Countervailing institutional forces that shape internationalization of science: an analysis of Brazil's Science without Borders program

Abstract

This paper theorizes on how globalization and localization affect internationalization of science and analyzes the institutional trajectory of Brazil's large scale program, now suspended, Science without Borders (SwB). Counter to the main goal of SwB, our analysis of the historical genesis of Brazilian science institutions reveals a systemic pull toward localization that dampens internationalization. In addition, our analysis of geographic diversification of grants highlights a missing link in the study abroad value chain, which is a lack of training for global skills. The primary area of concern has been to improve language proficiency. What receives less attention is the development of additional skills, such as a student's ability to adapt to the foreign academic environment, that are critical to cultivation and maintenance of long-term professional and institutional relationships. The missing link of service ought to include improved language proficiency, but go beyond that by working with students to provide the cultural, communication, learning, social, and academic skills that are often assumed in the new foreign environment but are not so evident in the country of origin, such as Brazil.