American Academy en

Study in the USA

 

American Academy is PUCPR’s international undergraduate program in collaboration with Kent State University (Ohio – USA). The innovative initiative brings together the best of north-American higher education to the best university in the State of Paraná, Brazil.

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How the program works

American Academy is the best option for students who want to pursue undergraduate study in the United States. The first two years of the program are spent in Brazil, learning from Kent State professors through a variety of courses taught in English. Students do not need to choose a major before entering the program; there is plenty of time to explore different subjects when studying at the American Academy.

The American Academy’s curriculum follows the Liberal Arts Education model, which is especially prevalent in the United States. It gives students a solid foundation in humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, with a focus on global knowledge and the development of ethical, thoughtful students. The program also teaches many transferrable skills that will help students both as they move into the second half of their undergraduate degree, and as they transfer to their careers. At the end of the two-year program, students who meet all requirements are awarded an Associate of Science degree from Kent State and have the option to continue their studies at PUCPR, or at Kent State with a special discounted tuition rate for American Academy students.

At the American Academy you are a PUCPR and a Kent State student simultaneously

Academic advising to support your career choice

Study in the United States paying the same tuition fee applied in Brazil

1

Complete the online form, print the invoice and pay the R$ 90,00 application fee.

2

Upload the documents on the candidate’s area. Documents: High school transcripts (GPA > 2,5), English proficiency test results, and motivation letter.

3

In person or video conference interview.

After the interview, if you were accepted, welcome to the American Academy!

There are more than 300 major options at Kent State University, from Business to Aerospace Engineering.

  • Speak English
  • Seek higher education through the most successful educational model in the world
  • Want to travel abroad and experience a new culture
  • Have not yet decided what career to pursue
  • Are finishing high school
  • Already attend the university, but wish to change your major
  • Have already chosen your career path and wish to have a unique university experience
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The American Academy higher education initiative is globally renowned as “Liberal Arts Education” or “General Education,” an education model built on the 21st-century soft skills development. It grants students an interdisciplinary experience during the first two years of college while advancing essential career skills such as ethical living, communication, problem solving, and critical, analytical, and creative thinking.

Learn more about Liberal Arts Education | American Academy courses

ABOUT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

Kent State University is one of the best universities in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report, a top higher education ranker. In February 2022, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education again awarded Kent State University the esteemed R1 status for research, which is the highest recognition that doctoral universities can receive, affirming Kent State’s place as an elite research institution and placing it in the company of other R1 universities such as Yale, Harvard and the University of California-Berkeley.

Located in Kent, Ohio, the university offers a distinctive blend of teaching, research, and creative excellence where students have life-changing educational experiences within a welcoming and diverse environment.

 

Learn more about Kent State

Can I participate in the program?

In order to participate in the American Academy you have to:

  1. Have completed high school;
  2. Speak English;
  3. Have been accepted into American Academy.

How the program Works?

You do not need to choose a program of study prior entering the American Academy (e.g. Business, Architecture, Psychology). At the American Academy, you can redirect your studies to any area of knowledge you want.

The core curriculum of the first two years includes courses from various areas of knowledge to provide a broad and humanistic higher education, focused on the development of the 21st century skills. Research, data analysis, critical thinking, creativity, oral and written communication, teamwork, and problem solving are some of the skills an American Academy student will acquire throughout the program. Check the course list here.

During the first two years of American Academy, the classes happen at PUCPR, on a full-time schedule, and taught by Kent State faculty members, exactly how it works in the United States.

The course format is modular and each one happens for a period up to 4 weeks and is combined to extracurricular activities.

Plus, during this first two years, you’ll count with the support of student advisors who will help you to make the most of your time at American Academy, and give you career advisement to help you choose your profession.

After concluding 64 credits of American Academy disciplines, you will receive an Associate of Sciences Degree from Kent State University and will be eligible to choose your major and where you want to finish your studies: at PUCPR or at Kent State. Remember: since your first day at American Academy, you are a student of both institutions.

What should I know about Kent State University?

Kent State University is positioned on the top 100 ranking of the best universities in the United States, according to the 2017 U.S. News & World Report.

