The internationalization of higher education has gained significant repercussions in Brazilian universities, which are increasingly inserted in the international scientific and academic scene, evidenced by the rankings prepared by international organizations. Given that internationalization has been gradually institutionalized in universities, within the scope of planning and organizational structure, this study seeks to understand the rationales that motivate them to participate in the process. Understanding the rationale for internationalization contributes to establishing specific policies for the theme since it is an initial stage for planning. Classified as a descriptive research, with a qualitative approach, the study delimited three federal higher education institutions (IFES) in Ceará with recognized internationalization actions. In the field research, interviews were conducted with IFES managers involved in the phenomenon, and in the documentary research, data were collected on the history of IFES 'performance in internationalization. The results show that the main rationales are: teacher training, student training in the professional and cultural dimensions, search for reputation and, recognition and environmental pressures. Their institutional history and mission can explain the differences between IFES. The results are convergent with the literature and contribute the guidelines in the preparation of institutional policy planning for internationalization.
Keywords:
Internationalization; Higher education institutions