Our Blog

Holistic Human Experience

Written by
Anthony Monroy

Dania Beach, Florida - Since I began the SLS 1211: Holistic Human Development course with Professor Guadalupe, I have noticed a significant improvement in my well-being. It's not just another subject of the semester, but a space that has allowed me to connect with myself in a way that I hadn't stopped to explore before. Every week, we learn about well-being theories and exercises, but the most valuable thing has been applying them in my day-to-day life, understanding that well-being extends far beyond the physical: it encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects as well.

Yesterday, October 28, we went to meditate at Dania Beach, and that experience simply reconnected me with everything. Listening to the waves, breathing deeply and feeling the energy of the place made me realize how important it is to pause. It was a moment of total calm, where I left behind the noise and worries, and I could focus only on being present. Prof. Guadalupe, as always, guided the experience with incredible energy, making us all feel at peace and grateful to be there.

Definitely, this class has helped me see well-being from a more human and complete perspective. She has taught me to take care of myself, not only to perform better, but to live better. I am really grateful for what I have learned and for sharing these experiences that are leaving a mark on me.

For further information on the programs United International College offers, please contact the Admissions Department at uicadmissions@uinternational.edu.

by Anthony Monroy

What is the Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

What is OPT?

• OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a U.S. immigration benefit for F-1 students. It allows eligible international students to work in the U.S. in a job directly related to their major field of study.

• It is considered post-completion practical training (though there is also pre-completion OPT in some circumstances).

• Standard OPT is for 12 months.

• OPT is authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) via an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

OPT Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for OPT, students generally must meet conditions such as:

1. Maintain valid F-1 status
   The student must be in good standing and comply with all F-1 regulations (e.g. full course load, not in violation of status).

2. Have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year
   You typically must complete at least one full academic year at the U.S. institution before applying for OPT.

3. OPT must relate to the student’s major
   The job you accept under OPT must be in a field that is directly connected to your course of study.

4. Apply in the correct timeframe
   There is a window in which students can apply: usually no earlier than 90 days before the program's end date, and no later than 60 days after the program's completion (but before the end of the 60-day grace period).

5. Get the recommendation of the DSO (Designated School Official)
   The institution's Designated School Official (DSO) must endorse the student’s I-20 for OPT, indicating that they are eligible, and update SEVIS accordingly.

6. File Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
   The student must submit Form I-765 and pay the associated USCIS fee. Once approved, USCIS issues an EAD card that shows the period during which the student may work.

OPT for UIC Students (What UIC Provides / What You Should Know)

From UIC’s published international student policies:

• UIC students who complete an Associate, Bachelor or Master's degree are eligible to receive a work permit (i.e., OPT) and a Social Security number.

• UIC will recommend OPT, provided the student meets UIC’s eligibility criteria (e.g. full-time enrollment for one year, maintaining F-1 status)

• For OPT full list of requirements, please contact the admissions office.

• UIC students must maintain performance and financial compliance to preserve eligibility for OPT or status extension.

For assistance with F-1 visa guidance, UIC’s admissions office can provide step-by-step support throughout the application and visa process. Please contact uicadmissions@uinternational.edu or via Whats App at +1 (786) 734-7750

For further information on the programs United International College offers, please contact the Admissions Department at uicadmissions@uinternational.edu.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

by Marcela Moyano

TPS Termination for Venezuelan Citizens and Options to Continue in the U.S. Through Education

by Marcela Moyano

My Forever Hero

Written by

Isaiah Derkevics

Dania Beach, Florida - When I was in ninth grade, my mom called me into her room and told me something that changed my life forever. She explained carefully that she had stage four cancer and that her time on earth was coming to an end. In that moment, I didn’t know how to feel. I was sad, overwhelmed, and it felt like I was lost. I sat there with her, listening to the details of the situation, trying to get a better understanding. As she went on, my mom began to cry, and that was the point when I felt true sadness. She told me that the doctors said she only had a few months left to live, and even through the pain she stayed strong for me, because that was who she was. We talked about what the future would bring and how this would affect me.

