At the Banco Central de Paraguay this week, the second-ever graduation of the Universidad Politechnica Taiwan-Paraguay was held. More than 50 UPTP graduates, all engineering students in different trades graduated and received their diplomas surrounded by friends and family in a graduation ceremony held in Spanish, English, and briefly in Taiwanese Mandarin. Also present were the Minister of Education of the Republic of Paraguay, Luis Fernando Ramirez, the subminister, the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), José Chih-Cheng Han, and the Rector of the UPTP, Jorge Duarte. After words from the Minister, the Ambassador, the Rector, and the representative of the graduation, a professor from Taiwan, UPTP graduates were invited to receive their degree from the officials present. Some received extra degrees as they were pursuing more than one program at the same time. The valedictorian was able to give a speech to the crowd in English and Spanish. The ceremony finished with a performance from Los Pibes del Chamamé, a traditional group from Paraguay.
UPTP graduates speak about their experiences
Resilience is the keyword here. Most of the UPTP graduates had not met each other before going to Taiwan as students because of the coronavirus pandemic, as they had classes online. Multiple students talked about their experience during the exchange in Taipei, having to deal with, yes, COVID-19, which was not finished when they arrived there, but also having to deal with multiple typhoons and earthquakes. The valedictorian also mentioned the language barrier, telling a story of him and his friend trying to understand a lady who, in the end, only wanted to invite them to church because it was Sunday and they were Latin American. Overall, everyone enjoyed this experience of a lifetime and would do it again.
The Asunción Times has met three Paraguayan students who this week became UPTP Graduates: Iván, who received his degree in informatic engineering; Julio, who received his degree in civil engineering; and Pablo, who received his degree in industrial engineering. Here is what they have to say:
Iván Alessandro Martínez Valiente: Informatic Engineering
“I feel alleviated and happy because it has been four years. I like that I am very happy. In Taiwan I really enjoyed the convenience of being in the city, liked the landscape in Taipei, and also, the scenery is very beautiful. The proximity with mountain and ocean is also something you cannot get anywhere else in the world.”
Julio Emmanuel Izquierdo Cantero: Civil Engineering
“I feel very happy for this opportunity, a very awesome opportunity for us Paraguayans. Now, I am becoming a civil engineer, and with this kind of education, it is awesome because it is a high-level education. I think we can develop a lot in Paraguay, and that is my dream. Do not let Paraguay stay the same, and be part of the change. And also, all my classmates are very happy with this incredible opportunity. I would like to thank all the Taiwanese and Paraguayan professors of the UPTP. If you are hearing this and want to join the UPTP, do not hesitate. It is a very good opportunity.”
Pablo Nicolás Maldonado Lesme: Industrial Engineering
“Even though I did not know my classmates before Taiwan, we are very united now. We are all friends. I had great support from my family even if we were very far apart, and I really liked the Earth Sandwich project, which united both countries. I have to go again to Taiwan to continue my master’s degree in February at Taiwan Tech, and now I am working with the UPTP as a teacher assistant for several subjects. It is very important since once I finish my degree, I will keep working on the Taiwanese projects in Paraguay, and I am very proud of that.”
Photo: @maxdni
How to become a UPTP graduate
We wish all UPTP graduates every success in their career! If you or someone you know is interested in studying at the university you can visit the UPTP website for more information.
