Relações interculturais na mobilidade estudantil universitária: experiências de intercambistas de engenharia na Universidade do Porto

Abstract

Student mobility is an essential strategy for academic and professional development, allowing university students to complete part of their studies at institutions different from their home universities. This study explores the experiences of 27 engineering students from 12 different nationalities who participated in an exchange program at a Portuguese institution between 2023 and 2024. The objective is to contribute to and promote a more creative education for future engineering professionals. Approximately 74% of respondents received scholarships, highlighting the support provided by educational institutions for mobility programs. The findings revealed that student mobility significantly contributed to the development of intercultural and technical skills. Among the main benefits reported by students were the expansion of knowledge about new engineering methodologies and techniques, improvement in organizational and planning skills under tight deadlines, as well as adaptation to different teaching and research styles. Moreover, the experience fostered a broader and more critical perspective on the global job market, enhancing participants' résumés, reinforces the importance of internationalization programs in higher education, emphasizing the positive impact of these experiences in shaping more qualified professionals ready to thrive in an increasingly interconnected market.