Arian Godinez, CSUF international business major

Arian Godinez, an international business major at Cal State Fullerton, embarked on a transformative journey during the 2024-25 academic year at Universidad Panamericana in Guadalajara, Mexico, one of CSUF’s esteemed exchange partners. His decision to study abroad was not merely about enhancing his resume; it was a quest to reconnect with his family’s cultural heritage.

“I am thankful to be able to learn and experience the country where my parents grew up,” said Godinez. “I feel this gave me a better understanding of who I am and what I want to accomplish, and I realize it is for a better future.”

At Universidad Panamericana, Godinez is immersing himself in a global perspective of international business and discovering how cultural nuances influence professional practices.

“The skills and knowledge I have gained at Universidad Panamericana have helped me learn about my career in international business from the United States and how it is different from Latin America,” he explained.

Godinez adds that the experience has been personally enriching. “Being in this school has allowed me to network with students and people from different countries, which has been amazing, learning about different cultures and learning new languages.”

Male-identifying students are often underrepresented in study abroad programs and Godinez is determined to inspire change. To encourage his peers, he said, “Part of being successful in your career is being able to take risks and learn about the world. These study abroad experiences will give you the tools you need to become a better student and person, as they will shape you and make you a more experienced learner.”

Looking ahead, Godinez envisions launching his own business after graduating from CSUF, drawing inspiration from his entrepreneurial family.

“I have many family members with their own businesses, so after graduation, I would like to shadow them for a while, seeing what I need and how they conduct business to be able to lead the same as them and lead a successful business.”

While he intends to pursue a master’s degree, Godinez plans to take a short break before diving into graduate studies. For now, he reflects and is grateful for his exchange program experience in Mexico.

“My experience has been such an eye-opener. Being able to see how life is in a different part of the world has given me a broader understanding. I thought life was the same everywhere — and it isn’t. I 100% recommend studying abroad. You learn so much personally and academically that will be such a big help in your future,” said Godinez.

For CSUF students interested in study abroad opportunities in Mexico or other countries, visit the Study Abroad and Global Engagement website to explore program options and begin an enriching adventure.