Políticas de internacionalização na educação superior pública federal : estudo de caso da UFPE

Abstract

Internationalization constitutes today, according to Almeida Filho and Santos (2012), the mission and the destiny of universities. This research sought to understand how the internationalization process of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) took place, specifying the concept and internationalization policies institutionally adopted and the segments involved in its elaboration. The importance of this work lies in the fact that internationalization, its motivations, strategies and practices are closely related to the context of the institution (DEWIT, 2013; KNIGHT, 2020) and in the absence of works that analyse institutions from the state of Pernambuco. The research we conducted was qualitative and descriptive, and was developed through the case study method and content analysis techniques. Data analysis revealed that, at UFPE, internationalization was initially seen as an abstract concept, which evolved into a bricolage of different conceptions. In general, the understanding that currently prevails is that internationalization must involve all sectors of the university and must provide a contribution to society, with a special focus on sustainability. We have also identified 3 different phases in UFPE's internationalization strategies: initially there was a focus on cross-border mobility, then on the expansion of initiatives and partnerships and on internationalization at home and, finally, on the democratization of access and the institutionalization of policies. We also concluded that the demand for the internationalization of the institution has both external and internal origin, in the latter case, with special emphasis on the professors. We also confirmed the importance of the International Relations Office as a protagonist, articulator and facilitator of the institution's internationalization process, even in the face of internal resistance, obstacles and difficulties in the national and international context. Finally, we indicate some points that the university should observe in the future development of its policies, among which we highlight: ensuring the strengthening of South-South cooperation and greater participation of all sectors of the academic community in the elaboration of institutional policies.