INTERCULTURAL RELATIONS IN UNIVERSITY LIFE: EXPERIENCES OF INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY OF PROFESSORS AND STUDENTS

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at analyzing intercultural experiences of students and university professors who conducted international academic mobility programs, focusing on the challenges experienced, the fostering aspects and the gains achieved. Thirty interviews were conducted and the material obtained was qualitatively analyzed with the aid of the Ethnograph software. Results show that the biggest challenges relate to the cultural adaptation process, being the language barrier one of the main difficulties. The fostering aspects include the relationship with other exchange students and the support of professors. The mobility experience reveals itself to be a facilitator of the construction of an important symbolic capital, contributing to the development of personal, academic, professional and intercultural skills. The role of the University in this process stands out in actions of support and guidance to those involved.

KEYWORDS:
internationalization of higher education; international academic mobility; intercultural experience