Abstract:

Globalization is not only an economic and political phenomenon but also a social, cultural and environmental one. Therefore, the effects of globalization are associated with dimensions such as living conditions, income distribution, social mobility, access to political and cultural participation, and ways of life, among others. As educational actors, universities have a central role in promoting the goals of sustainable development and an education that prepares citizens for future contexts and challenges.

Based on a case study at a Portuguese university, this research selected three course units that were taught to students from 17 undergraduate programs. By utilizing the reports of teachers and students enrolled in these curricular units, we analyze the students' preparation to respond to the challenges in the framework of the multidimensionality of globalization in contemporary times. This communication aims to share the results of these formative experiences and their contributions to the improvement of the students' training.

The results show that the cross-curricular units promote knowledge and skills that can enhance students´ capabilities to be more autonomous, increasing their sensitivity to diversity and being more critical of misinformation. Thus, the training project for future professionals should privilege critical analysis in the field of global issues, contributing to learning processes that promote attentiveness to the protection of human rights, as well as social and human development.

Keywords:

Citizenship, Education, Globalization, Higher Education, Human Rights, Training.