Leaders of American higher education--professors, presidents, trustees--have shaped and advanced their country's presence and policies abroad in many ways since the late 19th century. In today's chaotic global environment, it is desirable, perhaps necessary, to find alternative ways of building on the enduring robust interest in what American colleges and universities have to offer. The next chapter in the history of American higher education's engagement with the world may lie not in founding new institutions but rather in building strong relationships with indigenous state and nonstate actors. Cintana, a newly formed public benefit corporation, may be an example of an emerging "third way". In partnership with Arizona State University and other institutions of similar academic strengths and reputation, the Cintana team will identify universities around the globe that are interested in and can benefit from American-style curricula and management practices. With Cintana's assistance, indigenous leaders will determine specific needs that the American partner is able and willing to meet.