UPC in Peru Hosts NCUK Farewell Ceremony
Posted:
Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) recently held a grand NCUK graduation ceremony. This event celebrated the success of the NCUK graduating cohort, who are set to embark on their academic journeys overseas to one of 50+ NCUK University Partners in the UK, Australia, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand.
Several distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including Edward Roekaert, UPC’s CEO & Rector; Darby McDonald, International Degrees Director; Milagros Morgan, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Research; and Gavin Cook, the British Ambassador in Lima.
Their presence underscored the importance of international education and the strong ties between UPC and NCUK. The event also provided special guest and alumna, Melissa Salazar with the opportunity to return to UPC to speak with the graduating class of 2024.
(Pictured left, from left-right: Edward Roekaert, CEO & Rector at UPC, Melissa Salazar, UPC alumna and Communications and External Affairs Intern at NCUK, Darby McDonald, International Degrees Director at UPC and Milagros Morgan, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Research at UPC)
Melissa Salazar’s return to UPC was a deeply personal and professional milestone. Melissa’s academic journey began with the NCUK International Foundation Year at UPC in Lima, Peru. This foundational experience not only prepared her for the rigours of higher education abroad but also ignited her passion for leadership and community engagement.
From there, she progressed to the University of Sheffield, where she completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees. She pursued an undergraduate degree in Business Management and furthered her studies with a master’s degree in International Relations and Politics.
The University of Sheffield’s vibrant academic environment and diverse community provided Melissa with a fertile ground for personal and professional growth.
Melissa’s academic pursuits at the University of Sheffield were complemented by her active involvement in student activities and leadership roles. She served as an NCUK and University of Sheffield ambassador, working tirelessly to bridge cultural gaps and support international students. Her contributions extended to the Student Union Council and the International Student Committee, where she played a pivotal role in developing policies and organising events that fostered inclusivity and cultural exchange.
In her current role as Communications and External Affairs Intern at NCUK in Manchester, Melissa continues to leverage her skills and experiences to support international education and strengthen global connections with NCUK stakeholders. Her journey from UPC to her current position is a testament to the transformative power of international education and the opportunities it provides.
It has been an incredible journey, and this experience has truly changed my life. I am deeply thankful for the support and preparation I received. I encourage everyone to seize these opportunities if they arise—there are endless possibilities once you take the leap, and the world is literally waiting for you
Melissa Salazar, UPC alumna and Communications and External Affairs Intern at NCUK
During her visit to UPC, Melissa shared her insights and experiences with the new cohort of students, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with the same dedication and passion that fuelled her own journey. Her return to UPC symbolised the success and opportunities that the NCUK International Foundation Year can offer, encouraging current students to engage in their communities and strive for excellence with the same dedication and passion that fuelled her journey.
The NCUK graduation ceremony at UPC was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a powerful reminder of the potential and opportunities that lie ahead for these students as they embark on their international education journeys.
