2023-10-11 20:24:00
Photo: Secom/Unilab.
During three days filled with intense programming, the University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusofonia (Unilab) held the II Seminar on University Internationalization, at the Campus das Auroras, in Redenção/CE. On October 5, the second day of the program, topics such as curricular internationalization, double degrees and strategic partnerships were discussed, among other topics relevant to the achievement of the university’s institutional mission.
Under the title “Unilab Panorama 2010 – 2023 and educational cooperation between Brazil and the other CPLP countries”, the rector of Unilab, Roque Albuquerque, spoke with the secretary of Commercial Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), Laudemar Aguiar Neto.
Dean of Unilab, Roque Albuquerque, alongside diplomat Laudemar Neto. Photo: Secom/Unilab.
Roque Albuquerque highlighted the gap in international connections that Unilab faced since the departure of its first rector pro tempore, Paulo Speller, until 2020, when the current management took over. “We tried to reestablish these connections, it was the first thing I did when I took over,” he says. One of the actions to prioritize internationalization again was the choice of African professor Artemisa Monteiro as vice-rector of Institutional and International Relations. “We recognize the capacity of a professor with a doctorate who came this far and fought for internationalization,” stated Albuquerque.
The rector also highlighted that internationalization is in Unilab’s DNA and is the characteristic that differentiates it from dozens of other Brazilian universities. “If we remove Unilab’s internationalization, there is nothing left. It’s just another new, small university in the countryside, destined to be small. We have already reached the mark of more than 53 thousand registered in Unilab’s international selection processes. The last selection process had 14 thousand applicants, an increase of almost 300%. For those who have vision, Unilab in these countries represents a lot”, he declared.
Diplomat and Secretary of Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), Laudemar Aguiar Neto. Photo: Secom/Unilab.
The Secretary of Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), Laudemar Aguiar Neto, stated that education has once again become a priority for the Brazilian government, “after four years of hijacking by groups with ill intentions”. According to the secretary, the Lula government’s priority in foreign relations is dialogue with Africa. “Thus, we want to increasingly strengthen relations with Unilab and we also want to avoid brain drain. May you, international students, have a good education in Brazil and return to contribute to your countries of origin”, he highlighted.
“We rarely see black people in Brazil in high positions. And in Brazil, black people are 54%. Symbols create paradigm shift perspective. You won’t understand that structural racism exists (and fight it) with invisibility,” she concluded.
Vice-Rector of Institutional and International Relations, Artemisa Monteiro. Photo: Secom/Unilab.
Then, the vice-rector of Institutional and International Relations, Artemisa Monteiro, took the stage and launched the Unilab Partners Seal and the “I am because we are Unilab” Campaign, inviting the authorities present, such as the ambassadors of Guinea-Bissau in Brazil, M’Bala Fernandes; from Mozambique in Brazil, Jacinto Maguni; and the Minister Counselor of the Angolan Embassy in Brazil, José Carlos Daio.
Internationalization of CVs and double degrees
With this motto, the third round table of the event took place, with the advisor for International Affairs at the Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ), Liliane Resende, and the pro-rector of Interinstitutional Relations at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC ), José de Paula Neto. The mediation was carried out by Unilab’s Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Thiago Moura.
Liliane Resende, advisor for International Affairs at the Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ). Photo: Secom/Unilab.
For Liliane Resende, internationalization is the fourth dimension of the university and contributes to increasing the quality of the university’s tripod (teaching, research and extension). “In the connected world, it is no longer possible to work in isolation. The problems are global and impact us locally. We need to develop strategic partnerships to think about solutions of global interest,” she said.
The advisor listed, as actions for internationalization, that UFSJ offers a free online Portuguese course to candidates for the institution and then an in-person Portuguese course; promotes online classes with international teachers, on the most diverse topics; and grants more points for teacher progression to those who supervise international work.
Liliane Resende (UFSJ); Vice-Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Unilab, Thiago Moura (center); and pro-rector of Interinstitutional Relations at UFC, José de Paula Neto. Photo: Secom/Unilab.
Thiago Moura highlighted that Unilab approves the Pedagogical Course Plans (PPCs) based on Brazilian legislation and that the double degree would bring more adherence and retention of international students.
Internationalization and challenges in community and local integration
The last round table of the day was attended by the dean of Unilab, Roque Albuquerque, and the president of the Institute of Management and Citizenship (IGC), Herberth Lobo. On that occasion, a protocol of mutual cooperation agreement was signed between Unilab and IGC.
Dean of Unilab, Roque Albuquerque, and the president of the Institute of Management and Citizenship (IGC), Herberth Lobo. Photo: Secom/Unilab.
The Unilab dean commented on previous management initiatives that were not continued, such as double degrees and the implementation of courses of interest to partner countries. Furthermore, he recalled the problems faced by the municipalities where Unilab is located, such as the impact that the university generates on services provided by the Unified Health System (SUS), and celebrated the new Maciço de Baturité Hospital, recently announced by the State government. “We are in a good moment and gaining momentum to fly further”, he summarized.
Herberth Lobo stated the need to use technologies and innovation to promote collaboration between international institutions. “We are developing a project with Unilab, in the health area, which integrates Brazil-Africa-Asia. We want to develop strategies to help overcome problems, bringing innovation and technology”, he highlighted.
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