UdeA is not a third world university

Pedro Correa Ochoa 

UdeA Noticias

Promote second language learning and overcome the stigma of Colombia’s armed conflict are the University’s main goals for internationalization. Strategic measures include partnerships and cooperation agreements with international universities, student exchange programs, and the establishment of the International Research Fund.

Interview with Sebastien Longhurst, IR Department Chief.

Sebastien Longhurst, director of the International Relations Department, University of Antioquia

Several research groups at University of Antioquia have achieved international recognition, which has positively affected the University’s internationalization strategy. Therefore, University of Antioquia recognizes the valuable support of its international partners by providing them with cooperation and support.

This internationalization strategy resulted in the establishment of the International Research Fund, which was introduced last February at the University Research Institute (SIU). In an interview with UdeA Noticias, Sebastian Longhurst of the Department of International Relations at University of Antioquia talked about the University’s internationalization strategy and the International Research Fund.

What has the University done to develop its internationalization of research strategy?
We are interested in getting more actively involved in cooperation agreements. The quality of the research at University of Antioquia keeps getting better, so we must find the tools to promote research of international excellence and impact. Also, the International Research Fund has an annual budget of 300 million pesos allocated by the Research Development Committee (CODI).

300 million seems like a lot of money. Is it enough to cover research costs?
I think this is a relatively large sum of money to start investing in research, however research budget could increase as long as the goals are achieved.

What is the mission of the International Research Fund?
Several research groups including the Neuroscience Group, PECET, Diverser, among others, have achieved significant international recognition. Consequently, the International Research Fund was established to recognize and support their work.

What is the opinion of international universities about the University of Antioquia?
They have a very positive view of both the University and Medellín, which is seen as a thriving, progressive city from abroad. The University of Antioquia places special emphasis on those areas in which the University is highly competitive including health, art, ethnic studies, engineering and marine science. In addition, the University has many cooperation agreements with other universities abroad. Consequently, University of Antioquia is no longer seen as a third world university in need of financial support. Our experience allows us to offer support and cooperate with international universities on research projects and student mobility.

Has the Colombian armed conflict affected the University’s internationalization strategy?
The country has made great efforts to clean up its drugs-and-violence image, specially in Europe and the United States, where Colombia is mistakenly considered a dangerous country. Fortunately, this embarrassing situation has changed dramatically due to significant diplomatic efforts and a relative decrease in violence in the country. Quite the opposite occurs in Latin American countries as they have a very favorable view of Colombia as demonstrated by our partners across the continent. However, European and U.S. universities continue to be somewhat reluctant, but they could change their mind if they come to Colombia.

Is the internationalization strategy focused mainly on undergraduates rather than graduate students?
Undergraduate students are more interested in student exchange programs as their class schedule allow them to settle abroad either for a semester or a year. In addition, joint and dual degree programs are focused primarily on undergraduate students. On the other hand, graduate students are aware that pursuing a graduate program requires full-time attendance, which prevent them from traveling abroad for extended stays. However, dual degree programs and internships abroad have been very popular among graduate students.

How to deal with the fact that study abroad involves spending a considerable amount of money and the University has a large population of low-income students?
In some cases the University provides financial support to students, however our partner universities abroad provided us with about 135 scholarships in the past two years. Many students are unable to afford the fees on their own, so the University should strongly consider developing strategic programs to support student mobility.

The lack of foreign language proficiency among students also becomes an obstacle to student mobility.
The vast majority of Latin Americans lack foreign language skills, largely due to poor quality of secondary education. Many students enter the university without the foreign language skills needed to be successful in their coursework. Although the University of Antioquia Multilingua Program offers free foreign language courses, much remains to be done to efficiently offer this program online to 35,000 students, which is very difficult to accomplish because of the high costs involved.

How have you managed to deal with the paper work and red tape associated with public universities?
The government bodies that control public education somehow prevent universities from being efficient enough in terms of international mobility and cooperation agreements. This becomes the stumbling block when it comes to implement an internationalization strategy.

How important is internationalization for University of Antioquia?
University’s social mission and role become a major strength to establish cooperation agreements with our international peers since this partnership will help them achieve greater academic impact. Being a state-funded university with a variety of academic departments and schools allow us to implement important internationalization strategies. However, being a public university can also lead to negative outcomes. For example, some politicized groups promote violent riots on campus, which is quite unusual for foreign visitants. However we are able to handle this undesirable situation by explaining the causes of these events. Student strikes also are a major problem as they affect the class schedule of those attending an exchange program.