UB Scholars Embrace AIBT-Funded Spanish Immersion Experience

21^st July 2025

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Four outstanding scholars from University of The Bahamas (UB) are broadening their academic and cultural horizons this summer through an immersive study abroad experience in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico at the Center for Linguistic & Multicultural Studies, Universidad Internacional.

This unique opportunity is helping these students strengthen their foreign language skills, develop global perspectives, and build intercultural competence to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected world. UB’s longstanding partnership with the Association of International Banks and Trust Companies (AIBT) has made this possible.

AIBT’s commitment to promoting best practices, supporting professional development and advancing The Bahamas as a premier international financial services centre encompasses shaping future leaders. Study abroad experiences like this one contribute to students’ flourishing as they expand their knowledge of other countries, cultures, and languages.

AIBT has been sponsoring language and cultural immersions since 2013. Although traditionally focused on students pursuing banking and/or finance-related degrees to enhance national capacity for multilingualism, scholars in other academic disciplines are now also able to participate in the study abroad programme.

“We are extremely excited about this venture with the University of The Bahamas to help university students achieve a part of their goals, which is to accelerate the progress of their foreign language,” said AIBT Director, Mr. Perry Rolle. “In international banking, there’s always a need for foreign languages, particularly Spanish. And, we find that when we’re dealing with Spanish clients, having access to the foreign language is a key asset within the various institutions. And this is not specific to any one institution; this is specific to the sector as a whole.

“To be a part of this programme to advance that and to bring in new talent within the field is something that we are extremely excited about.”

The financial services sector is a significant contributor to the Bahamian economy. Every year, graduates from UB enter the profession in myriad roles. Many UB alumni serve as leaders in the sector.

Taja Hudson, Krista Dames, Katlyn Rolle, and David Romer said they were excited to embark on a journey of discovery and new knowledge.

“I feel ecstatic about having this opportunity to go to Mexico,” said Taja, who is pursuing a degree in Spanish and a Bachelor of Education (BEd) Secondary Certification in Spanish. “As I’m studying Spanish, I think this will be a perfect opportunity to really expand my vocabulary and my Spanish experience. So, thank you so much AIBT for trusting in me, and I look forward to the opportunity.”

David, a senior who is also a double degree major in Hospitality Management and Spanish, said he was elated when he discovered he was chosen.

“When I got the news that I was accepted I was very grateful for it, and very astonished,” said David. “And with this opportunity, I look forward to refining my individual Spanish skills, coming back home, developing them further and becoming better and stronger at them.”

The Center for Linguistic & Multicultural Studies is renowned for teaching Spanish to international students and fostering meaningful intercultural exchange. Classes run on a “group of five” system, where there are no more than five students assigned to one professor, resulting in students getting dedicated and personal attention.

“I think it’s very important to learn a second language and be proficient in it given the times that we’re in now where we have so many ethnicities moving through The Bahamas,” noted Krista, a Law and Psychology double-major who is minoring in Spanish. “I think it’s important to be able to understand each other, communicate effectively and create a beautiful fellowship with one another.”

Katlyn, a Spanish major, said she is eager to put her Spanish skills to the test.

“Since my major is Spanish, I feel ecstatic about being selected,” said Kaitlyn. “I always wanted to be immersed so I could put my skills to the test. I’m mostly excited about living with a host family, because it’ll be a more natural environment where I can practice my Spanish, whereas at the school, we’ll be having more academic teaching. Although I’m excited about that as well, I think talking to the family, interacting with them and going on excursions is what I anticipate most.”

Dr. Cristina Fimiani, Head of UB’s Foreign Languages Department in the School of Communication and Creative Arts stressed the importance of these kinds of initiatives in cultivating Bahamian multilingual corporate professionals.

“I think it’s the best way to learn a language, not only through books or classroom exercises,” said Dr. Fimiani. “So, I think this is the best opportunity they can have to be multilingual, because with these kind of travel opportunities, they also meet different people from other countries since it is an international university. This international exchange programme allows some of our students to interact with new cultures and improve their intercultural competencies. That is one of our strategic goals as a department.”

Department of Communications

2^nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex

University of The Bahamas

Oakes Field Campus

University Drive, Nassau, The Bahamas

P.O. Box N-4912

Nassau, The Bahamas

Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365

universityrelations@ub.edu.bs | www.ub.edu.bs

University of The Bahamas (UB) stands as a proud beacon of national transformation. The institution is grounded in a proud tradition of academic diversity, scholarly excellence, impactful research, and transformative collaborations. With locations in New Providence, Grand Bahama and San Salvador, UB has more than 23,000 alumni and more than 4,000 students who are being shaped as citizens able to navigate a dynamic global society.