OFFICE OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Plurilingualism and Interculturality

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ABOUT THE

Unit

At the Universidad Industrial de Santander, we recognize plurilingualism and interculturality as cross-cutting pillars of our educational mission. Following the institutional guidelines for internationalization and the curricular frameworks of the UIS, this section integrates the global and intercultural dimension into the teaching–learning process and university life, enabling students, faculty, and staff to access programs, services, and resources designed to strengthen their plurilingual abilities and intercultural awareness. This ensures compliance with the institutional objectives of internationalization and comprehensive education.

Edgar Eduardo
VALERO CARVAJAL

Plurilingualism and Interculturality Officer

Contact Us

FORMATIVE

Purposes

Develop advanced linguistic competencies

In at least one foreign language, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, to strengthen academic and professional communication in international contexts.

Promote intercultural attitudes

Promoting the ability to understand, respect, and value cultural diversity both locally and globally, in accordance with the External Relations Policy and the Internationalization Guidelines of the UIS.

Integrate formative
experiences

(courses, exchanges, collaborative projects, and extracurricular activities) that integrate international and intercultural content, contributing to the comprehensive education of critical, creative, and globally responsible citizens.

Internationalization

Program

Internationalization at the Universidad Industrial de Santander is a cross-cutting axis that connects academic, research, and cultural initiatives with institutions around the world. This process seeks to develop global citizens, strengthen institutional capacities, and promote plurilingualism, academic mobility, and intercultural dialogue, in alignment with the University’s mission and vision.

The Internationalization Promotion Program includes activities, resources, advising, and opportunities that allow both students and faculty to connect with international environments from the UIS through formative spaces, academic events, and support in cooperation and mobility processes.

Limited Spots Available

Universidad Industrial de Santander and Altissia invite the UIS community to participate in Digital Exchanges, virtual conversation sessions designed to practice languages with students from different institutions across the region.

The program includes sessions in English, Italian, French, Portuguese, and German, covering topics such as international cuisine; movies, TV series, and entertainment; advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence; traditions and celebrations around the world; and work-life balance, learning, and goals.

The schedules shown in the promotional materials correspond to Colombia time.
To participate, interested individuals must register and activate their accounts on the Altissia platform.

Spots are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis until all available places are filled.

Practice, connect, learn, and share.

Support

Request

If you wish to organize an event or receive an international delegation (talks, protocol visits, workshops, etc.), you must follow this process:

Step 1

Complete the support request form available here:

Step 2

Send an email to: incoming@uis.edu.co indicating your interest and attaching supporting documents such as a tentative agenda, objectives of the event or visit, and participants involved.

Step 3

A professional from the Office of External Relations will contact you to coordinate the available logistical, communication, and institutional support.

Integration

Programs

CULTURAL ADAPTATION

Program

The CAP is a comprehensive support strategy that facilitates the integration of visiting students and professors into university and cultural life in Bucaramanga. Its benefits include:

Guidance in the process of applying for university residence
Support in obtaining the foreigner identification card (cédula de extranjería)
Assistance in finding housing in Bucaramanga and the metropolitan area
Useful information about the city, transportation, gastronomy, and safety recommendations
Information about the UIS sports, cultural, and wellness offerings

Training Centers for

Outgoing Mobility

The Training Hubs are specialized formative spaces where students are prepared for highly competitive international academic mobility processes. Through these centers, students strengthen linguistic skills, intercultural competencies, and soft skills related to adaptability.

Active centers:

Purdue School: Training in English, academic writing, and intercultural skills to apply for internships at Purdue University (USA).
University of Florida (UF) School: Preparation for mobility in STEM programs with a focus on research and innovation.
KOSPIE School: Linguistic and cultural training to apply for the KOSPIE scholarship from Germany, with emphasis on technical German and engineering.

These centers are coordinated jointly with the academic schools and the Institute of Languages.

Altissia Language Learning Platform

Language Assistants

Program

This section presents the main components of the program that strengthens our capacity for language teaching and cultural exchange. The program seeks to integrate international language assistants —coming from the Fulbright ETA program, ICETEX (assistant programs in French, German, Chinese, among others), KOICA, JICA, Peace Corps, and AFS— to enhance language teaching at the UIS.

Additionally, it promotes cultural exchange and pedagogical support in language learning through workshops, clubs, and special academic activities.