A delegation from the French university Sorbonne Nouvelle visited Unicamp on Tuesday, September 9, to discuss expanding exchange programs and learn more about the university diversity projects already implemented. "We had a very fruitful and interesting visit. I found the information about inclusion programs for students from all over Brazil fascinating; it's inspiring for us," commented Rector Daniel Mouchard, who was welcomed by General Coordinator Fernando Coelho, acting rector of Unicamp, and guests.
"The important thing is that we came here to open new discussions about exchange and further strengthen our relationships to build shared memories," Mouchard added. Between 2014 and 2024, it's worth noting that the Sorbonne Nouvelle welcomed 34 students and 25 faculty members into its exchange programs with Unicamp, according to a survey by the Executive Directorate of International Relations (Deri).
One of the topics that most attracted the French delegation's attention was the Indigenous student community at the University. "The visit could bear fruit and lead to a letter of intent for a multi-university understanding, which will involve other institutions that also work with the Indigenous community," Coelho emphasized. "There are already many programs underway between the two universities, with an indefinite term. It was a fruitful meeting for both sides. Through internationalization mechanisms, we strengthen the education of our students," he added.
Anthropologist Capucine Boidin, vice-rector for research at the Sorbonne Nouvelle and professor at the Institute of Advanced Latin American Studies (IHEAL), said she was impressed by the breadth of Unicamp's Indigenous student inclusion program. Boidin, who teaches Guarani in Paris after studying in Paraguay, emphasized the challenge. "Welcoming Indigenous people brings a new relationship with knowledge and pedagogy. I enjoyed the reflection on the difficulties and the overcoming. These are projects that require adaptation, but also bring awareness of cultural richness."
The student and faculty exchange between Unicamp and the Sorbonne Nouvelle may yet take on new dimensions. The French university, renowned for its programs in foreign languages, linguistics, and cultural studies, as well as its excellence in research in literature and the arts, expressed interest in the concept of university outreach at a meeting held at the Office of the Vice-Rector for Outreach, Sports, and Culture. "The concept of outreach doesn't exist in France, and they wanted to understand the activities we undertake to bring the university closer to the wider community," said Gabriel Zacarias, professor at the Institute of Philosophy and Human Sciences (IFCH), and director of the Museum of Visual Arts (MAV) at Unicamp. "For us, there are many possibilities in the arts and outreach, with exchanges that go beyond traditional regular programs, such as artistic residencies, for example."
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