Global Education Policy in Paraguay
- Observe how global education policies shape schools, teachers, and students in Paraguay through direct engagement with local educators, government officials, NGO representatives and policymakers.
- Visit schools and meet with educational leaders to gain valuable insights into how theoretical ideas are implemented in practice.
- Take part in an immersive cultural experience in Paraguay through visits to sites of historic and cultural importance.
The summer 2025 study abroad program - Global Education Policy’s Influence on Paraguayan Educational Policy and Practice - offers an in-depth exploration of educational policy and practice within the Paraguayan context and how global frameworks influence local educational systems. Students will conduct field observations and engage with local educators, government officials, NGO representatives and policymakers to gain firsthand experience of education policy implementation. This program is an ideal experience for graduate and advanced undergraduate students who aim to pursue careers in educational policy, international development, or government sectors.
Asunción, the capital city and largest city in Paraguay, is known as the “Green Capital of Latin America” for the many trees, shrubs and flowers that adorn its streets and gardens. It is also known as the "Mother of Cities" as it is one of the oldest cities in Latin America and the site from which many Spanish colonial expeditions departed in their explorations of South America. Asunción is known for its mix of colonial and modern architecture, cultural attractions, and wide variety of artisan works including clay crafts, silverwork, ñanduti - the famous embroidered fabric, and wood sculptures.
All students on this program will enroll in the following course for three credit hours:
ELPS 601: Global Education Policy in Local Context: From International Movements to Everyday Practice
This course will feature a unique structure, including a one-week preparatory period, two weeks of immersive, on-the-ground experience in Paraguay, and a one-week follow-up period. During the pre-departure week, students will engage in foundational readings and discussions to understand the international frameworks and context. The two weeks in Paraguay will involve field visits to local schools, NGOs, government offices, and think tanks, allowing students to directly observe and analyze how education policies are implemented in practice. The post-travel week will focus on reflective analysis and the synthesis of experiences, culminating in a final project.
Tentative course dates are:
- June 2-6, 2025 Preparatory week via Zoom
- June 7-8, 2025 Travel to Asunción, Paraguay
- June 8-21, 2025 Immersive experience in Paraguay
- June 21-22, 2025 Travel back to United States
- June 23-26, 2025 Post-program coursework via Zoom
Course Description
This course offers a comprehensive examination of global education policy, focusing on how international frameworks and organizations, such as UNESCO and the OECD, influence national governments, think tanks, and local education systems. Students will explore the processes through which policy moves from global discourse to national implementation, and finally, to everyday practices in public and private schools. The course investigates the roles of various actors, including government officials, NGOs, and educational institutions, in shaping day-to-day lives of teachers and students.
The course covers key themes such as policy diffusion, the role of NGOs and governmental bodies, and the interaction between global education trends and local realities. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and field-based learning, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in adapting global education policies to fit the local Paraguayan context.
Students will be housed in centrally located accommodations. Breakfast will be provided daily and several group lunches and dinners are also included in the program.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
This program is targeted toward graduate and advanced undergraduate students in Education, Social Policy, and related fields such as Sociology, International Studies, and Public Policy. Students interested in global education policy, Latin American studies, and comparative education would particularly benefit from the experience.
This program is open to students from any accredited U.S. college or university. Minimum 2.5 GPA required (exceptions considered after submission of a petition).
Program Cost for Global Education Policy in Paraguay
Bryan Mann is an associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. He received his PhD in Educational Theory and Policy from the Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Mann’s research centers on issues of geography and educational policy. This work revolves around a few simple questions that have complex answers with profound implications: Where do children enroll in school and what drives these trends? What policy mechanisms help shape enrollment patterns so they enhance educational and social equity? These motivating questions have led Dr. Mann to conduct research across several areas of education policy, including enrollment patterns as they relate to segregation and diversity, school choice, and alternative models of education.
For More Information Contact:
Bryan Mann, Associate Professor
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Room 404, Joseph R. Pearson Hall
bryanmann@ku.edu