Estudiantes indígenas en universidades en el suroccidente colombiano: Tensiones entre calidad y pertinencia

This study examines the most common tensions and vicissitudes experienced by indigenous students at conventional universities in south-west Colombia; 40 interviews were carried out -30 with students, 5 with teachers and 5 with regional indigenous authorities- linked through their roles in connection to the research theme. The qualitative analysis of these interviews and existing literature on the topic made it possible to contrast the quality criteria for intercultural higher education and criteria of belonging as demanded by indigenous peoples from south-west Colombia. By taking this approach, some commonalities and discrepancies between both perspectives could be identified. The contrast reveals six areas of tension that are described and characterized in order to suggest some alternatives that might make it possible to face up to said tensions and to improve the opportunities of enrolment, permanence and graduation from indigenous universities that are open to interculturality.