During 7 to 11of April 2025, a management team from the University of Manizales visited the University of Salamanca (Spain) as part of the immersion workshop of the MIRACLE project, an initiative co-financed by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program. The main purpose of this activity was to strengthen strategic management and quality assurance in institutional internationalization processes.

The commission was made up of Yamilhet Andrade Arango, vice-rector; Eliana Morales Zuluaga, dean of the Faculty of Accounting, Economic and Administrative Sciences; Daniela León Castaño, quality assurance coordinator; and Valeria González Duque, director of the Office of International and Interinstitutional Relations.
During the meeting, a SWOT analysis was carried out on the internationalization of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), highlighting strengths such as active participation in international cooperation networks, the consolidation of quality assurance systems, and the wide range of academic programs offered.

Among the opportunities, access to international funding, alignment with the 2030 Agenda, and growing student interest in global experiences were highlighted. However, challenges were also identified, such as weak institutionalization in some HEIs, low proficiency in foreign languages, and limitations in the strategic use of data. Threats included political instability, dependence on external funding, and bureaucratic obstacles to academic mobility.

The agenda also included the design of a model of indicators to assess internationalization in three key dimensions: academic mobility, international cooperation and strategic alliances, and curriculum internationalization. This comprehensive approach facilitates the monitoring of progress in dual degrees, exchanges, use of other languages, and participation in global networks.

Finally, work was done on the development of a data governance model aimed at improving the accessibility, traceability, and quality of institutional information. This system seeks to optimize strategic decision-making, comply with regulations, and increase the international visibility of participating universities.

The activity was part of a collaborative effort between nine universities in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Europe, reaffirming the regional commitment to quality, globally connected, and strategically planned higher education.