INTEC moderates DR table at the Latin American and Caribbean Forum of the Annual Conference of the Association of International Educators 2024
Maria Luisa Ferrand, director of the Mobility Unit, moderated the Dominican Republic table at the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Forum during the activity carried out by the Association of International Educators at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in Nueva Orleans
SANTO DOMINGO. – For the sixth year María Luisa Ferrand, director of Institutional Mobility of the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) represented the university and the country as moderator of the Dominican Republic table at the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Forum during the Association of International Educators Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024 (NAFSA, for its acronym in English).
NAFSA is the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to education and international academic exchange. NAFSA's 10.000 members are located in more than 3.500 institutions around the world, in more than 150 countries. “This space has been for viewing and meeting with higher education institutions from all over the world,” said Ferrand.
During their participation, 25 individual meetings were held with higher education institutions for reflection and analysis of possible joint work between various areas.
The LAC Forum titled “Sustainability and internationalization in Latin America and the Caribbean: perspectives, practices and opportunities” featured a panel of experts from the region who presented examples of sustainability initiatives and opportunities for collaboration with the region, including Sandra Guarín Rarquino, director of International Relations at the Antonio Nariño University (UAN), Colombia; Patricia Montano, in charge of Networks and International Innovation at the Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico.
Likewise, Jorge Burgos, General Director of Community Relations at the Catholic University of Maul, Washington DC, Althea Gordon, Campus Registrar of the University of the West Indies and Rui Oppermann, Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, who were also exhibitors at the event.
During the meeting it was explained that universities offer opportunities for the development of innovative initiatives that contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, intercultural dialogue and inclusion, and commitment to local communities. These "glocal" initiatives that encourage local and global engagement characterize the internationalization strategies of many LAC institutions.
“We feel honored to assume the role of moderators of the Dominican Republic table at the Latin American Forum,” were Ferrand's words when describing the privilege of being part of this international meeting.
This organization plays a leading role in raising awareness and supporting the internationalization of higher education among educational leaders, public policy makers and the community at large.
In addition, it promotes international education through the topics of internationalization, inclusion, digitalization, recruitment and various services linked to the topic. Likewise, through professional development programs, publications and professional networks, it offers opportunities for the creation and exchange of knowledge and the development of skills.