The Universidad de La Salle in Bogota (Colombia) has been assessed within the framework of the CeQuint International Quality Certification Program of the European Consortium for Accreditation in Higher Education (ECA), of which ACSUCYL is a member. This University received the quality certification for internationalization within the framework of the Certificate for Quality in Internationalization (CEQUINT) project in 2014. The purpose of this evaluation is to renew CEQUINT certification.

ACSUCYL appointed a panel of experts in accordance with the criteria established in the framework document for the evaluation of quality in internationalization, and this panel then analysed the selfevaluation report and all the documentation provided by the university. Following the preliminary analysis, a virtual visit was made to interview the different agents involved in issues related to the internationalization of the University.

The Universidad de La Salle believes internationalization to be a transversal component which facilitates the performance of institutional functions and which is documented in an Institutional Development Plan (IDP), covering the period 2015-2020. In order for internationalization objectives to materialize, the University has included a strategic axis in its Institutional Development Plan linked to the strengthening of internationalization. Axis 4 “National Positioning and International Visibility” is aimed at “strengthening communication and positioning of the University at the national level and ensuring the relationship and institutional contribution is more visible within the international sphere”. Axis 2 “Quality, inclusive and relevant training”, has goals related to internationalization such as institutional accreditation of academic programs, redefining of second language policy, creation of international networks and cooperation within the framework of Lasallianism and the positioning of the institutional repository at the international level.

The objectives can be reasonably achieved, although a longer period of time is needed than 2015-2020 to cover some of them, and so any objectives not fully met within the period 2015-2020 should be included in the next Institutional Development Plan, to ensure their continuity.

The action plans envisaged by the University are defined in the IDP 2015-2020. The measures concern: the international mobility of students and professors; participation in international research networks; carrying out of actions of an international nature within the University; and the delegation of responsibilities to Faculties and Departments so that they may develop strategic internationalization plans. It is recommended that the review of internationalization projects be intensified, so as to guarantee they are properly evaluated and decision-making takes place.

The University has different systems in place for gathering information, the most important being the NEXUS system with regard to internationalization. In order to make better use of the information obtained in NEXUS, it is recommended that the necessary systematic approach be reinforced to analyse the data collected and to carry out proper monitoring of the objectives, as well as defining improvement actions where necessary.

The University has a Quality System, as reflected in its Quality Manual, and this is periodically subject to the evaluation processes of the CNA (National Accreditation Council – which is the legal body for quality or accreditation in education in Colombia and linked to the Ministry of National Education) both at an institutional level (2008, 2012 and 2018) and at program level (19 accredited programs: 18 undergraduate and 1 postgraduate, and in addition all undergraduate and postgraduate programs undertake selfassessment processes with a view to accreditation), and also in other international accreditations at a program level, in as well as prior to obtaining the CEQuint seal.

Responsibilities for the internationalization of the institution are clearly defined, and there is also an Internationalization Committee comprising the heads or directors of the different academic units or departments linked to internationalization. In its capacity as a consultative decision-making body, the Committee accompanies and recommends actions for the formulation of internationalization plans, programs and projects. A high level of governance involvement in the objectives of internationalization has been demonstrated.

Conclusion

The Universidad de La Salle demonstrates a major commitment to the construction, development and consolidation of clear and consistent internationalization processes that have had a positive impact on international and intercultural learning outcomes, teaching, learning and research, staff and students. These are included in the different plans and are complemented by specific instruments emanating from the institution as a whole together with resources, which are supported both by the Lasallian academic community and by external actors. It is important to highlight the major commitment at management level, which can be seen in the availability of resources and institutional commitments to internationalization. The vision of humanized internationalization has been key in developing plans, strategies and activities in favour of internationalization, and the Utopia Project is undoubtedly the clearest example of this.

For this reason, the Universidad de La Salle (Colombia) obtains the Certificate of Quality in Internationalization.

The Universidad de La Salle should follow the recommendations identified in this report in order to improve monitoring of internationalization objectives and be able to make decisions at the right time, so as to guarantee the suitable and sustainable pursuit of all such objectives.