International academic exchange of a Brazilian Professor: experience report

Abstract

Introduction: Academic mobility programs have become an important means of enhancing the internationalization of higher education. The interchangeability of strategies between countries can enhance gradual changes in the daily teaching and care practices of a professor/physical therapist. Objective: The experience of a professor of the Physical therapy course from Brazil in international mobility carried out at a public university in Spain was described. Methods: This is an experience report of a professor of the Physical therapy course at the University of Salvador-Bahia who carried out academic mobility to a University in Seville, Spain in April 2022. The experience lasted 30 days, divided into observational academic and care practices experiences, provision of supervised care, and preparation of a brochure on cardiovascular risk prevention with undergraduate students. Results: The experience of the international experience provided the professors involved with learning and reflections on teaching and learning strategies in a Physical therapy course in different countries. In addition to confronting different lifestyle habits, customs, and language, and undergoing the necessary adaptations to live in a different environment, the experience improved social interaction and knowledge exchange skills. The intercultural skills of the physical therapists involved in the exchange period were improved. Conclusion: International academic mobility was a period of rich professional and intercultural aggregation, enhancing skills, expanding scientific connections, and strengthening the internationalization of higher education.