Association of Universities of Portuguese Language

Overview

The Associação das Universidades de Língua Portuguesa (AULP) is an international non-governmental organization established in 1986 in Praia, Cape Verde. It serves as a collaborative platform for higher education institutions across the Portuguese-speaking world, encompassing over 140 members from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, East Timor and Macau (RAEM). The AULP aims to foster academic cooperation, promote the Portuguese language and enhance cultural exchange among its member institutions.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

Founded on November 27, 1986, during a meeting in Praia, Cape Verde, the AULP was initiated by a group of universities from six Portuguese-speaking countries: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Portugal. The organization was established as a non-profit entity to promote collaboration in higher education and research among institutions sharing the Portuguese language. Over time, the AULP has expanded its membership to include institutions from other Portuguese-speaking regions, reflecting the growing importance of international academic partnerships.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: The AULP's mission is to facilitate communication and cooperation among higher education institutions in Portuguese-speaking countries, aiming to contribute to the collective development of education and the Portuguese language worldwide.

Vision: The AULP envisions a global network of universities and higher education institutions that collaborate to enhance the quality of education, promote cultural exchange and strengthen the presence of the Portuguese language in the academic world.

Objectives:

• Promote academic cooperation and exchange among member institutions.
• Enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education in Portuguese-speaking countries.
• Support the development and dissemination of research in various academic fields.
• Encourage the teaching and learning of the Portuguese language and its literature.
• Foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding among member institutions.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

The AULP operates as a non-governmental organization with a governance structure that includes a General Assembly, an Executive Committee and a Secretariat. The General Assembly comprises representatives from member institutions and meets regularly to set strategic directions and policies. The Executive Committee is responsible for implementing the decisions made by the General Assembly and overseeing the organization's activities. The Secretariat, based in Lisbon, Portugal, manages the day-to-day operations and coordinates initiatives and programs. The AULP maintains its independence by operating without direct governmental control, relying on the voluntary participation and collaboration of its member institutions.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While the AULP does not serve as an accrediting body, it plays a significant role in promoting quality assurance within higher education through its collaborative initiatives. The organization encourages the adoption of best practices in teaching, research and administration among its members, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences that contribute to the enhancement of educational standards. Additionally, the AULP supports the development of joint programs and research projects that adhere to high-quality standards, thereby indirectly influencing the quality evaluation processes within participating institutions.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The AULP is actively involved in international networks and collaborations, enhancing its global engagement. The organization is a member of several prominent associations, including:

• NAFSA: Association of International Educators (United States)
• EAIE: European Association for International Education (Europe)
• CBIE: Canadian Bureau for International Education (Canada)
• Network of International Education Associations (Global)

These memberships facilitate the AULP's involvement in global discussions on higher education, enabling the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The AULP continues to have a significant impact on higher education by facilitating cross-cultural academic exchanges and collaborative research projects that address global challenges. The organization's initiatives contribute to the development of a more interconnected and inclusive higher education landscape, enhancing the quality and accessibility of education and research across Portuguese-speaking countries. Looking forward, the AULP aims to expand its membership and deepen its collaborations to further its mission of promoting the internationalization of education and research.

7. Summary

The Associação das Universidades de Língua Portuguesa (AULP) is a vital platform for academic collaboration among Portuguese-speaking countries. Through its initiatives, the organization fosters scientific and intercultural exchange, enhances the quality of education and research and contributes to the development of sustainable and inclusive higher education systems. The AULP's commitment to international cooperation continues to make a meaningful impact on the global academic community.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the AULP?
  The AULP is an international non-governmental organization that promotes cooperation and exchange of information among higher education institutions in Portuguese-speaking countries.
• When was the AULP founded?
  The AULP was founded on November 27, 1986, in Praia, Cape Verde.
• How many members does the AULP have?
  The AULP comprises over 140 member institutions from Portuguese-speaking countries and regions.
• Does the AULP accredit institutions?
  No, the AULP does not serve as an accrediting body but promotes quality assurance through collaborative initiatives.
• What programs does the AULP offer?
  The AULP offers various programs, including academic exchanges, joint research projects and initiatives to promote the Portuguese language and culture.

Organization Name

Association of Universities of Portuguese Language
Associação das Universidades de Língua Portuguesa

Acronym

AULP

Year of Establishment

1989

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Avenida Santos Dumont, 67, 2º
Lisbon
1050-203 Lisbon Metropolitan Area Portugal

Phone

+351 (217) 816 360

Fax

+351 217 816 369

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

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