Strengthening International Ties: Mandatory Supervised Internships and Training in International Relations at UNESP Franca

Abstract

This study investigates and proposes the mandatory inclusion of supervised internships in the International Relations course at the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Franca Campus, with a focus on Latin American regional integration. The initiative aims to strengthen internationalization through the expansion of partnerships with companies, NGOs, and international institutions, enriching academic training with practical experiences. UNESP, through the Institutional Program for Internationalization (PrInt) and the International Relations Advisory (AREX), already demonstrates commitment to internationalization, making the proposal easily operationalizable. The research foresees the application of a questionnaire to assess student acceptance, internship preferences, and impacts on their training. It is expected that the model will serve as an inspiration for other Latin American universities, promoting academic cooperation and regional development.