International mobility: memories that mark, experiences that remain

Abstract

Introduction: The internationalization of higher education has been a crucial factor in the development of academic networks and the expansion of global knowledge. The International Relations Executive Board (DERI) of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), in partnership with Santander, has been promoting the international mobility of technical-administrative staff, with a view to professional improvement and immersion in diverse cultural contexts. Objective: The aim of this project is to analyze the impact of UNICAMP's International Mobility Program on technical-administrative staff at the Faculty of Education (FE), in order to understand how international experiences have contributed to their professional and personal development, as well as strengthening administrative and academic practices at FE. Methodology: The research adopts a qualitative approach, based on the analysis of the reports of these civil servants who participated in the International Mobility Program between 2019 and 2024. Results: The civil servants attested to significant gains in their professional skills, especially in the areas of academic management, inclusive policies, sustainability, scientific dissemination and administrative practices focused on cultural diversity. The international experience enabled the exchange of good relations between the institutions visited and UNICAMP, strengthening inter-institutional collaboration. Conclusion: UNICAMP's International Mobility Program has proved to be effective in developing the skills of FE's technical-administrative staff, as well as providing enriching experiences, promoting internationalization, knowledge exchange and inter-institutional partnerships. The experiences have contributed to local innovations, aligning FE with global strategies for education, inclusion and sustainable management.