2021 Next Generation Learning and Skills - Universidade Federal Fluminense - Brazil

2021 Next Generation Learning and Skills - Universidade Federal Fluminense - Brazil

PULE - universalizing foreign languages: Shaping global citizens

The Universalization Program of Foreign Languages (its Portuguese acronym is PULE) was created in 2012 at Universidade Federal Fluminense in Niterói, RJ, Brazil. Its main objective is to fight inequality of access to academic internationalization caused by socioeconomic gaps among university students when it comes to language training.

Today, after eight years of work and commitment, PULE offers multiple tuition-free classes in eight languages for students in a socioeconomic vulnerability background. Throughout its 3 years program, those courses offer beginner-level students language training and classes to qualify them for international mobility and other global academic opportunities.

PULE also gives back to the academic community by training students of Language majors offering them the opportunity to be instructors in the program.

Top 3 learnings:

1. Our students, with the proper tools, sought out more internationalization opportunities.
2. Students who struggle socioeconomically tend to be more dedicated when offered extracurricular learning opportunities.
3. It is possible to promote student equality, generating institutional and social benefits on a budget.

Videos

• Video #1 (click to hide)