MULTILINGUISM AS A PEDAGOGICAL TOOL FOR THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF TEACHING

This strategy of internationalization at home is based on the linking of English, French and Chinese Mandarin Language Assistants for the strengthening of multilingualism and multiculturalism from the syllabus of the curriculum of each of the knowledge programs.

Its objective is to strengthen students' soft skills and abilities from a disciplinary perspective and a differential approach. The language assistants approach disciplinary subjects in a second language (English, French, Mandarin, Portuguese) and, additionally, they demonstrate the cultural aspects that surround the application of these contents in different global contexts. This favors the formation of critical global citizens, who recognize multiculturalism, the importance of assertive communication and the ability to work in diverse groups under specific objectives. This is what represents a significantly innovative element of this practice.
Language assistants who were directed according to their profile and interest to the different areas of knowledge to support the different syllabus of the chosen area of knowledge: Social and Human Sciences, Life Sciences or Health Sciences, Economic and Administrative Sciences and Natural or Exact Sciences. The language assistants took the figure of assistant professors of the professors of each syllabus, from which they develop specific themes and perform a comparative approach from a cultural and differential perspective on the topics developed. Also, these approaches are carried out in English and the native language of the language assistant, which integrates a component of cultural recognition and a multimodal disciplinary perspective.

At institutional level we have an academic population of approximately 4,500 students, and at least 650 teachers. In accordance with the academic planning from the areas and programs we have achieved a coverage of at least 70% of the University community in 1 year of implementation of the practice. Additionally, our assistants have participated in our projects of social projection for the attention to the community; Their participation depends on the interest and knowledge of the Project by each of the attendees. From the international point of view as part of the strategy, they have been linked to the universities of origin of the assistants to support the interaction by area of knowledge through virtual media; mirror classes and thematic videoconferences developed by professors and students from the universities of origin of the attendees, which generates greater interaction and later academic cooperation.