UUM strengthens global mobility pathways through Study Abroad Session with CUNEF University, Spain

Photos Amierul Husniey Che Abd Rahman

SINTOK, 8 February 2026: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), through the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC), successfully concluded the Study Abroad Sharing Session with CUNEF University, Spain, held virtually on 3 February 2026. The session attracted encouraging participation from UUM students and staff, reflecting growing interest in international mobility and global learning experiences, particularly in Europe.

In his welcoming remarks, the Director of CIAC, Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Hisham Zainal Abidin, emphasised that the collaboration between UUM and CUNEF University reflects UUM’s strong commitment to providing meaningful international learning opportunities for its students. He encouraged UUM students to seize this opportunity to gain valuable international exposure by spending a semester abroad at CUNEF University.

CUNEF University, ranked Spain’s best private university in 2023, is known for its strong focus on sustainability and diverse academic offerings. Representatives from CUNEF University—Ms. Natalia Rebolledo, Mr. Daniel Conde Ocaña, and Ms. Anna Kausar Bonacci—shared insights into Madrid as a study destination, highlighting the city’s efficient and extensive public transportation system, which enables easy access to the university campus and the city centre. This makes commuting convenient and affordable for students, while allowing them to fully experience Madrid’s vibrant cultural and social life.

To support international and mobility students’ transition, CUNEF University provides comprehensive support services, including a buddy system that pairs incoming exchange students with local or experienced students to help them adapt academically and socially. In addition, CUNEF University collaborates closely with City Life Madrid to assist international students in securing suitable accommodation based on their budget and logistical needs upon arrival, ensuring a smooth and well-supported start to their exchange experience.

A cutting-edge private institution with nearly 50 years of history, CUNEF has been operating since 1973 and was founded by the bank associations of Spain. Officially recognised as a university in 2019, CUNEF specialises in finance, economics, management, and law, and is well known for its strong industry orientation. “The institution continuously adapts its academic programmes to meet evolving market and professional needs,” said Natalia Rebolledo.

The speakers also expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that Universiti Utara Malaysia is CUNEF University’s first partner university in Malaysia. They conveyed their strong interest in welcoming UUM students to Madrid in the coming academic years. The session concluded with an interactive discussion, reinforcing CIAC’s commitment to expanding international mobility opportunities that prepare UUM students for success in a globalised world. – Mohd Azri Abdul Aziz