As part of its internationalisation strategy to foster students’ growth in global skills and with the aim of expanding, strengthening and consolidating its network of alliances, La Salle-URL has promoted the Proyecto Singular together with Universidad EAFIT in Colombia. The result of a long-standing collaborative relationship between the two institutions, this is a pioneering project due to its transdisciplinary, innovative, entrepreneurial and social impact dimensions.
A success story: collaboration with Universidad EAFIT
Between 7 and 16 November, fourteen students from the four schools and faculties of La Salle Campus Barcelona with an excellent academic record travelled to Colombia to take part in a bootcamp that combined digital marketing classes, brand design and entrepreneurship and impact innovation workshops; exploration of Colombia’s innovation ecosystem; cultural visits to Guatapé; and work in transdisciplinary teams with entrepreneurs and business leaders from the region. This is the first time that students from Architecture, Engineering, Business & Management and Philosophy have shared an immersion of this kind, integrating their perspectives and disciplines in real projects and situations.
If I had to describe my experience at Universidad EAFIT in Medellín in one word, it would be fascinating. The digital marketing classes were very dynamic, and collaborating with local entrepreneurs on real business challenges was one of the highlights of the programme. Beyond the academic aspect, the cultural experience was equally memorable, and it was inspiring to see how public initiatives, combined with strong community involvement, can drive meaningful social development
Raluca Untaru, student of the Degree in Management of Business and Technology
This experience has been very important to me, as it has allowed me to learn, improve and grow in the business world, as well as in the skills that come with it. Being able to work by supporting Arteso, a small company dedicated to the production of Christmas dolls, allowed me to put into practice the knowledge acquired during the week, as well as to improve my social abilities and soft skills
Aleix Rovira, student of the Degree in Computer Engineering
Taking part in the EAFIT Study Tour in Medellín was an extremely meaningful experience, not only as a student but also as a person. The experience showed the intersection between technology, business and social impact within real communities, redefining my concept of innovation and emphasising that knowledge only has value when it serves people. In addition, working with local entrepreneurs gave my academic work a deeper purpose and strengthened my confidence in what I can contribute, something very important to me as a woman in the field of Engineering
Adriana Miquel, student of the Doble Degree in International Computer Engineering & Management of Business and Technology
It was an intense immersion in the challenges and potential of social innovation applied to urban realities very different from our own. During the programme, I worked with local social entrepreneurs to analyse and improve their value propositions, rethink marketing strategies and consolidate sustainable growth models. Doing so in teams made up of students from different schools of the university broadened my perspective and enriched me with diverse viewpoints when analysing and solving potential problems. This learning goes beyond the academic sphere: it has invited me to rethink the way I conceive social change and the role that knowledge, cooperation and entrepreneurial initiative can play
Pau Bellar, student of the Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
The professors who accompanied the students were Chris Kennett, Dean of the International School of Commerce and Digital Economy; Imma Pallejà, Coordinator of the Degree in Management of Business and Technology; and Jordi Graupera, professor at the Faculty of Philosophy. On behalf of Universidad EAFIT, professors Camilo Franco Ruiz, Carlos Mario Betancur Hurtado, Laura Cristina Arredondo Vélez and Natalia Hernández León contributed to the design and academic support of the project.
The results of the Proeycto Singular demonstrate that collaboration between universities is a valuable asset for generating transformative experiences and learning that contribute to students’ professional and personal development. Likewise, cooperation between La Salle-URL and higher education institutions such as Universidad EAFIT consolidates the campus’s international projection and reinforces the role of Latin America as a territory of innovation, creativity and opportunities for shared projects.
A commitment to internationalisation and global competences
For years, La Salle-URL has maintained a strategic commitment to internationalisation. Work is currently underway to build and strengthen partnerships with universities around the world to explore shared projects, internships, mobility programmes and the promotion of double degrees. Víctor Alves, Head of International Relations & Global Experiences Abroad at La Salle-URL, explains: “International partnerships strengthen our global identity and project La Salle-URL onto the world, driving transformative initiatives with tangible impact. The success of the collaboration with EAFIT confirms the great potential of working with like-minded strategic partners, a path we will continue to consolidate through our global networks and key alliances”.
La Salle, a global network
La Salle is the largest global non-profit network dedicated specifically to education. It has more than 300 years of history and is present in 80 countries. It comprises more than 1,140 educational centres and 65 universities, with 1,280,000 students, more than 200,000 of whom are university students, and nearly 100,000 educators. Within the context of Lasallian universities, La Salle Campus Barcelona is a member of the International Association of La Salle Universities (IALU) and is a driving force behind the La Salle Business School Alliance.
In addition, through the Universitat Ramon Llull, of which it is a founding member, La Salle-URL participates in international strategic alliances that promote excellence, innovation and social commitment in higher education, such as the international campus of excellence Aristos Campus Mundus, the European University Association (EUA), the European alliance ENGAGE.EU, the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU) and the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU).