Undergraduate students head to China for an academic exchange program

Twelve IMPA Tech students departed this Friday morning (the 28th) for China, where they will spend an academic semester as part of the undergraduate International Mobility Program. The experience will allow the undergraduates to broaden their academic education, explore new research environments, and experience university life in one of the world’s leading centers for science, technology, and innovation.

The students will be divided among two partner institutions: Beihang University and Peking University. Each university will host six IMPA Tech undergraduate students, who will participate in courses and research activities throughout the semester. The group brings together students specializing in Mathematics; Artificial Intelligence and Data Science; and Computer Science, in a distribution aligned with the academic profiles of the Chinese institutions.

For the students, departure marks the beginning of an experience that goes far beyond the classroom. “Being exposed to Chinese research and technology—which are currently at the forefront of the world—will certainly enrich me as a person and as a future mathematician,” said Adriana Kaminsky.

The academic program was made possible through sponsorship from three IMPA Tech partner companies: Fundação BRAVA, Fundação Estudar, and Stone. The investment covered the students’ travel and living expenses, while the Chinese universities provided free housing.

“What IMPA Tech is doing is really cool. We’re so happy to be part of this initiative. You’re the first students to get on board, but others will surely follow. The goal of this partnership is to foster exchange between countries. It’s a stepping stone toward making IMPA Tech an increasingly prominent international leader,” said Letícia Piccolotto, executive president of the BRAVA Foundation.

In addition to the academic aspect, international mobility will be an opportunity to learn about a new culture and experience daily life in a country that excels in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. “I’m excited to learn about their study culture, which has proven to be very effective. We’ll learn new things through hands-on experience, and I think it’ll be really cool,” said student Arthur Zaneti.

The trip to China is part of IMPA Tech’s initiative to offer students an interdisciplinary education connected to various academic and professional contexts. Throughout the semester, undergraduate students will be able to deepen their knowledge in their areas of interest and forge new connections with the Chinese academic community.

Professor Rafael Beraldo, IMPA Tech’s Skills Development Manager, also traveled with the students. He will accompany the group during their initial adjustment period and serve as a liaison between the Brazilian group and the Chinese universities.

“I’m very happy to see the results of our undergraduate program’s internationalization efforts. The selection process for the exchange program began back in March; the students were selected, went through interviews, and now it’s time to travel,” he said.

The partnership with Chinese universities also expands opportunities for collaboration and exchange between the institutions. In August, six students from the School of Mathematical Sciences at Beihang University had already begun a semester at IMPA Tech as part of the International Mobility Program.

Brazilian students are scheduled to return to Rio de Janeiro in January 2027. Until then, the experience is expected to be marked by new knowledge, discoveries, and opportunities for exchange.