Internationalization of the Chemical Engineering Course at the Federal University of Latin American Integration: Challenges and Possibilities

Abstract

In order to understand the challenges, possibilities, and achievements of the chemical engineering course in Latin America, this article addresses the characteristics and difficulties of implementing the internationalization process in this higher education institution. This study is based on documentary information, as well as student testimonials. The Federal University of Latin American Integration (UNILA) aims at academic exchange and solidarity cooperation with Mercosul member countries and other Latin American countries. Among the numerous institutional challenges, there is the consolidation of bilingual teaching staff and the sociocultural and linguistic difficulties of adaptation for foreign students. This article shows that the barriers to adaptation are diverse and complex but have been constantly identified and solved over the six years of existence of the course, also shows the importance of the internationalization process of Latin American universities.