Internationalization policies in four Latin American public universities: a comparative study in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay

Abstract

This study analyzes the internationalization policies of four Latin American public universities (UNL, UNILA, UDELAR, and UNA) intending to understand the strategies and practices implemented by these institutions connect with global and regional contexts. These universities are grouped through a research project on the internationalization of higher education in MERCOSUR, which has been ongoing since 2018, and are members of the Association of Universities of the Montevideo Group (AUGM). Through a qualitative approach, a documentary analysis of institutional regulations was conducted, from which three analytical dimensions emerged: internationalization strategies, cooperation agreements, and the promotion of institutional linkages. The results indicate that the four universities have a broad network of cooperation agreements, mainly in the areas of academic mobility and research development. However, there are differences in the orientation of these collaborations, with MERCOSUR and Latin America being the main focus for UNL and UNILA, while UDELAR and UNA have a broader range of partners, including European countries. Regarding the promotion of internationalization, all universities implement mobility programs, foreign language training, and language policies, although with different levels of consolidation. Dual degree programs are another common feature, with a greater presence in areas such as engineering, social sciences, and administration. In conclusion, the study reveals that the universities analyzed share a common interest in internationalization; however each one develops specific strategies tailored to its institutional context and academic priorities.