About Societās
Founded in 2024, Societās is a specialized higher education advisory dedicated to the strategic advancement of universities across the Americas and beyond. We go beyond traditional consulting by combining rigorous academic research with hands-on operational expertise. From diagnostic assessments and complex funding strategies to the deployment of global partnership frameworks, we empower institutions to navigate complexity and build resilient, high-impact internationalization capacity.
Carlos Vargas
The Scholar-Practitioner Advantage
Carlos Vargas is a seasoned international strategist in higher education with over 14 years of experience driving global engagement and partnerships for leading Canadian universities, including the University of Toronto, Carleton University, and the University of Calgary. As the Founder of Societās Partnerships, based in Panama City, he provides high-level strategic advice to advance university internationalization, emphasizing long-term impact, sustainability, mutuality, and excellence in global collaborations.
Through his firm, Vargas leads initiatives that create enduring institutional value, including conducting cutting-edge research on the Global Scholarship Landscape, Multipolar Global Higher Education, Decolonizing Digital Research Ecosystems, Technology as a Catalyst for Internationalization, and Universities as Architects of the Global South's Digital Future.
A polyglot fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Vargas holds a Master's in Education with a specialization in internationalization from the University of Calgary, complemented by extensive intercultural experience from field research in India, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Ghana.
His prior leadership roles include developing international governance structures, managing multimillion-dollar scholarship programs, organizing high-level delegations and summits, and advising on institutional policies for mobility, partnerships, and protocol. His strategic vision positions universities not merely as participants in globalization, but as architects of a more inclusive, digital, and connected world.
Carlos is a thoughtful and curious leader who asks the right questions, values learning, and approaches his work with genuine kindness. He meets people where they are and brings clarity to complex challenges.Nadia Rosemond, M.Ed.
Executive Director, Office of the Vice-Provost, Students
University of Toronto
A Career Forged in Higher Education
University of Toronto
Designed the campus's first international governance framework and International Directory. Led executive diplomatic missions with partner institutions worldwide. Internationalization at the scale of a globally ranked research university — where engagement spans every continent and region.
His ability to connect the dots between institutional research priorities and the complex realities of building partnerships across diverse global contexts is genuinely uncommon.Shaun Young, DPhil
Director, Office of the Vice-Principal, Research & Innovation, University of Toronto Mississauga
Carleton University
Led partnerships, grew the visiting scholar program, and advised faculties on internationalization strategy and protocol. Internationalization shaped by diplomacy — leveraging Ottawa's embassies, government institutions, and standing as a G7 capital.
His work at Carleton University on institutional internationalization strategy stood out for its rigor, structure, and practical value. His ability to connect strategic thinking with practical implementation makes his contributions particularly valuable.Julio Sevilla
International Projects Manager, Concordia International, Concordia University
University of Calgary
Managed $1M in Queen Elizabeth Scholarships across four partners and 16 scholars. Built the university's first international information system and trained staff on agreements, risk, and policy. Internationalization driven by innovation and foundational strategy — building the systems for a university determined to make its mark on the world stage.
Societās's Featured Strategic Engagements
International Science Council
Strategic collaboration on global science policy initiatives.
CALAREO
Led a comprehensive strategic assessment and developed international partnership frameworks.
Member Institutions
Thought Leadership
Our practice is grounded in continuous research. Explore our latest analysis on global higher education trends.
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