In 2017, Arkansas State University partnered with Querétaro to open a Mexico campus, the first A-State campus located outside of the United States. 

Arkansas State University campus Querétaro (ASUCQ) permits 10 students annually to apply and enroll in the inter-campus exchange program between Querétaro and Jonesboro. 

Executive Vice Rector Andre Possani of ASUCQ said he is overjoyed by the success many transfer students have had through the program.

“I am very proud of all my students, especially those who decide to continue their professional careers outside Mexico, overcoming very difficult challenges,” Possani said. 

Students from ASUCQ continue to contribute to the university’s cultural diversity, even as their experiences with the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month differ. 

From adjusting to a different academic environment and bridging connections with new people, these students share their journey of challenges, growth and pride for their heritage. 

Dani Flores, a senior biotechnology major from Celaya, Mexico, initially studied at ASUCQ because of her interest in studying genetics. She said she enjoyed the campus because of the friendships she had made and her part in the cheerleading team. Dani said these connections made the change from Queretaro to Jonesboro difficult for her.  

However, she said her father’s new job offer in the U.S. motivated her decision to transfer. 

“I didn’t want to come here at first, I took a gap year, and then I decided to transfer here because it was easier for me as an international student,” Dani said. 

Mauricio Bautista, a senior mechanical engineering major from Xalapa, Mexico, said enrolling at Jonesboro provided him an opportunity to continue studying abroad and improve his English speaking. These qualities influenced his decision to transfer. 

“I was here for a year as an exchange student with my friend Jesus,” Bautista said. “We noticed that it was a very nice campus, and we loved just how many opportunities were provided here.”

While studying in a different country has offered unique and fun experiences, some transitions such as societal and academic adjustments have been challenging. 

Jesus Cortés, a junior mechanical engineering major from Cadereyta de Montes, Mexico, said the individualistic mindset of his American peers differs from the community he found within the Mexico campus. He said this difference often makes it difficult to connect with his peers.

“Here, everyone is more focused on themselves doing their own stuff,” Cortés said. “Over there (in Mexico), it’s more about community, here it’s just everyone is by themselves.” 

Asis Flores, a sophomore psychology major from Celaya, Mexico, said she found the classroom environment challenging because of the language barrier. 

“I learned English since I was in kindergarten, because I’ve been in schools that are bilingual,” Asis said. “So for me, I will say that my English level is good but once I arrived here and started  my first class, I got lost.”

While 1,327 miles away from home, some use the combination of food and music to still feel connected to Mexico. Dani said she also makes an effort to go home every chance she can. 

“Being away from Mexico makes me feel more connected to my culture,” Dani said. “I miss it, so I try to find ways to bring it into my life here, like listening to music in Spanish or going back to Mexico whenever I can.”

For the Querétaro transfer students, recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month is a unique experience, as it is an American-made celebration honoring Hispanic Americans. 

Even though Hispanic Heritage Month is intended to celebrate all people of Latin American descent,  Dani said she found it difficult to relate to celebratory events on campus. She said they seem to be targeted more toward Hispanic Americans rather than Hispanic students who were born and raised in Hispanic countries. 

Bautista said Hispanic Heritage Month is not celebrated in Mexico because everyone there is Hispanic, so every day is spent immersing themselves in their culture. Still, he acknowledges its significance in the U.S.

“I think it’s important here because it helps combat the stigma around Latinos, showing them as hardworking individuals who want to contribute positively to the U.S.,” Bautista said.

Cortés said he doesn’t care for the month, but he could still see the personal connection one could exhibit when celebrating. 

“It’s part of you; you don’t need to have a month just to remember that it’s part of you,” Cortés said. “It’s part of your life and it’s really good tradition because it’s a way you can show, ‘Hey, this is part of me, and this is what my family represents.’” 

But for Asis, she said she found the commemorative month exciting, especially as an outsider looking in. 

“In my first semester here, I would hear about all the events happening (on campus) and I was just excited that my culture was being celebrated here,” Asis said. “I was happy to get a chance to experience something like this here in the U.S.”

In reflecting on Mexican culture and contribution, Possani said ASUCQ organizes an annual event in November called “Celebrate Mexico Week.” This week explores how Mexico and Mexicans have made an impact on a global stage through lectures and workshops.

“Although it is not officially part of the National Hispanic Heritage Month, these two events have similar objectives and activities that complement each other,” Possani said. 

Possani  said   commemorating Hispanic culture enriches and promotes profound significance, regardless of where it is celebrated. 

“I think that celebrating Hispanic culture is a tribute to the rich variety of traditions, languages, and histories that unite us in diversity,” Possani said. “It inspires us to embrace our shared humanity.”

Categories: Life