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A Journey of Discovery: CSUSB Students Connect and Learn in Puerto Rico
Stories from the Pack by CSUSB.
Five Cal State San Bernardino students embarked on an enriching trip to Puerto Rico Sept. 2-6, where they explored the island's vibrant culture and engaged in meaningful educational experiences. Accompanied by Bibiana Díaz, professor of World Languages and Literatures, the cohort participated in workshops at the inaugural “Student Passport: Connect, Learn & Lead” conference, which included The Summ: Student Experience Summit and the HETS Student Leadership Showcase events, hosted by Hispanic Educational Technology Services (HETS).
The conference attracted approximately 11,000 attendees from Puerto Rico, the U.S. mainland and Latin America. Among the participants was the CSUSB cohort, which consisted of students Ralph Figueroa, Sashvi Shah, Jahir Martinez, ASI President Carson Fajardo and ASI Executive Vice President Diego Rendón.
At the conference, Figueroa, Shah and Martinez had the opportunity to present, and Fajardo and Rendón connected with student leaders from other institutions, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared purpose.
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From left, CSUSB students Sashvi Shah, Carson Fajardo, Diego Rendón, Jahir Martinez, Ralph Figueroa, and Professor of World Languages and Literatures Bibiana Díaz participated in Hispanic Educational Technology Services’ inaugural “Student Passport: Connect, Learn & Lead” conference in Puerto Rico on Sept. 2-6.
Bibiana Diaz and Ralph Figueroa handing out brochures and informational peices.
Ralph Figueroa recieving certificate at HETS conference.
Ralph Figueroa speaking at “Student Passport: Connect, Learn & Lead” conference,
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The impact of international learning for CSUSB students
Beyond the conference, the students visited 10 colleges and immersed themselves in Puerto Rican culture, touring historic landmarks and experiencing the local cuisine, music and architecture. A highlight for the cohort was meeting Puerto Rico Secretary of State Licenciado Omar Marrero, who oversees one of the country’s most important government agencies, the Department of State.
“All of the students enjoyed enriching experiences and were truly remarkable CSUSB ambassadors,” said Díaz. “They learned about internship opportunities, diplomacy and some history about the Spanish language, and I had the opportunity to discuss possible student exchanges and collaborations with representatives and faculty members from other institutions, as well.”
The CSUSB students’ journey to Puerto Rico is a testament to the power of education beyond the classroom, enhancing their understanding of cultural diversity and fostering connections that could shape their futures.
"This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the region's heritage and its influence on the broader Latino community.”
Diego Rendón
ASI Executive Vice President
California State University, San Bernardino
Fajardo and Rendón, who serve as the Associated Students Inc. President and Executive Vice President, respectively, in CSUSB’s student government, had the opportunity to learn from Puerto Rico Secretary of State Licenciado Omar Marrero.
Marrero, who oversees Puerto Rico’s Department of State, met participants from the U.S. mainland, Latin America and Puerto Rico at the conference.
Thank you to the participants and conference for the photos and videos.
Explore the study abroad programs offered through CSUSB’s Education Abroad Office in the College of Extended and Global Education.
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