Starting July 7th, 2024, three University of The Bahamas (UB) students will begin a four-week Spanish language immersion program at the Center for Linguistic & Multicultural Studies at Universidad Internacional in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. Sponsored by the Association of International Banks and Trust Companies (“AIBT”) the UB seniors heading to Mexico are Andrea Johnson, pursuing a Bachelors in Secondary Education and Spanish; Abagail Neely, pursuing a Bachelors in Spanish; and Daphcarr Pepe, pursuing a Bachelors in Accounting.
The Universidad Internacional program is designed to develop fluency in Spanish conversation by focusing on four main skills: Listening Comprehension, Reading, Conversation, and Writing. Classes run on a “group of five” system, where there are no more than 5 students assigned to one professor, resulting in students getting dedicated and personal attention. The Spanish Language Immersion initiative continues to be a key component of AIBT’s ongoing professional development efforts, of which The Nassau Conference is the centerpiece. Since 2013, AIBT has sponsored language and cultural immersions for a total of 15 university students. In addition to the Spanish immersion programme, AIBT has arranged industry internships across the sector for 30 students, with 10 going on to obtain full-time employment in the industry.
From Left to Right: Perry Rolle, AIBT Director (FirstCaribbean International Trust Company (Bahamas) Limited); Anastacia Johnson, AIBT Executive Administrator; Teniel Rolle, UB, Program Coordinator, Global Studies & Programs; Dr. Abdul Knowles, UB, Director of Global Studies & Programs; Abagail Neely, UB Student; Bruno Roberts, AIBT Chairman (The Private Trust Corporation Limited); Daphcarr Pepe, UB Student; Andrea Johnson, UB Student; Kimberly E. Strachan, AIBT Director (Rhone Trustees (Bahamas) Limited); Christine Russell, AIBT Director (Corner Bank (Overseas) Limited); Todd M.J. Beneby, AIBT Treasurer (Sterling Bank & Trust Limited).
The Nassau Conference – AIBT’s signature professional development event for the international financial services sector – and the companion Financial Services Bootcamp, seek to expose the next generation of industry leaders to the sector and help continue the country’s leadership as a global financial services centre.
About The Nassau Conference
The Nassau Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, under the theme “A Masterclass in Growth & Innovation”. As a key event on the financial services calendar, The Nassau Conference features presentations and panel discussions with local, regional and global experts and provides a unique opportunity for networking and the exchange of ideas. The half-day pre-conference Financial Services Bootcamp is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17th, 2024.
