Dreams That Cross Borders: Keys to Studying Abroad

Studying in another country is one of the most common dreams among young people in the region, but more than just a trip, it’s an opportunity that can change lives.

For many students, arriving in another country isn't just an academic adventure; it is, perhaps, the most important decision of their lives, as this step defines their personal, professional, and economic development. Hence the importance of selecting an exchange program that is verified and backed by local and international organizations.

Currently, there are convocatorias (calls for applications) in each country through governmental organizations, embassies, and even options within local higher education institutions. These allow students to choose the studies they wish to pursue at international universities that are the right fit and where they feel they can fulfill their dreams.

In Colombia, for example, there’s Fulbright Colombia, which promotes convocatorias for cultural and educational exchange, where students can find different alternatives to carry out some type of exchange in the United States. Some of the options include stays for professional development, research, master's degrees, or language study, among other alternatives.

“Thanks to the Fulbright scholarship, I gained confidence in my role as an expert in solid modeling. Facing the challenge of moving to the U.S. with my family and adapting to a new reality for six months was a significant achievement. This scholarship has had a positive impact on my life by allowing me to update my knowledge in the field of atomic-scale materials modeling using ab initio theories. And I also gained professional and personal enrichment that will last a lifetime,” revealed Sol Milena Mejía, Fulbright Visiting Researchers grantee from Colombia, Cohort 2022.

Another major player is Colfuturo, an organization that offers rolling convocatorias for its crédito-beca (loan-scholarship) program for people who wish to pursue their studies abroad. “This is a way for Colombians to finance their master's or doctoral programs abroad. It's a loan that can be converted into a scholarship of up to 80%,” explained Luisa Ayala, member of Colfuturo’s counseling team.

These types of convocatorias are intended exclusively for studies abroad. The maximum amount for this crédito-beca is $50,000 dollars, and can be up to 80% forgivable. To apply for 2026, the application period opens on January 6 and ends on March 2. Those selected will be announced on May 14.

For its part, Panama's Institute for the Training and Use of Human Resources (IFARHU), which is dedicated to offering scholarships and financial aid to students to promote the development of human capital in the country, also has several alternatives for those who wish to pursue studies in the United States.

Tips for Choosing a Safe Program Abroad

• Verify that it has official backing: whether from an embassy, a ministry of education, or a government agency.
• Confirm that there is public documentation (official website, clear requirements, deadlines, conditions).
• Make sure the program provides guidance and support (visa counseling, insurance, housing, cultural orientation).
• Ensure the institution is accredited or has recognized international agreements.
• Look up other students' experiences to understand the real-life side of it.

A Dream That Can Come True

Safe study-abroad programs don't just strengthen academic training; they also transform lives. That’s why, when young people return home, they bring back new intercultural skills, fluency in other languages, contacts, and, most importantly, a broader worldview. Without a doubt, these experiences contribute directly to the region's development, as every student who travels and returns to their country comes back full of tools to contribute to innovation, competitiveness, and the creation of new projects. In a world that moves ever faster and where knowing other cultures opens doors, these programs become a real support system for young people to dream big and build a future without borders. Today, with more scholarships, reliable institutions, and alliances that guide every step, studying or participating in an exchange abroad is safer and more accessible than ever.