Some of the leadings programs at Kent State are: Aeronautics, Architecture, biology, Computer Sciences, Business Administration in Entrepreneurship, Fashion Design, Interior Design, and Nursing. Chamestry and Fisic.

The main campus is situated in Kent, Northeast of Ohio, United States. Kent is recognized as one of the safest towns in the U.S, offering a perfect experience of as college town.Kent is known as “The Tree City”, with great outdoors activities. The university has capuses:  7 Ohio, 6 in other U.S. states and also in  India(4), China(3), Swiss (2), and Italy(1). Click here and learn more about Kent.

I’m already in college, can I apply for American Academy?

Yes. You can! We accept a tranfer study 2,0.

What do I need to do to enter the American Academy?

Differently from traditional Brazilian entrance examinations, such as vestibular and Enem, the American Academy application process includes document analysis and interview. Check below the details:

  1. Completion of online application form. Click here to access the online form
  2. Application fee payment (R$90,00)
  3. Upload of the following documents: High School transcripts (GPA >2,5), motivation letter and English proficiency test results (please check the accepted tests and minimum scores in the next question, about required documents)
  4. In person or video call interview

The candidates who meet all the requirements and pass the interview will receive the American Academy acceptance letter, along with further enrollment information.

What are the required documents I need to submit for the American Academy application process?

The application process for American Academy includes the online submission of three documents, to be uploaded in the candidate’s area.  The required documents are listed below:

1. High School Transcripts: grades will be converted to the American score, GPA (Grade Point Average), an evaluation method with total score ranging from 0 to 4 points, and based on high school grades and course credits. But, don’t worry, once we have your transcripts, we will calculate your score and will let you know the results. Remember: you can start the application process during your senior year in school.

At American Academy, the minimum score accepted is 2.5.

2. English proficiency test results: accepted tests and minimum scores:

  1. TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 71; or
  2. IELTS Academic: minimum score of 6.0; or
  3. MELAB: minimum score of 75; or
  4. PTE Academic: minimum score of 48.

3. Motivation letter (Bilingual: in Portuguese and in English): Tell us who you are, what are your plans, and why you should be accepted into American Academy.

  • I have never done a proficiency test before. What do I do?

That is not a problem! You can apply to the next test available. More information below:

TOEFL iBT

https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about

https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/register

IELTS Academic

http://www.culturainglesacuritiba.com.br/ielts-exame/

MELAB

[email protected]

PTE Academic

https://pearsonpte.com/the-test/test-centers-and-fees/

How much does it cost to study at the American Academy?

For the first two years at American Academy, the tuition fee is R$4.692,42 per month (subject to adjustments). If you choose to finish your studies at Kent State University, the annual cost is approximately USD 14 thousand, which represents a monthly cost of US$1.200,00 (special price for American Academy students). But, if you decide to continue at PUCPR, the monthly tuition fee will be adjusted according to the chosen program you will take.

Important note: according to the US College Board, the average annual tuition of a regular undergraduate program in a US private university is of USD 34,7 thousand.

When is the application deadline?

Applications for admission to the 2019 class are now open! It will be open while spots are available. Classes begin February 25th, 2019.

What courses do I take in the first two years of American Academy?

The core curriculum of the first two years of American Academy follows Kent State curriculum, taught in English by Kent State faculty members, while at PUCPR. Click here and learn more.

What program can I graduate from PUCPR?

If you decide to finish your studies in Brazil, at PUCPR, you will follow the academic calendar of your chosen major. There are various major programs to choose from, like Architecture, Design (all options), Business Administration, Marketing, Economy, Advertising, Public Relations, Acting, Theology, Philosophy, Social Work, and Psychology, and Biotechnology.

Observation: You can choose a major program that might take longer to finish. That is: 2 years of American Academy + (2-3) the duration of the chosen major. In any case, you earn your bachelor’s degree from PUCPR, according to the program of your choice.

What program can I graduate from Kent State University?

You can choose your major from more than 300 options. Check the list here.

In this case, you earn your bachelor’s degree from Kent State and can earn offer double degree with PUCPR, depending on the program and the courses that you chose to attend. Therefore, you can earn two diplomas at one time.

