Participation in the leading event in the field in Latin America fosters new partnerships, facilitates the exchange of experiences, and paves the way for future institutional advancements
The University Center of Jaguariúna (UniFAJ) and the Max Planck University Center (UniMAX) participated in FAUBAI 2026, an annual fair organized by the Brazilian Association of International Education, held from April 12 to 15 in Florianópolis (SC). The institutions’ participation reinforced their commitment to the internationalization of higher education and opened doors to new academic connections around the world.
Considered the largest event on the internationalization of higher education in Latin America, the conference brought together universities, consulates, organizations, and experts from various countries to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global landscape.
For Ana Carolina Faustini, coordinator of the institutions’ Bilingual Program, participation was strategic both for institutional strengthening and for staff development. “Attending this event was very positive—an excellent opportunity for professional development—because, in addition to strengthening our network, we had the chance to engage with researchers and global leaders discussing trends, science diplomacy, and paths to internationalization,” she notes.
Global connections and new opportunities
During the fair, UniFAJ and UniMAX established and strengthened ties with institutions from various countries, including Canada, Chile, Peru, France, the United States, Russia, and Australia. Among the highlights are the international interest in innovative initiatives developed by the institutions, such as digital exchange and the COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) model, as well as recognition for joining Global Partners in Education, as the only Brazilian representatives in the network.
Another key development was the establishment of ties with leading universities and organizations, such as U.S. institutions with a high degree of international diversity, European business schools, and globally renowned digital universities. There were also advances in institutional partnerships, including connections with Study Australia and initiatives linked to the University of Sydney. “Internationalization goes far beyond mobility. It connects teaching, research, and outreach, strengthens the academic community, and can transform life trajectories,” emphasizes Ana Carolina.
Another highlight of the university’s participation in FAUBAI 2026 was the presentation of the Bilingual Program and the institutions’ language policy to the international academic community, underscoring the commitment to training professionals prepared for global contexts. The initiative was presented as an innovative project, based on the integration of language, content, and culture in higher education, aligned with active methodologies, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), and the development of intercultural competencies.
Next steps
For Professor Isabel Matos, coordinator of the International Department at UniFAJ and UniMAX, participation in FAUBAI is directly aligned with the institutions’ strategy. “Being part of FAUBAI is essential for raising awareness of our work, keeping up with trends, and strengthening our institutional standing on the international stage,” she says.
She points out that the benefits of participating go beyond immediate networking. “The event opens doors to new partnerships, collaborative projects, academic mobility, and research and innovation initiatives. It also contributes to the maturation of our internal processes and to a more structured and sustainable internationalization,” she explains.
Now that contacts have been established and exchanges have taken place, the next step for these institutions is to organize and implement the practices and trends observed during the event, further strengthening their global presence.
The goal is to expand our international presence, strengthen partnerships, and create more opportunities for students and faculty. “Participating in an event like this helps international representatives get to know us. Partnerships often begin with that first contact, and this brings institutions closer to the global stage in a very tangible way,” concluded the coordinator of the Bilingual Program.
