In an episode of the Hayek Podcast, representatives of the American university explain the 2+2 model, academic pathways, and the support provided to international students.
Choosing a university also means imagining the experiences that may come with it. For those considering studying in the United States, this decision involves more than choosing a degree program. It is important to understand how the education system works, what academic opportunities are available, and what adapting to a new culture may involve.
These were some of the topics discussed in an episode of the Hayek Podcast, which welcomed Phil and Haley, representatives of Fort Hays State University (FHSU), located in Kansas, United States. Alongside Edson Agatti, Executive Director of Hayek Global College, and student Maria Eduarda, the guests discussed the partnership between the institutions, the American College 2+2 program, and the opportunities to build an international academic journey.
A Partnership Connecting Brazil and the United States
With more than 200 academic programs and five academic colleges, Fort Hays State University offers a structure that brings together different fields of knowledge. The university also stands out for its international presence: more than 3,000 students live and study on campus, approximately 7,000 students are enrolled in online programs, and another 3,000 are connected to partner institutions around the world.
During the conversation, Phil explained that the university develops different international cooperation models, tailored to the needs of each partner institution. In its partnership with Hayek, the chosen format allows students to begin their academic journey in Brazil and later continue their studies in the United States.
The 2+2 model consists of two years of study at Hayek Global College in Brasília, followed by another two years at Fort Hays State University. The program was designed to provide an academic transition between the two countries, allowing students to become familiar with the American curriculum before experiencing university life abroad.
An International Experience That Begins Before the Journey
An International Experience That Begins Before the Journey
Moving to another country to study can be challenging, especially for students who have just graduated from high school. Beyond academic matters, there are cultural adjustments, financial planning, and the process of building a new routine.
One of the advantages highlighted by Fort Hays representatives is the preparation students receive even before arriving on campus.
Haley explained that the team offers a free preparatory course that begins approximately eight weeks before classes start. During this period, international students get to know one another and receive guidance on important steps, such as obtaining a visa, arranging accommodation, and organizing their trip.
Upon arriving at the university, new students take part in an orientation week that combines practical activities with opportunities to connect with others. The schedule includes everything from moving into their rooms and completing health examinations to meeting other students and building new friendships.
Support continues throughout the first eight weeks of the semester through an orientation course for international students.
More than simply making the first few days easier, the goal is to create an environment where students feel welcomed and prepared to make the most of their university experience.
Learning to Live with Different Cultures
Internationalization also takes place through the relationships built inside and outside the classroom. At a university that welcomes students from different countries, multicultural interaction is part of the academic experience.
During the podcast, Haley emphasized that integration depends on everyone's willingness to build relationships. According to her, international students should not be afraid to take the initiative and invite American classmates to learn about their culture. They can also show interest in other people's experiences.
The idea is for cultural exchange to go beyond first encounters and develop into relationships that grow throughout university life.
For the university representatives, this interaction also benefits American students, who have the opportunity to discover different perspectives and broaden their understanding of the world.
An international experience, therefore, is not limited to studying in another country. It also involves developing the ability to communicate, collaborate, and work with people from different backgrounds.
More Opportunities to Discover Your Own Path
Another important topic discussed during the episode was the variety of academic opportunities available at Fort Hays State University.
The 2+2 program was initially developed with a focus on Business and Computer Science, but it also includes other pathways, such as Pre-Med and Pre-Law.
In Business, for example, students can choose from different concentrations, including Marketing, Accounting, Management, International Business, Economics, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Management Information Systems.
Phil also explained the differences between a major, a minor, and a certificate. A major represents a student's primary field of study, while a minor allows them to develop knowledge in another area. Certificates, in turn, provide more specialized complementary training.
These options allow students to build an academic path that aligns with their interests and professional goals.
The university also provides academic advising to support students throughout this process. Faculty members can introduce courses, explain program content, and share information about career opportunities after graduation.
In addition, students have access to an academic advisor dedicated to students from partner institutions. This advisor helps plan coursework and ensures that credits earned at Hayek are transferred toward the continuation of their studies at Fort Hays.
Pre-Med and Pre-Law: How Do the Pathways to Medicine and Law Work?
During the episode, Phil explained an important difference between the American and Brazilian higher education systems: in the United States, fields such as Medicine and Law are professional-level programs pursued after completing an undergraduate degree.
In Medicine, students must first complete a bachelor's degree before applying to medical school, which typically takes four years.
Fort Hays offers a Pre-Med pathway designed to prepare students for this application process. The academic plan includes science courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, as well as guidance on medical school requirements and preparation for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
Phil emphasized that Pre-Med is not, in itself, a degree program or an independent undergraduate major. Students choose an undergraduate field of study, often related to the sciences, and follow an academic plan that includes the prerequisites required to apply to medical school.
Within the Hayek partnership, this pathway follows a different structure from the traditional 2+2 model. Because some courses require hands-on laboratory activities, the period at Fort Hays may extend to approximately two and a half years.
The expected pathway therefore consists of two years at Hayek, approximately two and a half years at Fort Hays, four years of medical school, and then residency training, whose length depends on the chosen specialty.
Pre-Law follows a similar approach: students complete an undergraduate degree and may then apply to law school, meeting the specific requirements, including the LSAT admission test.
The representatives also clarified that Fort Hays does not have a medical school or law school on its campus. Its role in these pathways is to provide academic preparation for the next stages.
Practical Experience Also Helps Students Choose a Career
Practical Experience Also Helps Students Choose a Career
Not everyone starts university with a definitive decision about their professional future. And, according to the guests, that does not have to be an obstacle.
Maria Eduarda, a first-semester student at Hayek, shared her questions about choosing a career during the episode. Initially interested in Marketing and Business, she explained that she was still exploring opportunities and discovering which fields best aligned with her goals.
The conversation raised an important point about the value of trying new things, exploring different fields, and not allowing the fear of making the wrong choice to prevent the beginning of an academic journey.
Phil explained that changing majors is possible at university, although some changes may require additional time to complete the new coursework.
Haley also highlighted the importance of experiences outside the classroom. At Fort Hays, international students may take part in professional activities on campus, in accordance with the employment regulations associated with their student visas.
These opportunities allow students to develop skills, build connections, and gain a better understanding of the job market. For Haley, practical experiences help students identify what genuinely interests and motivates them.
Academic advising, interaction with professors, and university life therefore serve as valuable tools for making more informed decisions.
An Education Connected to an Increasingly Global World
Speaking about the importance of international education, Haley highlighted how different perspectives are essential to preparing students for today's professional environment.
In her view, few careers will remain entirely limited to a single culture. In an increasingly connected world, understanding different realities and learning to work with people from diverse backgrounds have become important parts of education.
This vision is also reflected in the partnership between Hayek and Fort Hays: offering an academic experience that brings students closer to different cultures, educational models, and professional opportunities.
At the end of the episode, the American university representatives reaffirmed their enthusiasm for the partnership and their commitment to contributing to students' development.
Discover the American College
The partnership between Hayek Global College and Fort Hays State University expands the opportunities available to Brazilian students who want to build an international academic journey.
Through the American College, students can begin their education in Brasília, following an American curriculum with classes taught in English, and continue their studies in the United States through the 2+2 model, depending on their chosen program and its specific requirements.
More than an opportunity to study in another country, the program allows students to explore different perspectives, develop independence, and build an education connected to the opportunities of an increasingly globalized world.