Martatracesherjourneybacktoafundamentalbeliefinthe life-changingimpactofeducation.Inherwords,"My inspiration to pursue a career in higher education came from a deep belief in the transformative power of education."Martaembarkedonherprofessionaljourneyin strategyconsultingandmergersandacquisitions,allwhile pursuingaPhD.Asshenavigatedthispath,teaching opportunitiesemergedrevealinghertruepassion.Marta expresses,"I found myself deeply involved in student entrepreneurship, international research projects and program innovation.”
Recognizingtheprofoundimpactofhighereducation,she considersleadingtheinstitutionandshapingitsfuturea privilegethatallowshertocontributetothattransformation onaglobalscale.Hermissionisclear–'to prepare students both personally and professionally for future leadership roles in an international setting.'Marta'sstory resonateswiththebeliefthateducationisnotjustatoolbut apowerfulforceforpersonalandsocietalgrowth.
ConnectingMindsGlobally
Forsixdecades,SchillerInternationalUniversityhasbeena beaconofcommitmenttoglobalcitizenship,academic excellenceandculturalsensitivity.Martaaffirms,"Our guiding principles are designed to create an environment in which every student can achieve success and grow both personally and professionally to work anywhere in the world where opportunities exist."
Theuniversity'sapproachrevolvesaroundpersonalized, experientialandimmersivelearningcoupledwithadiverse curriculumthatfosterscriticalthinkingandpracticalskills. AsMartaemphasizes,"We bring the world to the classroom so that our students are connected to it from the beginning." Thiscommitmentresonatesinstudentinterviewsandcareer developmentshowcasingthereal-worldimpactofSchiller InternationalUniversity'sdedicationtoshapingglobal leaders.
ResonatingVoices
AtSchillerInternationalUniversity,diversityisn'tjusta buzzword it'sembeddedintotheverycoreofits community.Martaproudlystates,"We have students, faculty and staff from 130 nationalities, with as many different educational systems and cultural backgrounds." Diversityandinclusionarenotmereidealsbutlived
Our Employability Advisors work closely with students from the day they arrive on campus to well beyond their graduation, ensuring they have the guidance and support needed to achieve their career goals.”
MartaMuñizFerrer CEO President and
realitiesonthecampus,supportedbyselectivehiring, scholarshipsanddedicatedprograms.Martaunderlines, "Our campus is a mosaic of global perspectives and we actively cultivate an environment where every voice, regardless of its origin, finds resonance.”
Onecompellinginstanceexemplifiesthecommitmentto diversedialogues.Martarecounts,"We have an ongoing series of talks given by professionals of diverse background. Recently, a journalist spoke to students about the use of fake news in Russia's war and our classroom included Russian and Ukrainian students, who had to listen to and discuss difficult topics."Thisuniquesettingrequiredmutual respectandtolerancefosteringanenrichingexchangeof perspectives.Diversityandinclusionareembeddedin Schiller'sDNA,shapingtransformativeexperiencesfor students.
Moreover,thiscommitmentextendsbeyondclassrooms. Martanotes,"Throughout the course, students work on projects in multidisciplinary and intercampus teams," exposingthemtodiverseviewpointsandmentalities,just
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At Schiller, we understand the real world has a need for interdisciplinary profiles that require merging business and tech into programs that shy away from traditional silos.”
"At Schiller, innovation is the beating heart of our academic ethos,"assertsMarta.Recognizingtheevolvingneedsof therealworld,itchampionsinterdisciplinaryprofilesthat seamlesslyblendbusinessandtechnologytranscending traditionaleducationalsilos.Martaemphasizes,"Our academic model takes learning beyond the four walls of the classroom,"ensuringstudentsengagewithreal-world professionalexperiences.
OnestandoutinitiativeistheGlobalInnovationChallenge, wherestudentstackleauthenticbusinessproblemsand proposeimplementablesolutions.Martaproudlyshares, "We've collaborated with companies like LOEWE Parfums, KPMG, ECOALF, Metro de Madrid, etc."Thishands-on collaborationextendsbeyondcoursework,preparing studentsforthechallengesoftheprofessionalrealm. Complementingthisistheextracurriculargem,TheGlobal EmployabilityPath,meticulouslydesignedtohoneskills
mostsoughtafterintheworkplace.Martadetails,"Students participate in real business challenges, simulations, workshops, and volunteer activities,"fosteringcritical competenciesessentialintheprofessionallandscape.The programalsooffersaccesstoacuratedcatalogueofcourses developedincollaborationwithindustrygiantIBM.
Theuniquemonthlysystemalignsseamlesslywiththe digitalcontextprovidingafocusedlearningexperiencethat doesn'toverwhelmstudents.Martaexplains,"Students study one course intensively for the entire month, dedicating three hours each day in class from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, they have free time to engage in
extracurricular activities, or to follow any interests they may want to pursue."Thisconcentratedapproachcombines individualandcollaborativework,allowingstudentsto completeaspecificcourse,earncreditsandseamlessly transitiontothenextsubject.
Themonthlysystemalsofostersimmersivelearning throughrealprojectswithcompanies.Martahighlights,"It contributes to an immersive and experiential learning approach, and it has offered great learning outcomes."At Schiller,thestudentexperienceisacornerstone.Fromthe classroomenvironmenttothededicatedfacultyandthe StudentExperiencestaff,everyelementconvergestoensure studentshavethetoolstheyneedtoaccomplishtheirgoals.
