Javier Herrera M

Photos

International Relations professional with a Master's degree in Communication and Marketing. I have 12 years of experience teaching international students at LCI VERITAS University, Costa Rica. For the past 3 years, in addition to teaching, I served as the university's Student Experience Leader, a position that allowed me to understand the needs of the student community and better address them. My professional experience in both roles within the organization led me to join the LCI Education Study Abroad team just over a month ago. My most important responsibilities include: assisting our partners and universities, resolving any questions they may have; presenting our academic offerings and innovations to our current and future partners; and supporting our students to ensure they have the best possible educational experience in Costa Rica. At LCI Education, we strive to provide personalized service that meets your needs and offers new educational options to enhance your academic offerings. I would love to meet with you and tell you more about why we are your strategic partner in the world of Study Abroad.

Staff spotlight: Javier H.

What is your favorite travel memory?

When I was 11 years old (2001), I had the opportunity to participate in a two-week exchange program in Paducah, Kentucky. This experience was life-changing. Being exposed to a different culture and language sparked my interest in learning more about other cultures and continuing to improve my English, which is what led me to work in the Study Abroad program today.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have grown significantly both personally and professionally. In 2014, VERITAS University gave me the opportunity to begin a professional career as a professor in the Study Abroad program, providing my first experiences in the field. Later, I became the Academic Coordinator and then the Student Experience Leader. This latter role allowed me to connect more closely with new generations and learn about their interests, aspirations, and dreams. In 2016, I achieved further growth within the company by becoming the Partner Relations Specialist for the Study Abroad program, which has become a dream job. This career path has helped me grow a lot, and above all, I've learned more about the university education systems in Costa Rica and the United States.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

My course is on International Relations in Latin America. We cover the history and political evolution of the continent. My goal is to make a important impact in the students life. My class had a strong impact on this student, who now shares with me about her political activism and human rights advocacy.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Oh God, this is a very difficult question. I would choose two: studying environmental science in Costa Rica, the fieldtrips has a incredible contact with nature, animals, and environmental protection; and in Barcelona, Arts and Business, with all the experience that this world capital has to offer.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

The Diversity on Campus. LCI VERITAS is a university with a small but extremely diverse student population. With a strong focus on design, you'll find students majoring in Architecture, Digital Animation, Film and TV, Photography, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Product Design, Advertising Design, Business Administration, and Marketing, totaling approximately 2,000 students. We host the Study Abroad program, which enriches the university culturally and academically. This program offers courses in:

Arts, Design, and Humanities
Business, Communication, and Marketing
Biology, Environment, and Science
Health & Psychology
Social Science
Spanish Linguistics and Literature
Study with Locals
Pre-Veterinary Semester.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

For me, positive leadership is the most important factor in a company's success. A good leader always prioritizes the common good over the individual, and this humanizes the company, fostering a connection with its employees and building loyalty with its clients. And in this LCI VERITAS has been doing a great work.