Founded in 1888, Pontificia Universidad Cat—lica de Chile is currently one of the leading higher education institutions in Latin America. Approximately 22,000 students are enrolled in graduate and undergraduate programs, which encompass a wide range of disciplines and professional schools. Its faculty includes approximately 2,000 professors, several of whom have received prestigious international awards for their contributions. Pontificia Universidad Cat—lica de Chile strives to provide its students with an educational experience that motivates both personal growth and the development of an inquisitive and critical mind. One of our objectives is to educate persons who are committed to the construction of a more just and prosperous society. Our University is an important national center for research in social sciences, natural sciences, health, economics, agriculture, philosophy, theology, arts and literature. Located in a young and geographically distant country, we believe that maintaining an active exchange program with foreign universities is crucial for academic development. This interest has lead to the establishment of academic exchange agreements with more than three hundred universities in forty-six countries. Each year a growing number of students and professors, largely from the United States, Europe, and Asia study at our university. We believe that the progress of Chile relies on the contribution that its universities can make through education, the generation of new knowledge, public policy proposals and the promotion of technology transfer. Our University has taken on this challenge as part of its mission. We invite you to be part of this effort.