For decades, UHV International Programs has welcomed students from all over the world to receive an education from our amazing faculty and join our ever-growing family of alumni. Dozens of countries are represented at UHV with degree-seeking students as well as students from study abroad and exchange programs.

Jaime Herran La Torre

For recent UHV College of Business alumnus Jaime Herran La Torre, his UHV journey started during his research into graduate schools. Jaime, who is originally from Peru, at first wanted to follow in the footsteps of his sisters, who both attended the University of Houston. When he realized he wouldn’t be offered a scholarship, he quickly looked into the UH System schools for more opportunities. It was the care and attention from UHV that sealed the deal for him. Jaime graduated in May with his Strategic Master of Business Administration in marketing and is the first one in his family to receive a master’s degree.

Q: Why did you choose UHV?

A: I’ve always planned to get my MBA. I received my bachelor’s degree in Peru, where I’m from, but I wanted to get my master’s degree here in the U.S. My family has lived in Houston since 2005, and when I came here to join them in 2014, I started courses at Houston Community College where I received an associate degree before continuing at Lone Star College. The courses I took there could be transferred to UHV, which ended up working out for me.

I called the UHV International Programs Office, and they made me feel like I belonged. They were quick to answer my questions, from the admissions process to anything else I would need, including any opportunities for scholarships. I didn’t get a scholarship, but they let me know I could apply for a graduate assistantship, which basically gives you the same financial aid as a scholarship, except you get to work and get paid. I applied for a graduate assistantship with the College of Business, and thankfully got the position. I worked there for two years, and the whole experience was amazing.

Q: Which faculty and/or staff members made an impact on you?

A: My whole journey at UHV has been nothing but great. From College of Business staff like Mary Field, International Programs Director Yvonne Garcia, Amy Hatmaker in the Career Development Center, to all the business faculty that have helped me so much. I could name them all – Peggy Cloninger, Jeannette Winters, Massomeh Hajilee, Feirong Yuan, Charlie Huang, Massoud Metghalchi – these are the professors that I worked with during my assistantship, and they were all great. I’ve learned so much professionally and personally that it feels like I was meant to be here. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s true! I’ve been able to grow both as a student and an employee because of my time here. I’ve had the chance to become a coauthor on an article that was published in Technical Analysis of Stocks & Commodities, which is awesome. I never thought I’d be a coauthor with a professor from a university, and I had that opportunity here. I’m grateful.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned while at UHV?

A: I’ve learned that you can achieve anything with effort and persistence. Also, having the types of professors who have taught me has made the journey worthwhile. Just like everyone else, there have been ups and downs for me, but then you get motivated to keep going with those professors. And putting effort into everything has made a difference.

Q: What drives you?

A: My family. That’s why I’m here. I am happy and fortunate to have a close relationship with my sisters and my parents, and they all have been a part of this whole journey for my MBA. I have my personal goals, and that drives me, but definitely my family is a driving force as well.