Did you know that 28 percent of the Texas Full-Time MBA Class of 2017 are from countries outside of the U.S.? Texas MBAs come from all over the world, and this week we’re highlighting some of our international students who made the long trip to McCombs. Check out what they have to say about Austin, McCombs, and the advice they’d like to share with future international applicants.

Omar Garza, MBA ’17

Where are you from originally? I’m from Chihuahua, a city in northern Mexico that is 230 miles south from El Paso, Texas.

Why did you choose the Texas MBA Program? I chose McCombs because of its very strong Entrepreneurship program as well as the vibrant startup ecosystem at UT Austin and in the city. Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in America and its the perfect place to start a new business.

Any advice for others from Mexico thinking about attending McCombs? My advice to them would be to reach out to current students and alumni.  I’m always impressed by how open and friendly everybody is here and how far people are willing to go to help someone out.

Tulio Soria, MBA ’17

Where are you from originally? I am from Brazil. I used to say that I am from São Paulo state. I was born and raised in the countryside of the state, in a small city called Pederneiras with a population of about forty thousand.

Why did you choose the Texas MBA Program? I knew that I needed to be in a tech hub surrounded by brilliant visionaries. The answer for me was the Texas MBA in Austin. The Texas MBA offers challenging courses in information management and analytics, which are essential for a digital leader. Austin has a young, educated population, with a great startup community and fair VC presence, along with a burgeoning creative scene, which is the perfect environment for tech.

Any advice for others from Brazil thinking about attending McCombs? It is an amazing experience to challenge yourself to immerse yourself in a new culture in such vibrant city and program.  My advice for those going through the application process is to visit Austin, visit the school and talk with our alumni and current students.

Yeony Bae, MBA ’17

Where are you from originally? I am from Changwon, a beautiful medium-sized city in southeastern coast of Korea.

Why did you choose the Texas MBA Program? First, I really liked the people and culture. I enjoyed talking to the Admissions Committee and alumni during info sessions and in my interview. I am reconfirming my decision every single day while working with cool, bright classmates and faculty in  a great collaborative culture. Second, the small class size in a huge university setting was very attractive. I wanted to build a strong, personal network in the MBA program and I thought the small class size at McCombs would help me do so. Third, I really wanted to get into the tech industry after completing my MBA and McCombs has a strong network in this industry. Lastly, the location in Austin mattered a lot. I wanted to go through this life-changing experience in a place where I can truly enjoy it.

Any advice for others from South Korea thinking about attending McCombs? You can really be anyone you wish to be in the entrepreneurial and collaborative environment at McCombs. Your classmates, alumni, and faculty will give you full support and help you achieve your dreams – that is the Texas MBA culture. Austin is an amazing place for you to spend two years of precious time and beyond. My time with the Texas MBA and in Austin literally changed my life in many ways. I hope many other Korean candidates come and share my experience.

Lisa Maria, MBA ’17

City of Origin: My hometown is in Bekasi, West Java, 20 miles east of Indonesia’s capital city Jakarta, but I spent most of my time from elementary school to high school in Jakarta.

Why did you choose the Texas MBA Program?  I am a double Longhorn and graduated from the Cockrell School of Engineering for my undergraduate degree. I had an amazing experience and knew I wanted to come back for my master’s. Thanks to the UT network, I had the chance to connect with Texas MBA alumni and heard great things about the program, solidifying my decision to choose McCombs. McCombs is very student-run — being in the program has given me opportunities to be active and assume leadership positions in several amazing organizations. I have been in the technology industry my entire career and plan to go back there after graduation; McCombs’ location in the major tech hub that is Austin, TX has provided me a very valuable network in that industry.

Any advice for others from Indonesia thinking about attending McCombs? Austin has similarities with Indonesia in a lot of ways. Indonesian people are known to be very friendly, so are Texans with their Southern hospitality. Austin’s economy is growing rapidly, so is Indonesia’s. And the food scene… Austin has such diverse food options like Indonesia does, although I must admit nothing beats Indonesian food.

Lucia Galvez, MBA ’17

Where are you from originally? Lima, Peru

Why did you choose the Texas MBA Program? I wanted a top MBA program with a strong Management curriculum complemented with hands-on experiences, as well as a collaborative environment that fits my personality. I had the privilege of visiting McCombs before applying and people made me feel super comfortable!

Any advice for others from Peru thinking about attending McCombs? McCombs has a lot of opportunities that I discovered after I enrolled in the Texas MBA Program and I knew I made the right decision. If possible, come to Austin and interact with the McCombs community to make sure it is the right fit for you!

To learn more about the Texas MBA Program, admissions events, and application information, please visit the Texas MBA website.