Internacionalização e competências globais na Educação Profissional e Tecnológica.

Abstract

The internationalization of education has gained increasing relevance within the context of Professional and Technological Education (PTE), serving as a strategy capable of contributing to students' comprehensive education and the development of global competencies required to operate in an increasingly interconnected society. This study aims to analyze how institutional internationalization practices contribute to strengthening global competencies in Brazilian Professional and Technological Education. To this end, a qualitative research approach was adopted, based on bibliographic and documentary research grounded in educational legislation, institutional documents, and scientific publications related to the internationalization of education and PTE. The analysis shows that actions such as academic mobility, international cooperation, participation in research networks, curriculum internationalization, and virtual exchange programs expand educational opportunities and foster the development of competencies related to intercultural communication, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and collaborative work. Furthermore, the Federal Institutes play a strategic role in this process by integrating teaching, research, and extension activities from the perspective of comprehensive human development. The findings also indicate the existence of challenges that hinder the consolidation of internationalization initiatives, particularly language barriers, budget constraints, and the discontinuity of public incentive policies. It is concluded that internationalization represents an important instrument for strengthening Professional and Technological Education, contributing to the education of professionals and citizens capable of acting critically, ethically, and innovatively in global contexts. Therefore, it is necessary to expand institutional and governmental policies that promote its implementation in a democratic and inclusive manner.