This is designed to provide a privileged framework for various types of collaboration between our own members and those of FAUBAI.  It is the direct and very encouraging result of contacts which have been developed in the context of the AlBan and Alfa programmes. FAUBAI was the Brazilian focal point of the AlBan Programme co-ordinated by the Santander Group, whereas now it has become a SG partner, as one of the Latin American antennas under the Alfa Observatory project.

This agreement will hopefully provide a model for similar arrangements with other networks in different parts of the world and represents a positive direction for our emerging internationalisation strategy which will be the subject of further discussion at our General Assembly.

The ceremony of signing the co-operation agreement took place in Manaus in Brazil and coincided with the Annual Convention of the FAUBAI held between 12th -15th May. The event gathered 150 representatives of the Brazilian universities, representatives of the European Commission Delegation in Brazil, honorary guests from the Swiss and Belgian Embassies, and other European and international organizations of higher education such as DAAD, Fulbright Association, Erasmus Mundus Alumni Association and others.

The participants discussed important topics for the implementation of the internationalisation strategies of the Brazilian universities such as internationalisation of curricula, double diplomas and double degrees, quality assurance, optimal organisation of international offices, funding opportunities of education and research activities. The co-operation possibilities with national and international associations of universities like the Santander Group European Universities´ Network were placed high on the FAUBAI priorities.

FAUBAI was founded in 1988 with the aim to promote integration of international relations co-ordinators at institutions of higher education in Brazil. Through the exchange of experience and common activities such as seminars, workshops, participation in national and international projects, the FAUBAI Association strengthens operational capacities to manage international relations and consequently to improve education and research activities of its member universities. Exchange of information among international offices, management of database on international co-operation, expansion of relations with universities and institutions of higher education outside Brazil, consulting services on higher education international policies for universities, public institutions and other entities are only selected examples of the major objectives set by the FAUBAI Association.

 

For further details on the agreement, please visit our intranet section .