Latin America is home to extraordinary talent. Yet many high achieving students in the region are not aware of the global opportunities available to them, or may believe these opportunities are out of reach. As an outreach officer for NYU Abu Dhabi at IIE’s Latin America & Caribbean office, I have the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of education, opportunity, and global understanding. My role is to bridge that gap: to ensure that students, families, and educators across Latin America understand that NYU Abu Dhabi is both accessible and supportive, in addition to being academically rigorous.
Much of my work involves building relationships with high schools, counselors, and community organizations across the region. I host webinars, visit schools, and engage directly with students and their families to guide them in the admissions process and help them navigate the journey toward an international education.
Recently, I traveled to Quito, Ecuador—known as the “middle of the world” for its location on the equator—where I had the privilege of meeting students from diverse backgrounds and regions across the country. From urban schools in the capital to smaller institutions nestled in the Andes, one thing was clear: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. That’s why we reach out to both well-resourced schools as well as students in more remote areas, where international universities rarely visit. These are places full of bright and curious young minds who may have never imagined studying abroad, not to mention in a place like Abu Dhabi.
At NYU Abu Dhabi, students come from over 120 countries. They live, study, and collaborate in a truly global environment, where students are celebrated for their unique backgrounds and perspectives. For many students from Latin America, the experience of being part of this community is both enriching and eye-opening and encourages global citizenship. Our colleagues at IIE play a vital role in bringing information to students worldwide, including across Central Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa. Together, we embody NYU Abu Dhabi’s commitment to reaching the brightest students wherever they are, ensuring that the university continues to attract a vibrant and dynamic student body from every corner of the world.
International education is not just about crossing borders—it’s about building bridges of opportunity. It is a privilege to be part of a team that is preparing future generations to tackle global challenges with empathy, insight, and excitement. Whether I’m walking through the vibrant streets of Quito or visiting schools tucked away in the Andes, I am constantly reminded that global education isn’t defined by geography, but by access, belief, and cooperation.
Learn more about IIE’s work with NYU Abu Dhabi.
About NYU Abu Dhabi
NYU Abu Dhabi is a one-of-a-kind campus in the Middle East, bringing the best of a liberal arts education and groundbreaking research from a top American university. With a rigorous and diverse curriculum, we offer students opportunities to excel in almost every field. Our students come from more than 120 countries, bringing their unique languages and perspectives together in a truly global community.
