Women undergoing international academic mobility: a description of the Brazilian female researchers at the Universidade do Minho

Abstract

Science has made important strides in the debate about gender relations, although a non-level playing field between men and women is still evident, which leads to different choices and motivations with regard to academic and scientific careers. The internationalisation of education has led to new challenges for women, especially as regards the role they play in the political strategies adopted in the backdrop of the globalisation of education. Among these strategies is a drive to increase international mobility within academia by encouraging students and researchers to go to research centres abroad. The Brazilian Science and Technology system has been increasing investment in this sector, granting research scholarships for several degree levels. But what share of these scholarships is attributed to females and what significance is attached to this mobility? Based on a survey of 52 Brazilian women enrolled on post-graduate courses at the Universidade do Minho, this study aims to draw up the profile of these students and researchers, mapping their personal, social, cultural, and academic characteristics, as well as the underlying motivations behind their choice for this mobility.