Juan Esteban Balcázar Hurtado, a student in the Economics program, is carrying out an academic mobility experience in Brazil.

Juan Esteban Balcázar Hurtado, who is pursuing the Economics program at the University of Cauca, was selected by the company Protein Meal Tec – Brazil branch, Nova Esperança, in the state of Paraná, to complete his professional internship with a focus on foreign trade for six months.

Regarding this, the student shared what this academic mobility experience has meant in his life and professional training process: “I want to share with you my story of how I arrived in Brazil, a journey that has been possible thanks to the opportunity and the support of many incredible people who have believed in me.”

In this way, the student narrates what he defines as the beginning of a dream: “It all began when I started working as a volunteer at AgriglobalMarket, a company that taught me and gave me the opportunity to learn about finance, and especially about data. It was like an awakening, a moment when I discovered my passion and my purpose. I am infinitely grateful to this company for the opportunity and the guidance they gave me,” adds Juan Esteban Balcázar Hurtado with great emotion.

In 2024, he attended the REAM event, a continental meeting on agribusiness, where he met some Brazilians who sparked his interest in learning Portuguese. It was like a click, a moment when he knew he wanted to explore more about Brazil and its culture. The rhythm, the music, the food, everything captivated him.

“In January, I spoke with Professor Claudia Fajardo, who provided me with support and guidance in the university processes. Her support was like a lighthouse in the dark, guiding me and giving me the confidence I needed. I also want to highlight Professor Ángela María Albán, who agreed to accompany me as my tutor and gave me a space to be heard. Professor Jorge Pérez was also fundamental in my process, thanks to his patience and his teachings on finance, I was able to present my project with confidence.”

Provided photo

Felipe Hurtado, CEO of AgriglobalMarket, spoke with the Unicauca student and told him to consider doing an internship in Brazil, assuring him of his support. “So I began to develop the project with a focus on foreign trade. However, when everything was ready to present, no company accepted me. And then, in the third week, Protein Meal Tec appeared, listened to me, and opened the doors for me to come to Brazil. It was like a miracle, a moment when I knew everything was going to work out.”

Juan Esteban Balcázar Hurtado expresses gratitude to people like Aline, Kelly, his uncle Fabián, and his aunt Liliana, without their support, it would not have been possible for him to be in Brazil. “But above all, I want to thank my mother, whose prayers and support were fundamental for me to be in Brazil. Her faith and her love have carried me to this point.”

“My story is a testimony that, with perseverance, support, and faith, we can achieve our goals. I am excited to be in Brazil and to take advantage of this opportunity to grow and learn. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Let’s make this chapter unforgettable!”

 

Written by: Communications Management Center