Experience

Language and Culture Assistant in Málaga

Antequera, a town in Málaga, situated in the heart of Andalusia or el corazón de Andalucía, generated opportunities for an immersive cultural experience. As a North American Language and Culture Assistant, Maria formed part of a flagship public diplomacy program under the Spanish Ministry of Education. Through classroom presentations and activities, Maria inspired and motivated primary school students to learn about U.S. language and culture.

Multicultural Marketing Agency in Massachusetts

Archipelago Strategies Group (ASG) is a multicultural marketing agency that serves all types of clients; non-profit, private sector, and state and local government. She strategized event logistics with Event Managers, supported the work of the Creative Team by translating content, and worked closely with the Communications Team with initiatives and campaigns in Spanish and Portuguese. Maria functioned as a liaison between ASG and community based organizations throughout Massachusetts.

Research Travel Grant in Bogotá

María conducted self-directed research to gain a deeper understanding of the Venezuelan exodus’ political implications on Colombia. During her time in Bogotá, she was able to identify the critical experts, request interviews, and facilitate complex discussions surrounding politics, identity, and migration with Venezuelan migrant associations, Colombian political analysts, and U.S. diplomats.

U.S. Department of State Internship in Helsinki

As a Political-Economic Section intern, María served alongside U.S. diplomats under the State Department Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. In U.S. Embassy Helsinki, she facilitated interviews with human rights activists, worked on federal archive disposal, and accompanied diplomats in sensitive meetings involving the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also represented the U.S. Embassy during the 2019 Helsinki Pride Parade and assisted in the logistical organization of the 4th of July celebration.

New and Dangerous Ideas Magazine in Rhode Island

As the inaugural Marketing Communications Director, María empowered student voices surrounding social justice. Roger Williams University’s space for ‘New and Dangerous Ideas’ also known as NaDI became the first social justice zine of the university. As an organizational member head she successfully developed strategies to communicate calls for submission and marketing to promote the visibility of the zine’s virtual publication. Despite thunderstorms and pouring rain, the inaugural publication party had an attendance of over 200 people.

Education Exchange Program in Rio de Janeiro

The opportunity to form part of a Brazilian host family greatly widened María’s intercultural perspective. As a full-time scholar at a Brazilian university, María actively engaged in academic discussions in Portuguese, formed part of program excursions in favelas, and learned about Brazilian contemporary society both inside and outside the classroom.

International Student Programs in Rhode Island

María successfully served as a three-time Program Assistant over the course of one summer for the Wuhan University of Sciences and Technology, the Brazilian Student Mobility Program, and the Middle Eastern Partnership Initiative.

Opportunities Abroad/Travel Destinations