If I choose to finish my studies at Kent State, when do I need to make this decision? Will PUCPR help me with my Kent State enrollment documents and my visa to the United States?

You will choose your major during the first two years of American Academy, with support of our student advisors who will give you academic and career orientation during the first two years of the program.

As an American Academy student, you are simultaneously enrolled at both PUCPR and Kent State University and, therefore, you will not need to enroll again once you decide to finish your studies at Kent State. You will only need to transition to the chosen major, if all minimum requirements are fulfilled during the first two years of American Academy.

Important: PUCPR and Kent State University are not responsible for American Academy students US Visa concession.  However, our student advisors and the mobility and internationalization department at PUCPR will give you all the support to help you prepare your documents to the US Visa application process.

What programs offer double degree?

PUCPR will offer double degree if you, as an American Academy student, choose to finish your studies through an equivalent program at Kent State University, that is, major programs available in both institutions and according to the courses they offer. 

If you have interest in a particular program and want to know about double degree, please send an email to [email protected], and we will check the eligibility of it.

Double degree is not offered to students who opt to finish their studies at PUCPR.

How much does it cost to live in Kent, Ohio?

If you choose to live off campus, the average annual cost is $ 10,400.

The average cost to live in an on-campus residence, including housing and one of the meal plans offered by Kent State University, is approximately US$14.944,00 per year.

Other expenses like insurance, books and supplies are approximately US$ 4.750,00 per year.

Check below some items of personal expenses we gathered from local market Acme Fresh Markets, in Kent, Ohio (May 5, 2018).

  • Bottled water – 24 pack of bottled water – $3.99
  • Coca-Cola – 2 L Bottle – 2 for $3
  • White Bread – $0.99
  • Cream cheese – $1.99
  • Doritos – $4.29 (Buy one get one free)
  • Yogurt Yoplait – 10 for $6
  • Apple – 3lb pack – $2.99
  • Potato – 5lb pack – $2.49
  • Cookies – 1 pack – $1.88
  • Dove Liquid soap – $4.9

Who are the American Academy faculty members of the first two years?

During the first two years of American Academy, all faculty members are from Kent State University, coming exclusively from the United States to teach in the program.

Can I study Architecture and Design after the first two years of American Academy?

The Architecture program offers incredible opportunities!

If you choose to study Architecture at Kent State, after three years you might earn a double degree, according to the courses you will take. Plus, by taking one more year at the program, you are eligible to complete a masters’ degree in Architecture, which gives you the possibility to work in the United States. If you choose to continue at PUCPR after the first two years of American Academy, you can finish your degree in Architecture in three years and a half, totalizing 5 years and half of your undergraduate program.

Can I study Law after the first two years of American Academy?

Studying Law in the United States is different than studying it in Brazil. In the US, for example, the program length is longer than the Brazilian one, and at Kent State the program offered is a minor degree in Pre-Law and a Paralegal Studies. Neither of these two programs are equivalent to law degree in Brazil.

Moreover, due to regulations determined by MEC (Ministry of Education) and OAB (Order of Attorneys of Brazil), Law bachelor’s degree is not offered through American Academy yet. If you are interested in studying law but beginning your studies at American Academy, you would take longer to graduate, since you would take two years of American Academy plus Law school in a full program length. However, the benefits of studying both programs are a range of soft skills developed while at American Academy, combined with international experience and knowledge gain from different fields of study, which will enrich your career as a lawyer. Click here and learn more about American Academy courses.

Can I study Medicine after the first two years of American Academy?

Studying Medicine in the United States is different than studying it in Brazil. In the US, for example, the program length is longer than the Brazilian one, and at Kent State the program offered is a Pre-Med degree, which is not equivalent to Medicine degree in Brazil.

Moreover, due to regulations determined by MEC (Ministry of Education) and Medicine Council, Medicine bachelor’s degree is not offered through American Academy yet. If you are interested in studying medicine but beginning your studies at American Academy, you would take longer to graduate, since you would take two years of American Academy plus medicine school in a full program length. However, the benefits of studying both programs are a range of soft skills developed while at American Academy, combined with international experience and knowledge gain from different fields of study, which will enrich your career. Click here and learn more about American Academy courses.