1. Collaborating with Brazil: A Case Study in Internationalization
Dr. David Felsen
Executive Director for International Programs, Office of International Affairs, Saint Leo University
Presentation delivered to Florida Consortium for International Education Annual Conference, Gainesville, FL, October 1st, 2015

2. Strategic Internationalization at Saint Leo University
SLU seeks to become a Catholic University of International Consequence for the 21st Century
Strategic process established a Key Results Area (KRA) committee to identify tasks in
Associate Vice President of International Affairs appointed to lead internationalization mid-2012
Executive Director of International Programs appointed in early 2013 to operationalize internationalization

3. Strategic Internationalization at Saint Leo University
Office of International Affairs opened early 2013
Internationalization Implementation Committee (IIC) formed in early 2013 to support Office
Stakeholders from across university represented on IIC
Executive Director presented multi-year strategic plan for internationalization mid-2013 to the President’s staff

4. Key Goals of Internationalization
Enhancing/increasing students’ international experiences
Diversification/growth of student enrollments
Communication of internationalization internally/externally
Alignment of university functions/processes
Training and development of faculty/staff

5. Some Key Results of Internationalization
Strategic assessments/modifications of international relationships completed
Direct/multi-faceted relationships with institutions prioritized
Strategic plan prioritizes Latin America during first 1-2 years
Strengthened partnership with PUC-Rio in Brazil – faculty-led study abroad, collaboration, exchanges, conferences

6. Key Results of Internationalization
Strengthened partnership with USMA in Panama – faculty-led study, collaboration, conferences
Faculty-led study abroad overall increased 200%+ since Fall 2012
International students grew by 35% since Fall 2012
Increased communication regarding internationalization- internal/external; opinion pieces; international press
IIC steering committee supporting objectives

7. Key Results of Internationalization: Collaborating with Brazil- BSMP
Brazil Scientific Mobility Program (Science without borders) participation
Brazil government sponsors 100,000 science/engineering students
Saint Leo received its first BSMP student in and continues to participate in
Enhances quality of Saint Leo student experience

8. Collaborating with Brazil: Study and Service Trips Abroad
Annual faculty-led MBA trip to Brazil
Annually connecting with our partner institution in Rio – PUC-Rio
Connecting with private sector and non- profit sector
Regular community service trips for faculty and students to help in Brazil – Bage, Brazil in 2014

9. Collaborating with Brazil: PUC- Rio Partnership
Multi-faceted linkages with PUC-Rio partner
PUC-Rio offers lectures to our MBA students on Brazil’s economy
PUC-Rio professors have participated as panelists at Saint Leo conferences
PUC-Rio professor will be visiting professors at Saint Leo in spring 2016

10. Collaborating with Brazil: SLU-FGV-Strong Professional Training Experience
Multi-faceted Brazil relationship permitted Brazil professional training experience
Two-week experience offered in July offering briefings/lectures and site visits
Collaborated with 2 Brazilian universities- FGV (Rio) and Strong Business School (SP)
Saint Leo offered students a professional management experience in Tampa Bay/Orlando

11. Training Experience: Preliminary Stage
Saint Leo developed its relationship with FGV leveraging its contacts in Brazil
FGV is well known in Brazil for developing/ supporting short executive courses
Saint Leo won a bid proposal as an international site
FGV selected Strong Business School to collaborate with SLU on planning/logistics

12. Training Experience: Planning Stage
SLU International Affairs office created an organizing committee
Faculty experts were engaged to teach material
Saint Leo community business partners were engaged in site visits
The business school staff collaborated with the International Affairs office in planning

13. Training Experience: Execution Stage
Briefings offered by professors at SLU campus
Site visit - Technology management sector (Tech Data)
Site visit - Hospitality management sector (private tour of Columbia restaurant in Ybor)
Site visit - Sport management sector (private tour of Amelie Arena)
Site visit - Entertainment management sector (Disney Corp.)

14. Training Experience: Execution Stage
Site visit - Entrepreneurship sector (local business start-up incubator)
Opening and closing events offered
Accommodations, transportation, and meals provided
Academic materials provided
Cultural experiences provided (eg. Greek dinner in Tarpon Springs)

15. Collaborating with Brazil: Evaluation and Lessons Learned
Benefits of strategic engagement with Brazil in multiple areas – experience, branding
Challenges of collaborating with multiple international stakeholders – expectations
Cultural benefits to students and faculty on both sides – interactions, future enrollment
Development of new type of program experience for SLU

16. Conclusions: Collaborating with Brazil and Internationalization
Internationalization is complex and gradual and requires building relationships
Outbound and inbound experiences further internationalization and global branding
Multiple linkages with one country can help deepen internationalization
Internationalization offers new program and collaborative opportunities

17. Thank you!