INTERCAMPUS VIRTUAL AUSJAL: A model based on Jesuit telecollaboration: virtual collaboration that is generous and reciprocal
Author: Óscar Nájera Ramos, Coordinator of Interuniversity Telecollaboration, Executive Secretariat of AUSJAL
The Intercampus Virtual AUSJAL model is based on Jesuit Telecollaboration in Latin America—meaning virtual collaboration grounded in the generosity and reciprocity of the member institutions within the association. It is built upon principles of inclusive, democratic, and community-based education, aiming to create a shared space co-created by AUSJAL universities. Its purpose is to promote access to Jesuit higher education, especially throughout Latin America, through interuniversity, international, and virtual educational initiatives.
The Intercampus fosters collaboration, academic exchange, and broader access to the educational offerings of Jesuit institutions in Latin America—opening them up to other works of the Society of Jesus and to the general public.
This space is designed to be a platform that supports collaborative, interuniversity, and virtual projects, using modern technologies to serve communities and help them benefit from the educational offerings of participating universities. As Father Vicente Durán, S.J. said at the Intercampus launch, it’s about “opening doors and windows” (Canal AUSJAL, 2025, 12m36s) to bring fresh air into institutions and offer quality Jesuit higher education to communities in Latin America and beyond.
Intercampus Virtual AUSJAL promotes a culture of generosity and reciprocity by including in its virtual offerings open-access and free learning opportunities for all. It also encourages new collaborations with other Jesuit institutions and external partners—for example, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has contributed courses to the project.
The initiative was brought to life with the launch of the website intercampusausjal.com, which everyone is invited to explore. It also involved the signing of the Participation Agreement for Universities in the Intercampus Virtual AUSJAL, which outlines the criteria for collaboration and coexistence within the virtual space. The document was co-created with various networks, working groups, and representatives from AUSJAL member universities.
Currently, 27 out of 29 AUSJAL institutions are participating. The site is in its initial phase, having begun operations in January 2025, followed by its first promotional campaign in March and April. To date, it has launched 21 educational offerings, including diploma programs, courses, MOOCs, and more than 400 virtual classes available to AUSJAL students and those from the University of Deusto.
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