Huntsman students visit U.S. embassy in Chile to explore relations between North-South America
June 8th, 2010 Posted in OpinionBy Satenik Sargsyan
HNC Special South American Correspondent
SANTIAGO, CHILE—As USU’s Huntsman Summer Program launched students into South American last week to study business practices, students traveling abroad were already navigating busy schedules of business and cultural visits.
Students in the Huntsman South America Program students visited the U.S. embassy in Santiago, Chile, where they discussed the growing relationship between the United States and Chile, and acquired information about possible international careers.
“It was nice to start our trip knowing that we have support,” said business administration junior Kristen Winterton. “Now we are ready to conquer the business world.”
According to Paul Fjeldsted, a USU senior lecturer in finance and economics, when accommodating the schedules of business visits, the Huntsman program prioritized providing students with “real-world experience and future career opportunities.”
“The Huntsman school embraces diverse international experience,” Fjeldsted said. “We want our students to meet people with different positions and perspectives: academic, business and political. Students interested in government careers were given a unique opportunity to meet with professionals and establish networks.”
At the U.S. embassy, assistant cultural attaché Drew Curiel briefed the students about foreign service career options.
“With the U.S. Foreign Service spreading to 265 countries, the officers are provided with the awesome opportunity to live abroad and gain work experience,” Curiel said.
Brent Royal Cosby, a senior in finance and economics, thinks that as the world becomes a “global marketplace,” the international experience will be more valuable.
“It’s an individual choice whether use the knowledge gained during this trip to get specific jobs,” he said. “However, with globalization, we will have to use our knowledge sooner or later.”
Students learned about recent developments in the U.S.-Chilean relationships, got acquainted with Chile’s political system, and discussed their implications in a professional setting.
“The bilateral relationship between the United States and Chile has strategic importance for both countries,” Curiel said. “Chile is one of the few developed countries in the region, and maintaining trade is a big part of both countries’ well-being.”
Andi Barlow, a USU junior in political science and business administration, said that as “ambassadors” of the United States and Utah State University, students should be informed about U.S.-Chilean political and economic ties.
“As Americans, we have to understand and be aware that what happens in Chile does and will affect us because of Chile’s proximity to the United States,” Barlow said. “I am glad that the Huntsman South America Program gave us this opportunity. It’s not like I could go to the American embassy in Chile for the weekend.”
As a part of the tour, Huntsman students will visit businesses, universities and political institutions in Chile, Brazil and Peru. Some visits include Banco Santander and Catholic University of Chile, Banco Itau, Azul Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and Natura in Brazil, and ESAN in Peru.
TP
One Response to “Huntsman students visit U.S. embassy in Chile to explore relations between North-South America”
By Freddy ishola on Jun 21, 2010
I am currently a Huntsman Scholar, and there is no such program in regards to South America. Huntsman students are definitely there, but scholars travel to Europe.