Program Structure

The Minor in Global Challenges was designed from the idea of integrating complementary approaches that were widespread in different programs at the Undergraduate and Graduate levels at UFF.

In this sense, the curricular pathway was conceived considering the formation of socially committed citizens, who are able to dialogue between different areas of knowledge and, consequently, in practical application in the construction of a less unequal world.

Its courses are organically articulated with each other, with the central theme, and with the desired practice for the student’s training. Its structure is designed to give students the opportunity to carry out their studies with flexibility, promoting greater adaptation to their individual possibilities and aspirations, without prejudice to academic quality.

Mandatory Courses

240h

Courses of 30h or 60h available every semester, in the language(s) the student is proficient in.

See the list of courses

Activities in Foreign Languages

30h

Offered by the Centro de Línguas e Cultura (Language and Culture Center), in partnership with the Department of Modern Foreign Languages, activities in a foreign language will provide language practice in the academic context, such as the writing of articles and presentation of conferences. Activities will also include a tutoring program.

Students may enroll in one or more activities, according to their language proficiency. For foreign students, activities will be offered in Portuguese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Course and Curricular Structure

What is the Minor on Global Challenges?

By integrating international topics into the local curriculum, the Minor in Global Challenges amplifies the scope of opportunities for foreign students at UFF and promotes partnerships and stronger interactions between the international academic community and local students and researchers. In all its dimensions, the course puts to practice the concept of internationalization at home.

This course complements the training of a professional that, together with their regular academic path, develops a greater understanding and awareness of the most diverse forms of inequality observed worldwide in the social, economic, and environmental spheres.

What is the course based on?

The course aims to organize the curricular path of its students based on an integrated view that is transversal and multidisciplinary, expressed by the following guiding principles: academic transversality, internationalization at home, citizenship, and integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What will the Minor add to my professional development?

Students who finish the course will be professionals capable of bringing to their specific field a more critical and humane perspective, aiming to promote social transformations in their communities. They will also be able to develop a multicultural perspective by interacting with Brazilian and other international students in the program, broadening their horizons to different cultures and societies.

Those factors, together with the awarding of a certificate by one of the largest public universities in Brazil, will allow and increase the inclusion of those students in the professional market and/or expand their growth in the academic field.

Will the course be online or on-site?

Classes in the course may be offered either online, on-site, or in a hybrid format, as allowed by the current sanitary conditions and according to each teacher’s preference.

In the case of on-site and/or hybrid classes, all foreign students will receive the appropriate support and assistance from the International Cooperation Office in regards to the documents and procedures related to their entry and stay in Brazil.

What is the degree of freedom that I have to develop my course program?

Students are able to choose among a group of courses which ones they wish to take to compose the requirement of 240 hours of class. While mandatory to take this total hourly workload to receive the appropriate certification, students can choose the courses that better fit their academic and professional needs among the ones available each semester.

What are the Foreign Language Activities, and do I need to participate as a native speaker?

Those activities aim to teach students strategies to develop their linguistic competencies in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. As such, all non-native Portuguese speakers must participate in this module in the Portuguese language. Additionally, all the modules in the other languages are also open to non-native-speaking international students.

The goal of this module is to present the usage of the languages studied in an academic setting of both oral and written communication, including the creation of academic papers and the presentation of seminars. Furthermore, it will also offer optional tutoring to assist students in regards to English, Spanish and French.

Am I allowed to join courses offered in languages other than my native one(s)?

Yes. Every student can participate in courses offered in different languages, but please keep in mind that for courses not offered in your native language(s), it will be necessary to present a document that states a level of at least B1 proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Enrollment Process

How do I join the Minor?

International students outside of UFF should contact the International Cooperation Office (ICO) directly at mobilidadeinsri@id.uff.br for further instructions on how to proceed with their enrollment.

Course Conclusion

How long is the Minor?

The estimated timeframe to conclude the course is 3 (three) academic semesters. The maximum number of academic semesters for the conclusion is 5 (five).

How do I know which courses are offered each semester?

The complete list of courses offered each semester is available on this link.

How many courses should I take each semester?

Students in the Minor in Global Challenges are able to define their own academic paths and should only follow the basic criteria that rule the course, them being:

Fulfill a total hourly workload of classroom activities of 270 hours in 5 academic semesters or less;
Participate only in courses offered in the languages they have attested proficiency in, or are native speakers of.

We remind you that international students can participate exclusively in the Minor, or also take other courses in their home institutions and/or our undergraduate or graduate programs at UFF, as their home institutions allow. Henceforth, we suggest finding a balance between academic responsibilities that fit you.

How do I proceed after concluding the mandatory classroom hourly workload?

Students who have concluded all the necessary requirements to graduate in the Minor should contact the International Cooperation Office (ICO) requesting further information on the required documents to receive their certification.