The main thing I remember was her encouraging me to keep my faith in God and not let this get in the way of my life, but instead to keep working hard toward my goals. Her relationship with God was the center of her life, and with that came a sense of peace, knowing where she would be in the end. After her passing, I came to a true realization of her character and how strong she was. To stay positive in a situation like hers was very moving. After our talk, she even made a TikTok account where she built up quite a following, sharing her journey with others as a way to give hope and show that no matter what situation you are in, you can always find the positives. Losing her was the hardest challenge I’ve faced, but even now her
message still guides me and helps me to continue to be strong. She taught me that faith, hard work, and positivity can carry me through anything.

For further information on the programs United International College offers, please contact the Admissions Department at uicadmissions@uinternational.edu.

by Anthony Monroy

My Inspiration

Written by
Dennyson Alves Gama

Dania Beach, Florida – My mother has been the single most influential person in my life. When I was just five years old, she made the courageous decision to leave my father after their divorce, choosing to raise my younger sister and me on her own. Despite the emotional and financial hardships that followed, she never allowed bitterness or despair to define her. Instead, she built a home filled with love, discipline, and unwavering expectations for integrity. From an early age, she instilled in me the values of honesty, resilience, and responsibility—teaching me that being a man wasn’t about strength alone, but about character, compassion, and the courage to stand by your word.

What always struck me most about my mother was her quiet bravery. She worked long hours, often juggling multiple jobs, yet never missed a school event or failed to ask about my day. She spoke honestly about life’s challenges but always paired those truths with hope. Her love wasn’t loud or showy—it was steady, like a lighthouse guiding us through storms. She taught me to treat others with respect, to own my mistakes, and to never let fear dictate my choices. Even when times were tight, she found ways to make us feel secure, reminding us that dignity and kindness cost nothing but mean everything.

Years later, when I decided to leave everything behind and move to the United States to chase a dream I could barely articulate, it was my mother who gave me the final push. While others questioned my decision, she listened, asked thoughtful questions, and then said simply, “If this is what your heart is calling you to do, then go. I’ll be here cheering you on.” Her belief in me never wavered, even when I doubted myself. She sold some of her jewelry to help pay for my flight, not out of obligation, but because she genuinely wanted me to have the opportunities she never did. That sacrifice, made with a smile and no expectation of return,taught me the true meaning of selfless love.

Because of her, I carry myself with purpose and integrity. Whenever I face setbacks in this new country—language barriers, cultural adjustments, or moments of loneliness—I hear her voice reminding me to keep going, to stay honest, and to never lose sight of who I am. She didn’t just raise me; she shaped the man I strive to be every day. My mother’s honesty, bravery, and boundless love continue to be my compass, and I honor her by living the values she so carefully planted in me from the very beginning.

For further information on the programs United International College offers, please contact the Admissions Department at uicadmissions@uinternational.edu.

by Marcela Moyano

Merging Artificial Intelligence and Business

Dania Beach, Florida – Nicolas Guzman, a sophomore majoring in Business Administration at United International College has been invited to speak at the upcoming Commit Your Code Conference on September 25th in Dallas, Texas. He came to the United States to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, and to continue his education leading to a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at United International College in Dania Beach, Florida. Fluent in English and Spanish, Nick loves South Florida, its diversity, and the different cultures and traditions.

In his native Colombia, Nicolas attended the Universidad de La Sabana and graduated in 2014 with his degree in Computer Engineering with a major in Software Engineering, Chia, Colombia. He is the recipient of several awards, among them for his Outstanding Thesis/Dissertation and Best Thesis Research and Dissertation about Quantified Self and Learning Analytics.

As a software engineer, Nick spends a lot of time, outside of his classes and family responsibilities, researching and publishing articles on artificial intelligence and cloud computing. At the conference, he will present a workshop on cloud technologies, drawing from both his technical experience and the broader perspective he is gaining through his business studies.