AlumniNetwork
Entrepreneurship and innovation thrive at Schiller InternationalUniversity,guidedbytheuniversity'sAcademic Model commitment to experiential learning and real-world impact. Marta asserts, "We nurture entrepreneurship and innovation through experiential learning methodologies, faculty entrepreneurial experiences and startup collaborationinitiatives.”
One such initiative is the collaboration with La Nave in Madrid, a startup accelerator program in Spain. Marta highlights that it provides students with mentorship, resourcesandaccesstoinvestors.Thisreal-worldconnection propelsstudentsintotheheartofentrepreneurialecosystems preparing them for the challenges and opportunities in the startuplandscape.
The extracurricular Global Innovation Challenges are an embodiment of the hands-on approach. Marta explains, "Students are put in direct contact with real business challenges providing interaction with employers throughout the process." This unique experience not only hones their problem-solving skills but also expands their professional networksopeningdoorstojobopportunities.
The strong network of alumni and industry partners plays a pivotal role in supporting and collaborating with students. Marta affirms, "They actively boost their employability profile."AtSchillerInternationalUniversity,thecommitment to entrepreneurship goes beyond education it's a dynamic journey shaping resilient, innovative professionals ready to makeamarkinthebusinessworld.
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My vision for Schiller International University is to be a leader in global education, recognized for our innovative approach to learning models and our commitment to educating committed global citizens and future-ready international leaders.”
Collaborationswithlocalandinternationalorganizations, suchasFundacionMashumanoinMadrid,RedCrossin HeidelbergandACoeurdelaRueinParisarepivotal. Martahighlights,"We train future professionals to be aware of the impact they can have on the world's most pressing issues. To do this, we partner with local and international organizations to participate in local initiatives each year." Thesepartnershipsnotonlycontributetolocalcausesbut alsoprovideinternationalstudentswithaprofound understandingofglobalchallengescreatingaunique avenueforcross-culturallearning.Servicelearningat Schillerisatransformativejourneyfosteringresponsible globalcitizens.
YourCareer,OurCommitment
SchillerInternationalUniversityprioritizescareersuccess witharobustcareercounselingsystem,asMartastates, "Our Employability Advisors work closely with students from the day they arrive on campus to well beyond their graduation."Thiscomprehensivesystemencompasses personalassessments,mentoring,internships,andjob placementservices.Thefocusisonprovidingguidanceand supporttostudentsensuringtheyarewell-equippedto achievetheircareergoals.
Since its inception 60 years ago, Schiller International University has been steadfast in its commitment to global citizenship, academic rigor and cultural sensitivity.” “
EmpoweringFutures
"At Schiller, we track student outcomes through a mix of qualitative and quantitative measures,"saysMarta.These includegraduationrates,employmentdataandfeedback fromemployers.Suchdataispivotalforthecontinuous refinementofeducationalofferingsandsupportservices ensuringthehighestlevelsofstudentsuccess.This commitmenttomonitoringoutcomesreflectsthe university'sdedicationtoprovidinganeducationthatnot onlyempowersstudentsduringtheirtimeatSchillerbut alsopropelsthemtowardsuccessfulandfulfillingcareers beyondgraduation.
TechSavvyTeaching
"At Schiller, we prioritize continuous learning for both faculty and students,"saysMarta.Professional developmentopportunitiesaboundforitsfacultyandstaff coveringaspectrumfromcybersecuritythreatstoeffective communicationanddiversityandinclusionworkshops. Martahighlights,"We encourage our students to engage in continuous learning through workshops, talks, seminars, and online courses."Thiscomprehensivetrainingprogram addressesidentifiedneedsensuringthecommunitystays currentinarapidlyevolvingworld.
Furthermore,digitaleducationalmethodologynecessitates ongoingtrainingforfaculty.Martaemphasizes,"Our faculty is continuously updated on using technology in the classroom."Itreflectsthecommitmenttostayingatthe forefrontofeducationalpractices.AtSchiller,thebeliefthat educationisalifelongjourneyisnotjustaprinciple—it'sa valueinstilledineverymemberofourdynamicand forward-thinkingcommunity
Aseducatorsandpolicymakersrecognizethesignificance ofmultilingualism,integratingitintoeducationalsystems becomesessentialfornurturingwell-roundedindividuals whocanthriveinadiverseandinterconnectedglobal society
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.
Today, CSUF serves as a dynamic hub for innovation, workforce development and societal advancement enriching the lives of its students and the broader community it proudly serves!
“Our vision is to serve as a model public university that cultivates leaders who drive innovation, systemic change, and collective well-being in local and global communities.”
Cal State Fullerton stands as a prestigious institution ranked among the nation's top universities and is revered as a leader within the California State University system and beyond.
KevinCostner‘78,atitaninentertainment,boasts numerousawards,includingtwoAcademyAwardsforhis iconicfilm‘Dances with Wolves.’Thesesuccessstories highlightCSUF'simpactacrossindustriesshapingleaders andinnovatorsworldwide.
ConnectingTalentwithOpportunity
AtCSUF,studentsreceivecomprehensivesupportto navigatetheircareerjourney. Career Counseling and Advising services offerone-on-onesessionswithtrained professionalswhoassistinexploringinterests,skillsand valuestoidentifysuitablecareerpaths.Servicesinclude:
Ÿ Career Assessments:Evaluateskills,interestsand valuestoalignwithcareeroptions.
Ÿ Resume and Cover Letter Workshops:Learnessential toolsforjobapplications.
Positionedtothriveintheglobalmarketplaceandtheir communities,CSUFalumniarewell-preparedforsuccess. Explorethe formoreinformation,and university rankings delveintothe annualreportto Division of StudentAffairs learnabouttheimpactof student support programs and assessmentsoncampus.
