of professionals and leaders within this realm. 

In light of this, and as a response to these challenges, the Luksic Scholars Foundation has developed the Luksic Scholarships in Public Service, allowing Chilean professionals to pursue an international master’s degree with a special emphasis in this field. These opportunities are created in collaboration with globally recognized universities such as LSE, the University of Oxford, and Sciences Po.

“Training dedicated professionals committed to public service is vital for our society. We facilitate access to academic opportunities in this field because we believe it contributes to the development of leaders and experts ready to address the challenges of the 21st century,” stated Isabella Luksic, Executive Director of the Luksic Scholars Foundation.

Similarly, Trinidad García, Program Development Lead at the Luksic Scholars Foundation, emphasized that the design of Luksic Scholarships in Public Service aims to broaden access so more Chileans can tap into this life-changing experience.  “Pursuing a master’s degree abroad is a transformative opportunity that broadens horizons and fosters professional growth. Participants can immerse themselves in a new academic and social culture, expand their knowledge, build networks, and learn to tackle challenges in their respective fields from fresh and innovative perspectives,” Trinidad noted.

In addition, all Luksic Scholarship recipients have to the opportunity to join the Luksic Scholars Community, a global network of over 1,000 Scholars who have participated in various programs supported by the Foundation since 2000. This Community offers exclusive benefits and opportunities.

In the upcoming months, these three academic institutions offering master’s degrees in Public Service will begin their admission processes. It is important to note that applications for the programs and the Luksic Scholarships are managed and allocated exsluviely by each academic institution.

To learn more, we invite you to visit each program’s webpage for specific details:

The Luksic Scholarships in Public Service:

Luksic Scholarship at LSE