Interest among Brazilian students in pursuing undergraduate studies abroad is on the rise. According to a 2024 survey by the Salão do Estudante fair, around 36% of respondents expressed the intention to attend college outside of Brazil. 

To present career opportunities in the United States, Hayek Global College—an international higher education institution based in Brasília—hosted Amy Gardner, Director of International Recruitment at Clark University, located in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Clark University is one of Hayek’s partner institutions in the American College program, an innovative dual-degree model between Brazil and the U.S. Under the 2+2 format, students complete the first two years in Brazil following an American curriculum, then transfer to a partner university in the U.S. to finish the final two years in person. Upon graduation, they earn a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Computer Science, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Marketing, International Relations, and other business-related areas.

With more than 20 years of experience in international admissions, Amy Gardner is a leading expert in guiding global talent to higher education in the U.S.

“Clark University is a small institution located about an hour from Boston. We have approximately 4,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs. We are a research university, which is rare for a school of our size. This means students work closely with faculty members. Our ratio is one professor for every 10 students, with average class sizes of 20 to 21. This format allows direct collaboration with professors and peers on hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom,” Gardner explained.

According to her, Clark is highly results-oriented—both academically and professionally.

“We have a dedicated team to help students build résumés, develop networks, secure internships, and attend workshops with alumni. This makes it easier for them to find positions in the U.S. or abroad after graduation. Many choose to stay in the U.S. for a while to enrich their résumés and become more competitive globally,” she said.

Among Clark’s academic highlights, Amy pointed to the university’s business school, accredited by AACSB—an achievement held by only 5% of institutions worldwide. She also mentioned the game design program, ranked third in the world for undergraduate studies and fifth for the master’s level. Psychology and science programs are also among the university’s areas of excellence.

Regarding support for international students, Gardner emphasized the school’s specialized programs: “We have our own English courses—both academic and conversational—along with cultural, social, and immigration support. There is a dedicated team of professionals assisting international students every step of the way,” she said.

During her visit to Hayek, Amy stressed the importance of the partnership with the Brasília-based institution: “I’ve known Hayek for about two years, and we signed our agreement about a year ago. This was my first in-person visit, and I had the chance to meet fantastic students. We had great discussions about the benefits of starting their studies in Brazil and then transitioning to a partner institution in the U.S. I’m a big fan of Hayek’s model,” she stated.

She also addressed the visa process, a common concern for Brazilian students: “Brazil has remained stable in this regard. Recently, we welcomed Brazilian students at our International Student Welcome, which was a very exciting moment.”

To conclude, Amy shared key tips for Brazilians aspiring to study in the U.S. or build an international career: “Study English; be brave, take risks, and embrace opportunities; reach out to universities that are open to helping; seek international experiences early on, such as exchange programs or transition programs; and trust that you will be well received. Brazilians are always very welcome in the United States,” she said.