UIS is about to inaugurate one of the most ambitious projects in its recent history: the modern Language Institute, a 7,020 m² facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology and 2,500 m² of urban development works, designed to transform language learning and project Santander onto the international stage. The University Council, in full attendance, visited the facilities, which will open their doors soon.
This infrastructure, which replaces the old building demolished on November 21, 2024, was built in record time and represents an investment of 25 billion COP (10 billion for structure and 15 billion for finishes and furnishings), funded through the university’s own resources, the “Pro UIS” stamp tax, and contributions from both the Departmental and National governments.
The new space includes an administrative area, classrooms, interactive and self-directed learning spaces, augmented reality areas, among others.
The Governor of Santander, Juvenal Díaz Mateus, emphasized that this institute “will meet standards to promote Spanish courses internationally” and proposed creating an institutional offer to receive foreign students. He also suggested the possibility of funding second-language learning for underprivileged children in Santander, as part of the departmental bilingualism program.
For Nicolás David Serrano, student representative on the University Council, the new building “dignifies infrastructure and higher education in the country and creates opportunities to reduce social inequality gaps. These types of initiatives help inspire young people to have greater opportunities for progress,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Nicolás Corso Salamanca, the President of the Republic’s delegate to the University Council, stated that this “was a project completed in record time. UIS has been modernizing its campuses, integrating with the city, and strengthening its regional outreach.” He stressed that this institute will benefit more than 8,000 students in the department.
During the session, the University Council also approved significant agreements:
- International academic mobility: Exceptional future-year budget commitment for 2026, aimed at covering installation expenses, visas, medical insurance, and living costs for undergraduate students participating in mobility programs.
- Research strengthening: Regular future-year budget commitment for 2026 to finance projects under UIS’s Research Capacity Strengthening strategic area.
“With a significant increase in resources, these investments will improve internationalization and academic and research output,” said Nectalí Ariza, professors’ representative on the University Council.
Finally, the rector, Hernán Porras Díaz, was authorized to present to the Ministry of National Education the project “Construction of Phase I of the infrastructure required for UIS’s academic offerings in Saravena – Arauca.” This development is part of the regionalization strategy that has already enabled the launch of programs such as Animal Science, Artificial Intelligence Engineering, and Agroindustrial Management for 90 students in the first cohort in that municipality.
In the words of Nicolás Corso Salamanca, “Today UIS is not only Santander’s, but belongs to all of Eastern Colombia, with a presence in territories such as Arauca, Vaupés, Guaviare, and Vichada.”
