Processo de internacionalização da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana: panorama histórico na perspectiva dos gestores

Abstract

The process of internationalization of higher education has intensified with the phenomenon of globalization and represents a transformation challenge for universities. In this context, the experience of international student mobility promotes and consolidates direct or indirect linguistic, cultural and academic benefits for the whole academic community. This research focused in the history of the internationalization process at the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS) from the Special Advisory of Institutional Relations (AERI) managers’ perspectives from 1997 to 2019. The main purpose of the study was to map out the linguistic, educational and psychocultural policies, actions and prospects of the Institutional Internationalization Project. Based on the principles of thematic oral history methodology and using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with direct managers concentrating on the historical aspects and events of the internationalization process. It became evident that the support strategy in place is restricted to legal, administrative, financial and academic guidelines and that the psychocultural aspects of the international mobility experience deserve greater attention. The historical analysis of institutional monitoring and advising strategies demonstrated need to evaluate mobility programs and, consequently, to implement more effective actions regarding the support offered to exchange students.