Do you want to study at Florida Atlantic University, but still have questions about this international experience? Check out the interview with our student Fatima Ramirez.
1. How did you learn about IBS Americas?
I learned about IBS Americas through my university. I saw the academic offerings on the information screens and decided to apply for the scholarship.
2. What motivated you to take a course abroad?
I had always wanted to take part in the exchange programs and bootcamps offered by my university, but the dates coincided with essential exams on my calendar. Fortunately, IBS offered courses during school breaks, which made the opportunity unique.
3. What is your academic background and what were your expectations regarding the international program?
I am a Digital Strategist and, as such, we are always alert to market changes and innovations. Therefore, I expected to learn more about perspectives on digital innovation in Miami and from my international classmates.
4. How did you choose the course and the university? What were the decisive factors in your choice?
The decision was easy. As I mentioned, I wanted to join a program that would provide me with new knowledge and skills in the technological field. In addition, Miami and Boca Raton are on the rise as leading hubs in the market.
5. What were the main challenges you faced being in another country, with another language and classmates of different nationalities?
Transportation. I decided to use public transportation and, although it was efficient, it required carefully planning schedules and contingencies so as not to miss classes. I couldn’t afford to sleep 5 minutes longer! Another challenge was the diversity of languages in the classroom: among Portuguese, Spanish, and Polish, the only language in common was English. That created difficulties, but we always found a way to communicate. It was an enjoyable challenge, fun, even searching for the right words to understand one another.
6. How do you rate the quality of teaching, the infrastructure, and the resources offered by the university?
Florida Atlantic University is incredibly large, with modern facilities and computers available for use when needed. But most memorable were the professors: everyone welcomed us very warmly, and their expertise helped a lot in understanding the content.
7. What were the main learnings and skills you developed throughout the course?
Definitely managing and working in multidisciplinary, multicultural teams. It’s a skill I value greatly and have been applying constantly in my academic and professional life.
8. What places did you have the opportunity to visit during your free time?
In the first few days, I visited emblematic spots in Florida, such as West Palm Beach. But over one long holiday weekend, together with some classmates, we took a flight to New York and, in just three days, visited as many places as possible.
9. How were your experiences in conferences and company visits?
We had the opportunity to visit Phoenix Towers and get a deeper understanding of the digital transformation process applied to tower maintenance. It was interesting to see the benefits, both in equipment control and in improving customer service, with more detailed reporting and more efficient management. We also visited Mana Tech’s facilities, which has an incredible project to boost the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Downtown Miami.
10. Were you able to expand your networking during the course? Can you share a bit of that experience?
I met many incredible people, from different backgrounds and with varied ways of tackling challenges. That exchange was one of the richest parts: I learned different working methods and incorporated several of them, especially assertive communication techniques.
11. How will this international experience impact your career?
Extremely positively. Thanks to this experience, I developed fundamental interpersonal skills to handle any kind of obstacle in the professional environment.
12. What advice would you give to students and professionals who wish to study abroad with IBS Americas?
Dare to try something new! IBS offers many interesting programs in amazing cities. Make the most of the trip: not only to learn, but also to get to know the destinations and enjoy the company of the people who cross your path.
