Do you want to study at SUNY, but still have questions about this international experience? Check out the interview with our student Ximena Escobar.
1. How did you hear about IBS Americas?
I found out about IBS Americas through an international agreement offered by the university where I did my postgraduate studies, the University of Applied and Environmental Sciences (U.D.C.A.). I was informed about the scholarship offered by IBS for the program in the state of New York through the institution’s graduate portal.
2. What motivated you to take a course abroad?
It all started with the personal desire to acquire new knowledge outside the country and, at the same time, share the professional and work experiences I have accumulated throughout my career in my country.
3. What is your academic background and what were your expectations regarding the international program?
I am a social communicator and specialist in Digital Marketing. So, I was excited to strengthen myself and exchange knowledge in a place like New York, which, in my perspective, is the birthplace of Marketing, where the best and most recognized companies have developed impact strategies.
4. How did you choose the course and the university? What were the deciding factors for your choice?
I chose according to my experience in communication and marketing. The decisive factor in choosing the Marketing and Value Management course was the fact that it offered classes taught by PhD professors, based on real cases, as well as visits to international companies, which became a significant differential in my choice.
5. What were the main challenges you faced when you were in another country, dealing with a different language and colleagues of different nationalities?
More than just one challenge, I think there are several challenges that come with the experience of leaving your comfort zone, allowing you to bring out your best in order to learn and develop.
6. How do you evaluate the quality of teaching, infrastructure and resources offered by the university?
Excellent in all aspects: teaching, infrastructure and resources. This program really provides everything a professional needs.
7. What were the key learnings and skills you developed throughout the course?
The deepening in Business English, the basis of the Marketing Value Management program, combined with teamwork, allowed us to recognize creativity as a differential value in the development of simple, concise and direct strategies.
8. What places did you have the opportunity to visit during your free time?
Thanks to classes being from Monday to Thursday, you have the opportunity to visit places in New Paltz and New York City on weekends, such as:
In New Paltz: Mohonk Preserve, Water Street Market, Sunny’s campus and several restaurants.
In New York: Brooklyn Bridge; Dumbo; Astoria; Queens; Bayside; Roosevelt Island; New York Stock Exchange, World trade center, United Nations; Time Square, Vessel, Central Park, Long Island City, American Museum of Natural History; Grand Central Terminal; New York Public Library; St Patrick’s Cathedral; Rockefeller Center; The Empire State Building, Yankee Stadium; Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
9. How were your experiences in the lectures and company visits?
They were enriching and very productive experiences, both in the personal and professional fields. Learning about the base of the companies and the area responsible for Marketing was a privilege, as it taught us how the market really works and highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive language that attracts the target audience and promotes our products or services effectively.
10. Were you able to broaden your networking during the course? Could you share some of that experience?
Definitely, yes. Meeting colleagues from countries such as Egypt, Thailand, Mexico, Italy, Bolivia, Germany and Brazil allowed me to have a broader view of these cultures. This interaction showed that, even living in different realities, we can connect in common spaces using the same language, English, which made the experience even more enriching. Knowing the qualities and skills of each colleague enabled an exchange of knowledge that can be applied in our home contexts.
11. How will this international experience impact your career?
I believe that this type of program expands knowledge and allows us to be at the forefront of market dynamics.
12. What advice would you give to students and professionals who want to take a course abroad with IBS Americas?
Dare to make the decision and put your knowledge into practice. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! Studying outside your home country is well worth it, especially with IBS Americas, a responsible, high-quality professional education institution. They are always attentive to everything that is necessary, from the approval of your scholarship, during the development of the program, to completion.
What are you waiting for to fulfill your dream of studying abroad?
