U.S. Universities Want Brazilian Students

[Matt Wagner]

In our travels around Brazil, we often encounter students who are surprised by the idea that universities in the United States are eager to enroll more Brazilian students. In America, admissions officers struggle to understand why the world’s fifth largest country sends so few students, especially compared to Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Why is there such a difference?

 

The commitment of U.S. schools to international diversity is genuine. According to the International Educational Exchange’s 2015 Open Doors report, nearly one million international students are enrolled at American universities, as compared to only 600,000 students a decade ago. Large public universities (such as the University of Florida or UC Berkeley) and selective private schools (such as Harvard, Stanford and MIT) all employ staff specifically to recruit students from around the world.

 

Why do U.S. schools care so much? America sees itself as an international leader, and U.S. universities value the importance of having a global impact, contributing to their own country and to societies around the world. A college education in the U.S. is about more than classes and coursework. From the U.S. perspective, the student body itself -- the students, and the ways that students are brought together - is as important as academics. American universities seek students who can bring unique perspectives to the campus community. International students have the potential to be future leaders and to broaden the perspectives of all students on campus.

 

The desire for a diverse, global population extends beyond universities. American corporations, especially in banking and technology, insist that our borders be wide open. They seek talented people from every place. According to the National Foundation for American Policy, more than one-half of the private U.S. corporations valued at more than US$1 billion were started by immigrants. Outside of the U.S., companies around the world recognize the high quality of the American university education and are eager to hire graduates holding such credentials.

 

Brazilian students may have worries about studying in the United States. The language gap is difficult, and Americans often pay little attention to languages beyond English. Even those who do speak a second language rarely learn Portuguese. However, once on campus, Brazilian students are not alone. Recently, I had the opportunity to accompany faculty from Florianópolis on a tour of the University of Tampa in Florida. Two undergraduate students greeted our group, speaking fluent Portuguese and serving as our tour guides for the afternoon. These students had immersed themselves in Brazil and its language, reminding us about the power of diversity on campus.

 

We often hear worries about returning to Brazil after college in America. The Ministry of Education does not automatically recognize qualifications earned overseas. This is often considered a big disadvantage for students who would like to gain an international perspective in their education but also hope to pursue specific professions requiring licensure. However, procedures for revalidation do exist. You only need a little planning to have an American diploma recognized in Brazil. Also, many professions do not require specific qualifications. By studying in the U.S., students are at an advantage when talking to potential employers because they have already built a worldwide network.

 

The good news is that international enrollment by Brazilians in America is finally increasing. In the most recent school year, more than 20,000 Brazilian students were enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the United States. This is a jump of almost 80% from the year before. We want to see even more Brazilian students in America. Brazilians have a great deal to offer to international universities, and the rewards will be great for everyone.

More info can be found at www.UniversityConsultantsofAmerica.com