Describe a typical day at work.
My job is very dynamic and there isn't a "typical" day. Since I have a variety of responsibilities, I really like that each day is not so regimented or monotonous...it's fun and exciting to see what will happen! Something that I do every day is greet my colleagues, students, and faculty. Some days, I go on excursions or site visits with students (I may have to translate at these visits). Other days, I organize institutional visits and attend to visitors from other institutions who may want to develop programs at Instituto Franklin-UAH. I am always updating our programs, creating materials, and setting up conference calls with partners, prospective students, and institutions. My office is always available to students and interns, thus I am usually attending to their needs or giving them professional development discussions. Most of the time, I prepare for my class or future conferences where I will be presenting. I also organize these international trips.
With students at graduation
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is meeting our new students every semester, especially on their day of arrival and the family pick-up. It is such an amazing moment to see when a student meets their host family for the first time. For most students, it is their first time out of the country or even state. For them to pick up their things, move to a new country, and live with a family that is not their own, shows such signs of bravery, maturity, and growth...it's truly moving and beautiful to see when a person's life is about to change and develop.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I studied International Studies and Spanish. Since I have my MA and a teaching certification from the US, I usually instruct a language course. I also organize our student teaching program and internships. As for Spanish, I am immersed in the language in all aspects of my life, including work. I also attend many international conferences, and interact with individuals from all backgrounds, thus my International Studies degree is very useful.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I am currently working on a Diversity and Inclusivity Working Group with our students. As a person of color, I noticed that we were seeing the growth of POC students in our program and that they need a safe space to ask questions or share their experiences. This group is open to all students. Many times, students arrive in Spain and expect it to be the same as their home country. This, unfortunately, creates unrealistic expectations and misunderstandings for students. The goal of this group is to address issues of race, culture, and inclusion in Spanish society. Through this group, we address cultural misunderstandings and build a series of coping strategies. We are also building a support system of alumni that will connect with future students. As a result of this group, we have included a culture shock workshop in our orientation sessions. This allows students to gain a better understanding of Spanish culture, as well as change their mindset that they are now in Spain, and must try to not place the same expectations on others that do not come from the same background. I am very proud of this project because as a POC woman, I can reach students on a profound level and try to help them the best way I can.
What makes your organization special?
At Instituto Franklin-UAH, our students and staff come first. Our purpose is to provide quality academic programs, where students will grow intellectually and personally. Our students are immersed not only in the language but also in our city and community. We have created a space where students are comfortable, included in our community, and are being academically challenged.
Meeting the mayor of Alcalá with students in the Labor Union internship
Why should someone choose Instituto Franklin-UAH over competitors?
At Instituto Franklin-UAH, we care about our students. We want to see them achieve academic, professional, and personal success. Since we are a smaller program in a public university, we are able to give individualized attention to our students. We also believe that ALL students should have the right to study abroad. In order to do that, we have established an affordable program in comparison to our competitors and we also provide discounts for our students.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
I am really looking forward to further developing our Student Teaching Program. We currently have a Pre-Professional Program in Education and hopefully we will be able to also grow this program.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
Our city of Alcalá de Henares, and our university Universidad de Alcalá are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Only seven other universities in the world have both these titles. Our university is highly ranked in Spain and Europe. We are also a safe, historic, and lively city only 30 minutes from Madrid, which makes it comfortable for students to live and travel.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to provide quality academic programs and build connections with university partners all over the world. In order to achieve this, we need to be innovative, learn about the new trends in education, and connect to the needs of students and universities.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope for the personal and academic growth of students. That they become more culturally aware and realize that the world has so much to offer. I wish for them to take what they learned here and apply it to their professional and personal goals.
How do you help support participants?
We provide support to students from the moment they apply until the moment they leave the program. Students are notified at orientation that we have open office hours and to see us when they need anything. Many times, it is simple things like giving them directions or harder topics like mental and physical health. We tell our students from Day One to reach out to us.
If you could participate in one of Instituto Franklin-UAH's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
Based on my interests, I would have participated in our student teaching program. I am a Pre-K through 12 certified Spanish teacher, thus this program would have been beneficial experiencing bilingual education in Spain, as well as gain in-depth knowledge of comparative educational systems.
First time NAFSA Conference 2019
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
If I am instructing a course, students tend to ask questions about their lessons, or want to discuss feedback on assignments. Other types of questions tend to be about culture. Many students know I am from the US, so when they do not understand some type of behavior or situation, students will ask me for my advice or what my perspective is on the particular topic.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
In the globalized world that we live in today, it is essential that students not only travel but spend a significant time abroad. The way to really build cultural competency, profound understanding, and have a better sense of self is to spend time in a community. Just traveling for a few days does give you some insight, but it barely scratches the surface of culture and the people.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
In the case of Spanish, it is the third most spoken language in the world. As we see, many of the developing countries in Latin and South America are growing exponentially and building industries around the world. The spoken language is important, but it is the non-verbal and intercultural communication cues that have the most value in building professional and personal relationships.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Go! Take the leap, and see what the world has to offer. Many times, students get bogged down by their university trajectory and time lines. The future isn't certain or set in stone.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I like to research before I travel anywhere. I try to learn some cultural norms and faux pas so that I respect the people of that place and try not to offend anyone. I also like to study the history of where I am going so that I can build connections when I arrive.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial and educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
For me personally, the cost of studying abroad through providers may be too high for students. Students from financially privileged backgrounds can afford the cost, but most students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may not. So in essence, it is another form of systemic privilege. In addition, many home institutions do not allow for financial aid/grants to be applied to study abroad costs, and students will either have to take out a loan or not study abroad at all. For me, this is inequitable and studying abroad should not just be a privilege, but also a part of a student's academic journey.
