In the world of international university admissions, sports and extracurricular activities have become powerful allies for students who dream of an academic career abroad. Vitor Ferreira, a 19-year-old from Brasília, is one of them. He moved to the United States in 2023 to pursue a degree in Business at Cumberland University, in Lebanon, near Nashville, with sports as his support. “I always wanted to study abroad because of tennis, a sport I love. So, I prepared myself and got a 100% scholarship,” says Vitor. “At college, I train every day, also dedicating time to my studies,” he adds.
According to Edson Agatti, Executive Director of Hayek Global College, an international business college based in Brasília, sports and other extracurricular activities enrich candidates’ profiles during the university selection process abroad. “Americans highly value sports, not only as entertainment but also in the job market. Athletes who get scholarships to play for the college have very high employability because employers see this as a sign that the person can acquire high-level skills, such as discipline, teamwork, and leadership, qualities highly valued by renowned universities worldwide. Additionally, extracurricular activities demonstrate a commitment to the community and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities, qualities that make candidates stand out in the selection process,” highlights Edson.
These skills are also valued in the selection process at Hayek Global College in Brasília. “We not only analyze a person’s ability to pass an exam, like the National High School Exam (ENEM), but also their English and other extracurricular skills, such as sports,” adds Edson. In Brasília, the college follows the American model and offers a dual degree program: the American College. In this program, the student studies in Brazil for two years and then transfers to a partner university in the USA to complete their bachelor's degree in courses like Computer Science, Business Administration, Economics, and Marketing. “In four years, the Hayek student will obtain a technologist degree in Brazil and a bachelor’s degree in the USA,” explains Edson.
The institution offers 32 slots in this first selection process, and applications can be made at the link https://www.hayekcollege.com/american-college. To apply, it is necessary to have completed high school and be fluent in English. Classes are taught 100% in English, with project-based learning and active methodologies, allowing students to learn from professors from different parts of the world.
How to Plan a Degree Abroad
When planning to study abroad, “it is essential to look for institutions that offer quality courses and differentiators in the student’s areas of interest,” advises Hannah Hämer, Academic Director of Hayek Global College. According to her, it is also important to understand the admission requirements and the international visa process, as well as to check the infrastructure for living during the course and evaluate all financial costs, from university fees to housing, food, and travel to Brazil. “The student must be mentally prepared to face culture shock and the distance from family. It is also important to consider the professional opportunities that may arise after the course, whether in Brazil or abroad, if the student decides to stay in the same country after their studies,” highlights Hannah.
Among the main benefits of studying abroad, she mentions professional maturity, responsibility, language proficiency, global networking, and access to excellent academics and professionals. “By stepping out of their comfort zone, the student develops valuable adaptation and problem-solving skills, in addition to a differentiated ability to deal with life’s challenges. This experience significantly contributes to personal and professional growth, making the student much more prepared for the global market,” she adds.