Tec de Monterrey and U.S. consulate seek to work together

Thanks to Tec de Monterrey’s diversity, we can collaborate in different areas, said the U.S. Consul General in Monterrey, Roger Rigaud, during his visit to the Monterrey campus.

“I can’t even begin to count how many areas we can work together in. I can’t wait to start working together,” said the U.S. diplomat.

“They range from art projects to offices for Vice Consuls who come and explain how they work so that we can explain our efforts and what we do at the consulate, as well as participating in more cultural events,” he added.

Joint collaboration between the Tec and the US consulate

Rigaud noted that in order to create a strong partnership, both countries must first get to know each other’s cultures and social roots better.

“For me, the Tec de Monterrey is the avenue to finding those important aspects that unite us.

“It’s a major contributor to ensuring that the consulate has a real impact on members of the Monterrey community,” he said.

David Garza Salazar, Rector and Executive President of Tec de Monterrey, said they’re seeking to work with the consulate, particularly on projects that impact the community.

“We believe that Tec de Monterrey is an institution from society and for society. We believe in the development of Mexico, and we’ve contributed in different areas,” he said.

Expanding the Tec21 model

The consul highlighted the Tec21 Educational Model, which he considered an example to follow as it was designed by Mexicans and demonstrates that it can be used throughout the country.

“This allows students to return to their home states such as Michoacán, Querétaro, Zacatecas, and San Luis Potosí and replicate this, so that Mexicans can receive the best education in their own cities and other places, if possible,” he said.

What’s more, this educational model enables students to get involved with other cultures and thus develop in global settings, said the consul.

“I’m thinking of some of the ideas that have been put into place here in terms of training and teaching in work environments.

“When you put them in bicultural environments, they can flourish anywhere in the world. I believe all of this can be replicated in other parts of Mexico,” said Rigaud.

The consul visited the Emerging Technologies Laboratory (Mostla) on the Monterrey campus, where he was shown some of the institution’s educational innovations, such as the use of virtual reality, blockchain, and hybrid classes.

“I can’t even begin to count how many areas we can work together in. I can’t wait to start working together.” - Roger Rigaud

Tec de Monterrey’s Tec21 Educational Model promotes challenge-based learning, flexibility in the way of learning, the inclusion of inspiring teachers, and a memorable university experience.

Ties between Mexico and the U.S.

In order to strengthen ties between Mexico and the United States, it’s essential that citizens of both countries learn more about each other, said the consul.

To do so, we must encourage students to learn more about the culture of both countries when they start school, added Rigaud.

“We should make sure people receive a good education and understand the other country’s problems and history, so they can understand and contextualize things.

“I believe that each country has to teach people about the other: more about Mexico in the United States, more about the United States in Mexico, so that students understand each other,” he said.

His tour of the Tec

During his visit, the consul was taken to iconic spots on the Monterrey campus, such as the Space for Reflection, the Library, and the Fraternity Tree. He was also shown DistritoTec.

“We should make sure people receive a good education and understand the other country’s problems and history, so they can understand and contextualize things.” - Roger Rigaud

He also met with David Garza; Juan Pablo Murra, Rector of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies; Mario Adrián Flores, Vice President for the Monterrey Region; and other directors of the institution to discuss details on how the collaboration will take place.

The consul was accompanied by Jill Dietrich from the Public Affairs Office of the United States Consulate in Monterrey.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: