The American Academy: A Global Partnership Model - On Campus Podcast

On Campus - with CITI Program

What does it mean for a university to truly be global? In this episode, we explore how international partnerships and global engagement enrich both universities and the communities they serve. My guest, Dr. Paulo Mussi Agusto, and I share our experience co-creating the American Academy – a unique collaboration between the Pontifical Catholic University in Parana, Brazil and Kent State University that blends liberal arts education with cross-cultural learning. We discuss why global engagement matters, what makes partnerships successful, and the lessons learned from building a program designed to expand access and opportunity across borders.
Additional Resources:

• CITI Program’s International Student Success Series: https://about.citiprogram.org/series/international-student-success/
• The American Academy: https://www.pucpr.br/american-academy-en/

فصول

1. The American Academy: A Global Partnership Model - On Campus Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Podcast Introduction (00:00:06)

3. Introducing the Guest & Topic (00:00:32)

4. Dr. Paulo’s Background & Entry into Higher Ed (00:01:12)

5. Brazilian Higher Education System Overview (00:02:13)

6. Origins of the American Academy (00:03:34)

7. Historical Context: Brazil’s International Isolation (00:03:53)

8. Differences in University Entry Models (00:05:10)

9. Benefits of Liberal Arts in Brazil (00:07:38)

10. Global Mindset & Community Impact (00:08:33)

11. Challenges in Promoting Study Abroad (00:10:08)

12. Experiential Learning & Self-Discovery (00:12:13)

13. Building Self-Esteem Through International Experience (00:12:50)

14. Motivation for Creating the American Academy (00:13:17)

15. Establishing the Partnership (00:15:26)

16. Sustaining and Benefiting from Partnerships (00:18:06)

17. Kent State Faculty Teaching in Brazil (00:21:09)

18. Pedagogical Impact of Intensive Modules (00:23:24)

19. Regulatory Challenges & Program Replication (00:27:12)

20. Institutional and Student Successes (00:28:27)

21. Growth of Brazilian Student Population at Kent State (00:31:07)

22. Global Reach of Program Alumni (00:31:35)

23. Future of Global Education & Partnerships (00:32:30)

24. Advice for Students and Administrators (00:36:07)

25. Podcast Closing & Credits (00:38:42)