What is the use of interculturality? Evaluation of the Intercultural University of Chiapas by its students

The intercultural model in higher education in Mexico has so far been the only proposal made a reality for an inclusive education towards the "non-western" knowledge integrated in an official-state educational curriculum. However, this model has so far received much criticism from different academic fields, although information on the views of students of intercultural universities is limited. This article explores the opinions of the student population of the Intercultural University of Chiapas (Mexico) on the intercultural model, their motivations to enter this university and the practical applicability of their studies. With a use of quantitative methods it concludes that there are ethnic differences in the evaluation of the intercultural model and the motivations to study in the intercultural university. It is also shown that the level of skepticism expressed by students about this model and the different forms of its practical applicability is related to the amount of time that the student has spent studying in the university. Based on these data it is proposed to review some critical points to improve the functioning of intercultural universities.