Global Launch alum sets sights on global leadership and entrepreneurship
Caroline Garcia Bautista is preparing for a career in global leadership and entrepreneurship, a path shaped by her experience learning English at Arizona State University (ASU)
Born and raised in Panama City, Panama, Caroline Garcia Bautista always had a passion for learning and a desire to explore new horizons. She earned a bachelor's degree in commerce with aspirations of a finance career abroad, but it wasn’t until her experience at Global Launch that she realized her potential to combine international business with a broader vision: global management.
When I started at Global Launch with the ASU-USA Pathways program, I didn’t just improve my English skills, I discovered a whole new field of study that I had never heard of before: global management. It’s similar to international business, but with a much broader focus, and that really excited me.
Caroline García Bautista
Now a student at ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, Garcia Bautista is studying global management with the long-term goal of establishing her own company. “I want to create something that brings together my passion for global leadership and entrepreneurship,” she explained. “I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready to work hard and learn what it takes to make it happen.”
Her journey has been supported by several scholarships, including the New American University (NAMU) Scholarship, a prestigious award that recognizes high-achieving students and provides them with the opportunity to pursue higher education at ASU.
A journey of growth through Global Launch
Before coming to Global Launch, Garcia Bautista’s English proficiency was basic, but she quickly realized that the ASU-USA Pathways program would help her not only improve her language skills but also develop the confidence she needed to succeed in a new environment. “I had to start from scratch with my English, and at first, it was overwhelming,” she said. “But Global Launch was really helpful in getting me settled in. They made sure we felt welcomed and supported, not just in learning the language but in adjusting to life in a new country.”
For Garcia Bautista, one of the most surprising aspects of her time at Global Launch was how much learning took place outside of the classroom. “Real growth often comes from everyday interactions with other students,” she said. “I learned so much about communication, understanding different cultures, and even about myself just by being open to new experiences.”
Reflecting on the diversity of the program, Garcia Bautista shared, "At Global Launch, you never feel alone. The teachers have so much patience and passion, and they understand what it’s like to be an international student because many of them have gone through the same thing."
As Garcia Bautista continues her studies at Thunderbird, she is already envisioning a future filled with ambitious goals. After graduation, her immediate goal is to secure a job in the United States where she can apply the global management skills she has cultivated. But her aspirations don’t stop there. In the long term, Garcia Bautista dreams of founding her own company, a venture that will allow her to lead on an international stage and make a lasting impact.
She knows the road ahead won’t be easy, but she is determined to put in the hard work necessary to make her dreams a reality. Her experience at Global Launch infused in her the belief that, by staying focused and taking things step by step, she can reach her goals.
Embracing challenges and offering advice to future students
Garcia Bautista understands the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Like many international students, she faced her own struggles while learning a new language and adapting to a different culture. Yet she never let these obstacles hold her back. Instead, she embraced the process, learning to be patient with herself and growing more confident over time.
"Don’t be discouraged if you don’t understand everything at first. Learning a new language and adapting to a new culture takes time, but it’s all part of the process. Stay patient, believe in yourself, and know that every little step you take is bringing you closer to your goal,” she added.
Garcia Bautista encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities Global Launch provides. "Meet people from all over the world, get involved in activities, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Global Launch is a valuable opportunity, and with the right mindset, it can open so many doors."
As she looks ahead, Garcia Bautista is confident that the lessons she learned at Global Launch will continue to guide her in both her personal and professional life. With a clear vision for her future, she is ready to take on the world, one step at a time.