IMPACT OF INTERNSHIPS ABROAD OVER THE ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT OF PHARMACY STUDENTS FROM UNIVERSITY OF SÃO PAULO: A 10-YEAR CASE STUDY

Abstract

The internationalization of higher education has been incorporated into the policy guidelines of Brazilian universities, and internships abroad are good examples of this behavior. During recent years, undergraduate internships have received more attention about the number of approved applications. However, the literature lacks studies that have measured the contributions of this policy. We evaluated the engagement of undergraduate students from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, in internships abroad and the impact of such experiences abroad on students’ personal, professional, and academic life. Data were collected through a multiple-choice questionnaire that was administered to alumni who engaged in internships abroad between 2007-2016. The most frequent destinations for internships were Canada, England, Australia, and the United States. The Science without Borders (Ciência sem Fronteiras) mobility program funded 89% of all scholarships. The students’ main motivations for submitting internship applications included improving foreign languages, experiencing life abroad, and bolstering their professional career. Only 19% of the students were able to receive equivalent course credit for mandatory disciplines abroad. Nonetheless, 91% validated elective classes. According to the students, support for students, infrastructure, library access, and information technology, and learning strategies need to be improved at Brazilian universities.