The text aims to discuss the diversity of meanings attributed to the term internationalization in research and higher education. Internationalization has been the subject of numerous references in the policies for evaluating the quality of teaching and research. At the same time, it has generated various interpretations both in its favor, and to its disadvantage. We seek to understand why organizational actors, with more political power for intervention, convey an extremely positive representation of internationalization, although not always identifying the indicators and the correct ways of measurement for this process. The research has an exploratory nature and focuses in particular on data collected through participant observation and several interviews conducted via e-mail to university deans, vice deans and directors of Portuguese research centers.
internationalization ; mobility; research