UNF graduate takes a leap to journey far from home with dual-degree business program

When Carmen Rodriguez first arrived in Jacksonville with her family in 2013, straying too far from her new home was unthinkable. Having fled from Cuba, the security and familiarity of her new surroundings were a sanctuary. Even the idea of going to college seemed overwhelming, since she did not know what she wanted to study.

Rodriguez would be the first in her family to graduate from college, but her mother helped her find her own way.

"She never pushed me to pursue college, but she encouraged me to be better than what I was and to aim for new opportunities," Rodriguez said. "She's been my greatest supporter."

Enrolling in a nearby college was the only choice Rodriguez considered, and when some of her coworkers shared their positive experiences of attending UNF, she set her sights on becoming an Osprey.

It was a decision that would eventually take the student who was not sure if she was ready to leave Jacksonville to Europe, where she would study and intern abroad.

This summer, Rodriguez will graduate with dual business degrees, one from UNF and the other from the University of Valencia in Spain

While at UNF

Rodriguez's first year as a college student in 2020 was spent with classes mostly online due to COVID-19. As Rodriguez delved deeper into her studies on campus as a sophomore, she began to recognize the importance of trying new things and experiencing a different environment. Her advisor, Kate Learch, encouraged her to think globally, and introduced Rodriguez to the València/UNF dual degree program, which offered her the chance to study at the University of Valencia in Spain for her last two undergraduate years.

The idea terrified Rodriguez. She had initially chosen UNF because she did not want to leave Jacksonville, and Spain was a world away.

"It was difficult for me to say yes to the program, but I knew it would be a great experience," said Rodriguez. "Not only the dual degree but getting to know another culture that was similar to the Cuban culture I was familiar with."

While abroad

When she got to the University of Valencia in September 2022, the first few weeks were the hardest, and she began to doubt all her decisions; everything felt different in Spain, and she missed home. Rodriguez reached out to Learch, who listened as she explained her feelings.

"She didn't push me, and even encouraged that if I wanted, they would have me back at UNF." said Rodriguez.

Making the decision to stick it out for one semester, Rodriguez realized after two months that she was beginning to embrace her new environment. She remembers thanking Learch, who stayed connected with her throughout that time, for supporting her as she found her way.

"It's hard choosing to step out of our comfort zones," Rodriguez said. "It takes a lot of strength in your decision, but the memories and stories that it'll bring are definitely worth it."

While attending the University of Valencia, Rodriguez immersed herself in the local culture, made connections and pushed herself to try new things.

In October 2023, she was among 24 American Gilman Scholars studying within the European Union (EU) who participated in a study tour in Brussels, Belgium. The immersive experience included in-depth discussions about the significance of the transatlantic relationship, a visit to the European Parliament and European Commission and conferences to speak with those who dedicate their lives to improving the relationship between the 27 member countries in Europe.

"This experience was eye-opening for me," Rodriguez said. "I was amazed and inspired by the decades-long effort made by the millions of people in these countries to create peace and a continent where borders are open to our neighbors."

Last semester, she participated in a four-month long internship at Lanzadera, a business center in Valencia that helps start-ups and other businesses succeed. She worked on a project with Agua Nea, a sustainable company recognized for being the first to sell canned water in Spain, to restore marine life in the Mediterranean.

"Over the past four years, Carmen has proven herself to be resilient, caring and fully dedicated to her goal of improving our global community," said Learch. "She is an exemplary graduate of the Coggin College of Business's International Business Program."

Two degrees, two commencements, endless possibilities

Rodriguez graduated from the University of Valencia on Monday, July 1, with a degree in international business, and will be graduating from UNF on Friday, Aug. 2, with a degree in business administration.

"COVID definitely changed the course in which many businesses work," said Rodriguez. "This program has helped me learn how other businesses work in Europe and has shaped my college career in sense of introducing me to a more global view in the business world."

Rodriguez's two years in Spain was a period of immense growth. She developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and gained insights that textbooks alone could never provide. She enjoyed her time abroad so much that after receiving her two degrees, she is looking forward to pursuing her GlobalMBA at UNF in the fall, which will take her to Germany, Poland, the United States and a country in Asia.

"I've fallen in love with cross cultural management, and how different cultures work in the business setting," said Rodriguez. "I can see myself in global or international company doing some work that mixes cultures, or perhaps opening my own business."

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