Why Thunderbird is the smart choice for Latin America’s rising professionals

As Latin American business professionals look to advance their careers in an increasingly interconnected world, Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University stands out as a smart, practical, and accessible choice. 

With programs designed for the region’s needs, generous scholarships, and a global network of alumni, Thunderbird empowers professionals to lead with confidence both locally and internationally.

Daniela Monroy, Thunderbird’s director of business development in Latin America, speaks of the school’s advantages for these students.

Breaking down language barriers

For many talented professionals in Latin America, language has long been a hurdle to pursuing world-class business education. Thunderbird is working to remove that barrier. 

“By offering programs in Spanish and bilingual formats, Thunderbird is actively creating opportunities for Latin American professionals,” Monroy said. “Language is no longer a barrier; instead, we are empowering individuals to pursue world-class education in their native language. Many people in Latin America lack access to language learning resources, so providing education in Spanish opens doors for a wider audience.”

The school also leverages advancements in technology, including AI-driven real-time translation tools, to ensure that language is not an obstacle in global interactions. This commitment makes Thunderbird’s programs accessible to more professionals across the region.

Thunderbird offers flexible learning for working professionals

Thunderbird recognizes that many aspiring students are balancing their careers with education. Its hybrid and online programs are specifically designed with this in mind. 

“Our Master of Leadership and Management, available in both English and Spanish, spans 12 to 24 months. Students could opt for a global field seminar which is in-person, but students could do all their courses asynchronously online if they choose to,” explained Monroy. 

Thunderbird was an early pioneer of hybrid education, launching such models as early as 2000. Today, the school continues to refine its offerings. Executive programs in areas such as space leadership, public affairs, and global business are structured for convenience, requiring 3-day, in-person weekend courses once every 2 months, along with live, synchronous online sessions once every 2-3 weeks, and completely asynchronous learning.. Beyond degree programs, Thunderbird’s Najafi 100 Million Learner Global Initiative program provides online courses in business skills at no cost to the learner, removing financial barriers for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to upskill.

Scholarships and financial support

One of the most compelling reasons Latin American professionals choose Thunderbird is the wide range of financial support available. Monroy highlights how the school makes advanced education more attainable. 

Advanced level courses can be stacked into the MLM. Intermediate courses could only be used to fulfill undergraduate degree requirements. The emerging market scholarships could apply to the remaining 5 courses for the MLM as well.

On top of that, Thunderbird offers the SHARE Fellowship for Master of Global Management students, which covers 100% of tuition, travel, accommodation, and meals. “We assess each student’s needs and academic performance to determine scholarship amounts, ensuring that 96% of our students receive some form of financial support,” Monroy adds.

Regionally relevant faculty and research

Thunderbird integrates Latin America-focused case studies, faculty expertise, and applied research into its programs, ensuring graduates can immediately apply their learning to regional challenges and opportunities.

Thunderbird has a number of faculty focused on Latin America. These include:

• Robert Grosse, former president of the Academy of International Business (AIB) and former dean of EGADE business school at the Tec de Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico, and has published numerous books and journal articles related to doing business in Latin America;
• Eva Vazquez, clinical professor of entrepreneurship, who heads up numerous programs in Puerto Rico, South America, and elsewhere;
• Tom Hunsaker, associate dean of innovation, who oversees consulting programs and does extensive research and consulting work throughout Latin America.
• Roy Nelson, associate professor and senior  associate dean of Thunderbird undergraduate programs, who was academic director of Thunderbird's former Executive MBA program in Brazil, has done extensive research and consulting in the region and has published two books related to business in Latin America, as well as numerous cases and journal articles on the topic.

According to Nelson, Thunderbird professors integrate Latin American cases (many of which they have written themselves) into their courses, and all the professors have done and continue to do extensive research and consulting work in Latin America, which is reflected in their teaching.

This regional focus, paired with Thunderbird’s global outlook, ensures that students graduate with skills that are both locally relevant and globally competitive.

Career growth and global connections with Thunderbird

Thunderbird’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Its graduates benefit from access to a global community of professionals, mentors, and leaders.

“Being part of the T-bird community means having access to a great family of alumni worldwide,” Monroy says. The school facilitates connections through a vast alumni network of chapters around the world  and monthly networking events known as First Tuesdays. Global reunions and mentorship programs further strengthen the community of both emerging and executive professionals.

Latin American students also find leadership opportunities and community within the school itself. “Our immersion students can join clubs such as the Latin Business Club and Prospanica, or even create their own,” Monroy notes. “Every club project is an opportunity to showcase leadership skills. We also have events in our rooftop terrace Pub that showcases Latin America or Regional Nights – sponsored by our Thunderbird Student Government – that highlight the incredible regional cuisine and music throughout Latin America.”

Meanwhile, Thunderbird’s Career Management Center works closely with students on tailored resume development and skills coaching to prepare them for the global job market.

A global perspective with Latin American roots

While Thunderbird maintains a global mission, it stays firmly connected to the region’s realities. 

“At Thunderbird, we are committed to a global vision with a focus on trade as a pathway to peace. We believe that ‘borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers,’” Monroy says. This philosophy emphasizes fair trade, mutual benefit, and strong diplomatic relationships, which are all highly relevant as Latin America seeks new opportunities in global markets.

With its bilingual and online programs, robust scholarships, regionally focused expertise, and global alumni network, Thunderbird equips Latin America’s rising professionals with the tools to lead effectively on the world stage. For ambitious professionals in the region, Thunderbird is a gateway to global leadership.

Get the global business skills you need at Thunderbird.