Student mobility of college students from former public high schools: experiences within the Science without Borders Program , , ,

Abstract

The internationalization of higher education is a marker of universities in the contemporary world. In this process, academic mobility programs are central, representing the most visible aspect of internationalization. This article analyzes the academic mobility of students from the Science without Borders program who have studied in public high schools, especially the access of the students to the program, their international experiences, and projects for the future. The empirical research, carried out in a public university in the Midwest region of Brazil, consisted of two surveys and group discussions analyzed through the Documentary Method. Based on the results, we identified that social origin and school capital are dimensions that can hinder or deprive the participation of students from less favored classes in the access to student mobility programs. However, for students who were able to overcome these barriers, the contribution of the international experience goes beyond academic conquers and offers opportunities for the development of new projects for the future, both in the personal and professional fields.