Exploring the University of Jaén: Academics, Culture, and Mobility

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) organised an inspiring talk titled Jaén as an International Destination: Mobility, Academics, and Cultural Experience on 25 March 2025 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

The session featured Mr César Nieto Ocaña, International Relations Officer at the University of Jaén (UJA), Andalusia, and was moderated by Assoc Prof Dr Charles Ramendran S. PR Subramaniam from the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF). Accompanying Mr César were UJA Head of International Relations Section, International Relations and Cooperation Service Ms Alina Ocaña Jódar and UJA Head of Management, Vice-Rector’s Office for Official Teachings Ms Gloria Pastor Izquierdo.

The talk provided valuable insights into academic mobility programmes, Jaén’s rich culture, and opportunities for UTAR students to experience international education.

Mr César began the session by introducing the University of Jaén (UJA), located in the Andalusia region of Spain. He highlighted that Jaén Province, home to 650,000 people, is known for its vibrant social and cultural life, historical landmarks, and natural heritage. He shared, “Jaén is the capital of olive oil, producing 20% of the world’s supply. It also has the most fortresses in Europe and is home to Spain’s largest network of protected natural sites, including four parks and biosphere reserves.”

He went on to highlight UJA’s key strengths, noting that it was established in 1993 and places a strong emphasis on both teaching excellence and research. “The university has two campuses, located in Jaén and Linares, serving a community of 16,000 students and 1,600 staff members. These campuses feature modern facilities such as libraries, a language centre, a sports complex, and student housing. UJA also has a strong international presence, receiving more than 900 exchange students each year for its bachelor’s and master’s programmes,” he added.

To support international students facing language barriers, UJA offers the Buddy Programme (BEIN@UJA), which provides audiovisual guides and video tutorials to help students navigate the international mobility process.

Before concluding, Mr César emphasised the benefits of studying at UJA, including building global professional networks; fostering international trade partnerships and business opportunities; enhancing cultural intelligence, a key skill in negotiation, diplomacy, and global business expansion; and joining an international alumni network that unlocks global career prospects.

The insightful talk ended with an engaging Q&A session and a group photo. ​

Following the talk, Mr César, Ms Alina, and Ms Gloria spent a week in Malaysia to further strengthen academic collaboration. During their visit to the Kampar Campus, the delegates were introduced to UTAR’s administrative processes and explored potential joint initiatives with several departments and offices, including the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF), the Office of International Affairs, the UTAR Library, the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (Department of Languages and Linguistics), the Department of International Student Services (DISS), the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), and the Division of Programme Promotion (DPP).

The UJA delegates then continued their collaborative discussions at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, where they met with representatives from the Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC), the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS), the Centre for Corporate and Community Development (CCCD), the Centre for Extension Education (CEE), and the Office of International Affairs to further explore partnership opportunities.