What position do you hold at API? What has been your career path so far?
Quique: I began working with API in 1999 as the Resident Director for our Madrid programs. When I first started, we worked with two universities - Universidad Complutense and Suffolk University. Since then, we've added two other schools, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija and Universidad Francisco de Vitoria.
Did YOU study abroad?
Quique: When I was in college, study abroad wasn't given as much emphasis as it is today, but I can say I did "study abroad" because my father worked for the Spanish government, so I got to live in different parts of the world. I was born in Uruguay and from there we lived in Brazil for short period of time, and then moved to Morocco. I have also lived in New York City, and since 1997 I have been living in Madrid.
What does the future hold for API - any exciting new programs to share?
Quique: We have just added a new program to Madrid. It's not like any other program we have in Madrid, as it combines Spanish language learning with Internship opportunities.
What about the future of the industry? How do you think study abroad and international education will change over the next 10 years?
Quique: I think it has changed already in the past 10 years and it will probably keep growing. A few years ago students just studied abroad to learn a second language but now they also want the opportunity to broaden themselves overall.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
Quique: I consider myself a world citizen, but I have never been to Australia and I would really like to visit soon!
Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?
Quique: From my own experience I believe that learning another language helps you travel and better understand other cultures. Cultural immersion is very important and I always tell my students that even if they don't seem they have "grown" while they're abroad - once they go back home they will see things with a different perspective and also be more appreciative of what they have.