Rocío Sagües graduated from ISSA in 2012. Then she went to New York state, where she is currently studying an Associated Degree in Business Administration at the Tompkins Cortland Community College. "They offer partial jobs as a management assistant, which is perfect to practice while you are taking the degree", she says.

Give a little background of where you come from, the life you had in your home country, etc.

My name is Rocío Sagüés; I'm 22 years old, and I come from Pamplona (Spain). Before coming to Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3), I studied International Management Assistant (ISSA) in San Sebastián. I love traveling, getting to know new cultures and meeting new people.

How did you first hear about TC3?  

Thanks to ISSA, I knew that they have an agreement with TC3. So, after finishing my studies at the University of Navarra, I decided to take another degree in the US. This opportunity to study at TC3 allows me to get a degree while I improve my English at the same time.

What are you studying at TC3, and what do you hope to use it for the future?

At the moment, my major is International Business. In this degree I have the opportunity to focus more in the areas of marketing, exporting and economics. In my future, I would like to work in an international department, where I could practice the languages I already know by interacting with clients and customers.

Which academic opportunities do you have at TC3?

In TC3, there are more than thirty degrees available to students. In my opinion, the ones that are more interest to ISSA students are the ones like Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, International Business or maybe Hotel and Restaurant Management.

What advantages do you find in TC3?

Besides taking a degree, TC3 offers an intensive English course of eight hours per week, where you are able to improve your English skills, above all the writing and speaking techniques. If you need any type of support, there are always some students qualified to help you in any major or subject you feel that you are weak. Furthermore, in the professional area, you have the opportunity to work part-time in the International department of the university as management assistant.

What are your first impressions of TC3 study's method?

First, the courses required a lot of self study hours. The evaluation is continuous; every day you will be required to do a lot of presentations and submit a lot of assignments. Exams and quizzes are also very important in this university.  To continue, the advantage of TC3 courses is that after spending a semester in the US, you can continue to work towards your degree with online courses. Most importantly, something that really impressed me is that in the majority of the courses you need at least a seventy percent to pass the subject.

Where are you now?

Right now, I am at TC3, and I will return in a few weeks to Spain. In January I will do an internship in Madrid, and I will continue my International Business courses online. I have made the most of my experience abroad by meeting new people, and traveling to Washington, Florida and Canada. Personally, I believe that taking a degree abroad can put you one step ahead others.

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