The conference brings together developers, engineers, business leaders, and enthusiasts who are passionate about advancing technology and innovation. His goal is not only to share insights about cloud, but also to highlight the importance of building a bridge between software engineering and business. 

“I believe that understanding both worlds allows us to create solutions that are technically sound while also aligned with market needs and organizational strategy,” said Nicolas Guzman. Nick added, “Speaking at this conference gives me the chance to contribute to that dialogue, connect with peers across disciplines, and encourage a more holistic approach to technology and business.”

“Nicolas Guzman is a hard-working individual who continually achieves work–life balance and is a role model for other students,” said Professor Jack J. Rose, who has had the pleasure of having Nick in three of his courses. “He is extremely knowledgeable, and I know he will be enthusiastically embraced at the conference. He is a walking encyclopedia on artificial intelligence and its importance in business today. 

Nick and his wife welcomed their son during the summer, and it wouldn’t surprise me if their son follows in his father’s footsteps. His enthusiasm and expertise on artificial intelligence in business are evident in his class discussions, term projects, and presentations,” Rose continued, and he is truly a motivational role model to all of our fantastic students and the entire team at United International College.”

After the conference, Nick will share his experiences with his peers and faculty at United International College.

For further information on the programs United International College offers, please contact the Admissions Department at uicadmissions@uinternational.edu.

by Marcela Moyano

Music as Art Decorates Time: Defining and Understanding Identity and Culture

Written by Dr. Marcela Moyano

The Founder, CEO, and Artistic Producer of Realm 26 Studio, Ignacio Palladino, together with Nico Gomez, Sound Engineer and Production Assistant, were the virtual guest speakers for the CMM 1000 Introduction to Mass Communications and Media Literacy course, taught by Dr. Marcela Moyano, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, via the Online Campus.

The course introduces students to the history and evolution of media industries and explores how, through technology, each medium has transformed into what we know today as media convergence. Students engage in discussions about the ethical implications of content production, the global impact of media, and the application of communication theories.

As part of this week’s focus on the evolution of the music industry, Palladino and Gomez were invited to share their experience as the creators of Realm 26 Music Lab—a boutique artist incubator in Fort Lauderdale that empowers musicians with state-of-the-art equipment.

One of the lab’s key features is recording live sessions and engaging with an online audience. The discussion highlighted how music studios today are not only about producing high-quality sound but also about incorporating video recording and editing to connect with followers in more dynamic ways.

Palladino reflected on his personal journey, shaped by growing up listening to his father play the piano. His father later became his greatest supporter in every musical project. In his 40s, Palladino decided to dedicate himself fully to his true passion—music—after a decade-long career in Silicon Valley as a software engineer.

“In the cryptocurrency world, I was trained to keep pushing, to try new things, to take risks, and to innovate with what they call ‘guardrails,’” Palladino shared. “After some years, I thought, now it’s my turn to innovate. I’m going to create a studio that is also a stage—because we not only want to capture the music being performed, but also the images of the music being performed.”

The speakers also addressed the growing presence of AI in music production. With tools such as Suno, users can create songs within minutes, and platforms like Spotify are increasingly filled with AI-generated music by non-musicians. Palladino and Gomez emphasized, however, that AI will never replace the human element of creativity. While AI is creating “noise” in digital platforms, they believe authentic musicians will continue to stand out.

They also shared words of encouragement: “People may celebrate your successes, but you might not feel they are true achievements. Conversely, you may feel deeply fulfilled by something others do not recognize. If, in your heart, an achievement feels meaningful, keep following that path—even if those around you don’t celebrate it—because that is your true path.”

United International College is grateful to Ignacio Palladino, Nico Gomez, and the entire Realm 26 team for joining the CMM 1000 Introduction to Mass Communications and Media Literacy course and for sharing their wisdom and passion for the music industry.

You can Subscribe to Realm 26 on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Realm26
Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/realm26studio/#

Learn more about UIC's Communications and Mass Media Program 

by Marcela Moyano