Presence of foreign students increases and strengthens Entomology’s network

The exchange of knowledge and experience with students from the rest of the world has always been among the priorities of the Postgraduate Program in Entomology. Since this is not currently possible at UFV’s campus, computers are the solution. Behind the screens that have allowed the continuation of the program’s activities during this pandemic are professors and students from different parts of Brazil, as well as students of other nationalities. Some are enrolled as regular students of the program and are waiting in Brazil for the possibility of resuming their routine in person, and others remain in their countries, taking specific courses or participating in projects with research groups or laboratories.

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“At this moment of the pandemic, considering that the possibilities for Brazilian students are very limited, this process, which we call ‘internationalization at home’, has even greater importance”, says the Director of International Relations at UFV, Vladimir Oliveira Di Iorio. “We are focused on attracting a large number of students, to keep this exchange of knowledge that is so important for the academic environment.” One of the actions already underway is the increase in courses offered in English, by many programs, including PPG-Ent, to make the participation of foreign students easier.

Because of this initiative, Joseph Oswald Ruboha, (in the picture above) from Tanzania, has joined the group of “Insect Behaviour” – a course taught by Professor Simon Elliot. He has to deal with a six-hour time difference but considers the chance to be included in a foreign university as a fantastic new experience. “The best part is meeting new classmates. I like the way the teachers interact with us. Even though we’re far away, the way they conduct the class makes it feel like we’re in the same place,” he says. The opportunity to interact and exchange information with colleagues from other parts of the world, in Ruboha’s opinion, is enormously valuable. “I believe this is preparing me for whatever comes next in my career.”

Benefits
The benefits of the exchange, however, are not only for the visiting student. “Our networking increases a lot when we have colleagues from different countries. They bring us references, research, and introduce us to important debates in other countries. In other words, we create and strengthen, from Brazil, a global network”, says Bruno Franklin, student representative on the PPG-Ent Coordinating Committee. “Our program is highly respected around the world, and I have no doubts that this possibility of exchange is an important part of this concept”, he says.

“Entomology makes a big contribution to our internationalization, even now with the increase in the offer of courses in English. The consequences of this initiative have been very good during the pandemic, and we are prepared to maintain this in person as well,” says Vladimir. According to the Director of International Relations, Colombians are historically the foreigners who most enroll at UFV. In recent semesters, however, the highlight has been the presence of Nigerians, a consequence of the partnership signed in 2019 between the University, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (Fara), and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund).

John Chidi Harriman is one of the students who have been attending classes directly from Nigeria. “We are planning to go to Brazil at the end of the pandemic, but for now we are enjoying online classes. The experience is fantastic,” he says, highlighting the progress he has made in his network.

Jhon Lopez, a doctoral student who shares the role of student representative on the program’s Coordinating Committee with Bruno, has been in Brazil since 2018, when he came for his master’s degree. “I came because of the area of ​​study. I specifically wanted to work with my current advisor (Professor Frederico Salles). As soon as I arrived, I felt very welcome, in a very good environment. And also, from day one, I did my best to learn the language, to communicate. Today, I am happy to have publications with colleagues, including those from other UFV laboratories”, says Jhon, born in Colombia. Partnerships are, in his opinion, the main benefit of internationalization. “With each class, students and professors have the chance to form partnerships, to strengthen the network between universities, to make new contacts and create projects together.”

Lorena Botina was also born in Colombia and has been in Brazil since 2016. She says that she came to UFV encouraged by her undergraduate advisor, and felt, from the beginning, motivated by the quality of the teachers and the laboratories. “This transfer of technology and knowledge is very important, it motivates us a lot. Each student who passes through here shows the name of UFV to the world, and can open new doors.” Lorena is the coordinator of events for the group Insectum, created by the students of the program. “At Insectum, very interesting exchanges take place. With the participation of students from many places, we have easier contact with specialists, greater engagement by the foreign public, and we can offer a support network to Brazilian researchers who have the chance to visit other universities around the world,” she enumerates. The biggest challenge of the exchange, according to Lorena, was undoubtedly the language. “There are also important differences in methodologies, but I realized that this is something we can overcome. I went through many challenges, but this is now home.”

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