Experiences, practices and perspectives in the management of external cooperation from the Intercultural Community model

Abstract

This study analyzes the experiences, practices, and perspectives of external cooperation management and internationalization at the University of the Autonomous Regions of the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast (URACCAN), within its community-based intercultural higher education model. The objective was to examine the contribution of external cooperation to strengthening regional autonomy and promoting sustainable development in multicultural contexts. The research was conducted under the Cultivation and Nurturing of Wisdoms and Knowledge (CCRISAC) paradigm, using a participatory qualitative approach that included dialogues with community actors and institutional stakeholders, document review, and participant observation across four territories of the Caribbean Coast during the 2022–2024 period. The findings reveal that external cooperation, articulated through interinstitutional alliances and flagship programs, has strengthened educational relevance, applied research, and social engagement by integrating local and global knowledge. Furthermore, the identified practices reflect processes of community participation, inclusion, and the construction of intercultural citizenship, although tensions persist between external agendas and territorial priorities. Regarding future perspectives, the need to institutionalize sustainability strategies—particularly exit plans ensuring continuity and autonomy—is emphasized. It is concluded that external cooperation, managed through a community-based intercultural approach, constitutes a strategic pillar for social transformation and Buen Vivir, while also posing challenges in terms of sustainability and institutional capacity building.