Institutional mission discussed joint projects with Colombian universities
In an effort to strengthen its ties with Latin America, PUCRS, through its Office for International Cooperation, paid a visit to Colombian institutions. With the support of the Columbus Association, the Dean Dr Heloísa Delgado and the Administrative Coordinator Sandra Mino went to Universidad Católica de Colombia, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano and Universidad de La Sabana, in Bogotá, and Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, in Medellín.
The mission was an important step taken in the consolidation of the cooperation with Columbus Association, an institution of which PUCRS is part. The mission of this 30-year-old institution is to advance university collaboration between Europe and Latin America for economic growth, social innovation and human development. The President of PUCRS Br. Dr Evilázio Teixeira is a member of the Administrative Board (Latin America) 2018-2020.
New projects
During the visits to the institutions, several projects in partnership were discussed and are expected to be put in practice in the next year. Prospective efforts in the areas of Education and Dentistry will make it possible for Brazilian and Colombian researchers to work together. Besides, some institutions showed interest in Portuguese language programs and having visiting professors to teach the language.
“We were able to exchange important ideas for cooperation as we went to Colombia and meeting with people from the International Offices of Colombian universities. We visited their facilities and learned about their processes. We also met with their managers, professors and students. They all seemed to be very interested in collaborating with PUCRS”, said Sandra.
Academic Mobility
At the Fundación Universitária Autónoma de las Américas, Heloísa and Sandra introduced PUCRS as a destination for academic mobility. All the programs that are embraced by the eight schools and the research and internship structures for international students were presented. They also talked about the welcoming activities and the support provided by the Academic Mobility team.
“Colombian universities are very interested in mobility programs, projects and events with us. We want to increase the cooperation with Colombia and with other universities in Latin America. Since 2017 we have been making efforts of internationalization with these countries and we are expecting to work even more closely”, adds Sandra.
In 2018 five new international cooperation agreements were signed. We are working on six other agreements in the region, and advancing student and faculty mobility throughout the year. Researchers who are interested in working with Colombian institutions can contact the Office for International Cooperation for partnerships.
