International Partnerships


    Building bridges across borders through international partnerships.

    The Palla Center for International Programs develops and maintains strategic international partnerships that expand academic and cultural opportunities for Cumberland University students and faculty. These collaborations strengthen our mission to transform lives through education by connecting classrooms across continents, promoting intercultural exchange, and creating pathways for study, research, and professional growth.

    Our partners share Cumberland’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and ethical engagement. Through semester exchanges, short-term travel study, and faculty collaborations, students can experience diverse perspectives while earning credit toward their degrees.

    📍 Oskemen, Kazakhstan

    Established in 1994, the Kazakh-American Free University (KAFU) is recognized as the first private university in Kazakhstan created through an international partnership with the United States. The institution holds a perpetual state license (No. 0137478, issued November 23, 2010) and is known for its strong academic foundation, modern facilities, and commitment to international collaboration.

    KAFU offers a dual academic model that combines Kazakhstani and American educational approaches. Through its American program, students can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as management, law, information systems, and foreign languages. Courses are taught in English with the participation of faculty from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. The university also holds international accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP, USA).

    KAFU’s educational philosophy emphasizes:

    • Collaboration with international professors and industry professionals from more than 40 institutions worldwide each year.
    • Comprehensive English language and technology training that leads to additional certifications.
    • Practical learning experiences, including internships in the United States.
    • Leadership development through the International Leadership Program, which provides mentorship from global experts and a training experience at the Leadership Academy in Portland, Oregon.

    Through its focus on quality education and global engagement, KAFU continues to prepare students to become leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.
     

    Visit KAFU
     

    📍Brasília, Brazil

    Located in the center of Brasília, Hayek Global College is an accredited higher education institution recognized by Brazil’s Ministry of Education. The college focuses on providing a globally oriented education that blends interactive learning methods, advanced technology, and cross-cultural collaboration among students and faculty from around the world.

    Established in 2021, Hayek’s Global MBA program prepares professionals to succeed in a connected, international environment. The program brings together learners from more than 23 countries across five continents in real-time virtual classrooms, offering practical and globally relevant coursework led by experienced international faculty. In recognition of its innovation and global reach, the program was ranked 8th worldwide in the 2024 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) in the category of Student Mobility and Openness.

    In 2024, Hayek expanded its global initiatives with the launch of a 2+2 undergraduate program, allowing students to complete part of their studies in Brazil and the remainder at partner universities in the United States, including Cumberland University.

    Through diverse faculty expertise and international collaboration projects such as Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), Hayek Global College fosters a learning community that equips students with the knowledge, adaptability, and leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s global economy.

     

    Visit Hayek Global College


    📍Eger, Hungary

    Founded in 1774, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University (EKCU) is one of Hungary’s oldest and most respected institutions of higher learning, with campuses in Eger and Jászberény. Rooted in a strong tradition of teacher education, the university continues to play a key role in shaping Hungarian pedagogy through initiatives such as the Complex Basic Programme and the Eszterházy Pedagogical Training Model, both emphasizing innovative, practice-based approaches to teaching.

    With nearly 8,000 students and 250 faculty members, EKCU combines respect for tradition with a forward-looking approach to research and social engagement. Its academic community includes nationally and internationally recognized research centers that collaborate with industry and participate in both domestic and global projects. The university’s expertise in viticulture and winemaking supports sustainable agricultural practices across the Carpathian Basin, and it plays a unique role in Hungary’s LIFE Integrated Project for energy and climate policy, coordinated by the Ministry of Energy.

    Beyond its academic and scientific achievements, EKCU is also known for its excellence in the arts and sports. With more than two centuries of experience in art education, it stands among Hungary’s leading institutions in creative and cultural training, while its strong athletic programs have earned it a reputation as one of the nation’s top universities for sports.



    Visit EKCU



    📍Kerala, India

    Trivandrum Institute of International Management (T-IIM) was founded by a team of distinguished professionals from both academia and industry to provide a globally relevant business education. Its two-year MBA program is designed to meet international market needs by developing graduates who combine strong technical expertise with leadership and management skills.

    The program emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and social responsibility, preparing students to navigate the fast-changing global business landscape. Through rigorous academics and professional engagement, T-IIM aims to shape graduates who make meaningful contributions as innovative entrepreneurs, effective leaders, and responsible global citizens.

    Visit T-IIM


    📍Tokyo, Japan

    Over its 150-year history, Aoyama Gakuin has endured and grown stronger through major national and global challenges. From government restrictions on religious education in 1899 and the devastation of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake to the hardships of World War II, the university’s community demonstrated resilience and commitment to education and public service.

    Following Japan’s postwar reforms, Aoyama Gakuin University expanded its academic offerings, establishing colleges in literature, commerce, law, science, engineering, international politics, and creative studies. In recent decades, it has continued to embrace globalization and technological innovation through programs that foster creativity, cross-cultural understanding, and leadership.

    Today, initiatives such as Aoyama Vision 2024 are being established; the goals include making AGU an international research hub and exploring the role of humanities in the Information Age. With its aim of ranking among the top universities in the world, AGU continues to work hard to foster talented and creative thinkers who, with public service in mind, can help lead society towards a better future.


    Visit AGU
     

    📍Prague, Czech Republic

    Founded more than 35 years ago, Anglo-American University (AAU) is the oldest private university in the Czech Republic and one of the most international institutions in the country. Located in the historic Thurn-Taxis Palace in the heart of Prague, AAU offers an intimate academic environment with small class sizes—averaging just 17 students—allowing for close interaction between students and faculty.

    AAU combines a rich academic tradition with a modern, global approach to higher education. All degree programs are accredited in both the United States and the European Union, giving graduates worldwide career and study opportunities.

    Home to students from over 80 countries and partnered with more than 40 universities across the globe, AAU fosters a diverse, inclusive, and engaging learning community where education extends beyond the classroom to create meaningful, life-shaping experiences.


    Visit AAU