While collaborative degrees and alliances are fundamental to advancing international education, Thomas Schneider indicated the organization's objective was to foster international cooperation on a more detailed level.
"One of our main focuses is developing online programs in partnership with multiple universities, and delivering them collaboratively.
"We serve as the bridge connecting faculty and students across specific subjects," noted Schneider.
During 2022/23, APRU's universities offered over 300 joint courses spanning various academic fields.
Additionally, the organization conducts inter-institutional competitions to enhance student collaboration on topics such as climate change and sustainability; one of several methods to optimize global online education, Schneider added.
Diego Quiroga Ferri, the rector of Universidad De San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador, emphasized that from a Latin American standpoint, educators should be central to discussions regarding global online collaboration.
Ferri highlighted that within a global university alliance, educators would play a pivotal role – thus necessitating training to leverage these alliances effectively.
"Alliances matter not only in teaching but also in research. It's crucial to acknowledge that much of the research collaboration – for instance, between a US institution and USFQ – occurs online.
"We must provide training to professors engaged in such research, not solely to engage them in alliances like this but also to aid in globalizing their overall academic experience," said Ferri. He also emphasized the pressing need for more English-language programs in Latin America.
English proficiency is not stressed enough – it becomes challenging to participate in international online experiences when students lack fluency in English," he observed.
Quito endeavors to ensure that students are proficient in English by their second year, enabling them to engage in a wider array of international online programs.
