Desafios e oportunidades da cooperação internacional para a internacionalização do ensino superior : uma análise do acordo de cooperação entre a Universidade Federal da Paraíba e a Universidade de Buenos Aires

Abstract

Universities in Brazil and around the world promote cooperation agreements as a strategy for the internationalization of higher education. In this context, academic mobility is essential for intercultural education, as it enables exchange and dialogue between individuals from different cultures and with multiple language skills. The objective of this research was to investigate, describe, categorize, and systematize the opportunities and challenges associated with the cooperation agreement between the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) and the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). The methodology adopted was predominantly based on a qualitative approach, with bibliographic and documentary procedures, complemented by the author's experience report. This study is justified by the need to critically understand the challenges and potential of international cooperation agreements, especially with regard to democratizing access to academic mobility. The results present proposals for improving the academic agreement, which may serve as a basis for future agreements and research. In the academic sphere, the work contributes to the strengthening of international cooperation agreements in Brazilian universities, offering theoretical and practical support for the qualification of these partnerships. For society, the research highlights the importance of internationalization policies in public educational institutions, by providing opportunities to people who would otherwise not have the personal or financial means to participate in an institutional exchange. On a personal and professional level, the research proves to be fundamental in highlighting how experiences in international contexts contribute to the transformation of critical thinking, the strengthening of empathy, and the development of sociocultural and linguistic skills. The research results indicate the need to formalize a new base agreement between UBA and UFPB, to detail partnerships with each UBA center, and to guarantee fee exemptions for exchange students under the agreement. It also highlights the inclusion of administrative technicians in exchanges and the encouragement of inter-university collaborative projects, with funding and institutional recognition.