The Ibero-American University Puebla (inSpanish: Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, abbreviated UIA but commonly known as Ibero) is a Mexican private institution of higher education sponsored by the Society of Jesus.[1] A spin-off from the main campus located in Mexico City, the Puebla campus was built in response to interest in a Jesuit institution in Puebla State. The university has grown to become an important university for the students in the Southern region of Mexico. It exceeds in enrollment the campuses in León and Torreón. It currently offers a high school program, as well as several undergraduate and postgraduate programs.[2]
Ibero Puebla is known for academic excellence in engineering, architecture, design, computing, business, humanities, environmental studies and communication. Ibero Puebla has six departments and offers more than 31 undergraduate degrees.[3] The university offers an exchange program for international students with subjects taught in Spanish. During summer Ibero Puebla offers Spanish language programs.[4] Ibero Puebla offers high school programs in three states and also offers graduate degrees.[5]
Beginning in 2009, Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla has been developing its high school programs. The first high school was opened in 2007 and, subsequently, two more high schools were opened in the states of Veracruz and Tlaxcala.[6]
The Ibero has sport facilities for use of its students. The university takes part in various competitions in some of Mexico's most popular college sports.[9] The mascot of the school is the wild goose. The story goes that on a cloudy afternoon, a flock of geese passed the school campus while migrating south. One of them, flying wounded, landed to rest in the lake of the Ibero Puebla accompanied by two of his companions. It was then that a Jesuit priest, fond of birds, noticed the three geese and decided to find out more about these animals, finding that they are intelligent animals that work as a team.
