When the time comes to choose a university abroad, many students focus on two factors: the program offered and tuition costs. Although important, these criteria are not enough to support a decision that can impact years of academic, professional, and personal life.
Studying abroad involves cultural adaptation, new academic demands, specific immigration rules, and a different education system. Ignoring these elements can turn an apparently perfect choice into a frustrating experience.
Edson Agatti, Executive Director of Hayek Global College, states that choosing a university in the United States should involve factors that go beyond rankings or location.
“The student needs to analyze the real outcomes that the university delivers: graduate employability rates, which companies recruit on campus, what real internship opportunities are available during the program, and the track record of graduates’ career placement,” he explains.
According to him, observing these indicators helps determine whether the institution truly prepares students to compete in the international job market. “A good university is one that offers quality classes and opens concrete doors for students’ careers after graduation.”
Location and cost of living also matter. “Even if two universities have similar tuition fees, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the city. Housing, transportation, food, and health insurance usually differ across cities and states,” explains the Hayek director.
It is also important to consider internship opportunities, networking, and quality of life. “Being close to business hubs can facilitate professional insertion. On the other hand, smaller college towns may offer a quieter and more study-focused environment. Ignoring the city’s context is a common mistake that can compromise financial planning and the overall academic experience.”
Another essential point is to analyze what happens beyond the classroom. Partnerships with companies, career fairs, internship programs, and graduate employability rates are relevant indicators. “It is also important to check whether the institution offers support with documentation renewal and cultural adaptation—factors that do not always appear in rankings but directly impact students’ daily lives,” the professor adds.
Starting in Brazil and Finishing in the United States
To ease the transition from high school to an international university, Hayek Global College, based in Brasília, offers the American College program, an undergraduate pathway with a dual degree from Brazil and the United States. In the 2+2 model, students complete the first two years in Brazil, following the American curriculum and attending classes in English, and finish the final two years at a partner university in the U.S., such as George Mason University, Cumberland University, Clark University, SUNY Alfred State, and Fort Hays State University, among others.
At the end of the program, students earn a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Computer Science, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Marketing, International Relations, and Business.
“The possibility of starting a degree in Brazil and completing it in the United States makes financial matters and cultural adaptation easier. In addition, our partnerships with American universities include the evaluation and possible transfer of credits earned in Brazil, reducing academic redundancy and optimizing time and investment. This format differentiates the program from traditional degree models, especially for students seeking a well-planned international education from the beginning,” highlights the Executive Director of Hayek.
The program also incorporates the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) model, connecting students with professors and peers from institutions around the world, expanding international networking and intercultural understanding.