Tell us a little bit about your decision to come to Avila.
When I decided to pursue my MBA in the U.S., I knew it would be a way to level up my career and education. It was a big decision, but I wanted to challenge myself and open doors to new opportunities. However, I didn’t realize that my bachelor’s degree from Brazil wouldn’t be fully recognized here and would be classified as an “associate degree.” I sent my transcripts, recommendation letters, and other application materials to several schools, but Avila stood out because they took the time to thoroughly review my case. It was a long five months filled with a lot of communication and back-and-forth exchanges to reach a final decision.
Avila not only took the time to evaluate my credentials but also guided me through the process, advising me on how many additional credits I’d need to complete in a bachelor’s program and how long it would take. That level of attention, and personalized support made me feel like Avila was truly willing to support me in achieving my academic goals. Today, I have my second diploma, I’ve received a full-time job offer in the same industry I’ve worked in for the last 10 years under my OPT program, and I’m willing to pursue my MBA degree as it has been my goal since the beginning.
What have you learned here so far?
So far, my time at Avila has taught me a lot in different areas.
In terms of education, one thing I never thought I’d do again was Algebra! It’s been over 12 years since I last studied it, and it felt scary to revisit something I thought I’d never need again. But I got through it and got an A! The course that helped me the most, though, was Composition. It made a huge difference in improving my English for both academic and professional purposes. I feel much more confident writing now, and I know that skill will stay with me.
I also learned a lot about myself in regards to relationships through my time at Avila. I’ve realized how good I am at adapting to different environments. My background has taught me that. I graduated at 20, moved to Italy two years later to finish my citizenship process and get my passport, and after a few months, I moved to Spain. I took a Spanish course, got a job offer, and stayed there for almost seven years. When my mom had health issues, I moved back to Brazil to help her, and during that time, I decided to apply to schools in the U.S. to pursue my MBA.
Coming to the U.S. has been one of the hardest transitions in my life. I left behind my career, my diploma, and 10 years of experience to become a full-time student again. It felt like taking a step back—being in a bachelor’s program and not being able to work because of my visa. It’s been tough, and there were moments I felt stuck and hopeless. But this experience showed me how strong I really am. I’ve also learned how important it is to create relationships with the right people. A few people at Avila supported me in ways I’ll never forget, and thanks to them, I was able to navigate through the hard times and graduate. Their help reminded me that even in tough times, there’s always a way forward if you have the right support.
I’ve realized living here in the U.S. is harder than I thought. For international students, the process is so complicated, long, and full of rules. If you’re not 100% sure about your goals, it can feel impossible to get through it. But once you do, things really do start to get better, and it’s worth it in the end. You just have to stay determined and have a little bit of luck.
This whole experience has been tough, but it’s also been rewarding. I’ve grown a lot, learned so much about myself, and embraced the process of becoming a successful full-time student.
What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome those?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning specific courses, like History and Philosophy, in another language! It was tough at first, but I pushed myself to study extra and ask for help when I needed it. Managing my time was another challenge; balancing classes with a big load of assignments and short deadlines was overwhelming, but I learned to stay organized and focused.
I also struggled with cultural differences in communication, like speaking up in class or working on group projects. It felt unfamiliar, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and adapted over time. Another challenge was making connections at school. I made very few friends because of the big age difference; I couldn’t really relate to most of my classmates, and as an early-enrolled international student, was often the only international student in each course I took. Thankfully, I had some friends already in the U.S., including in Kansas City, and their support helped me get this far.
What piece of advice would you give another student wanting to journey to the United States and to Avila?
My biggest piece of advice to any student wanting to come to the U.S. and to Avila is to do your research thoroughly before making the move. Look into everything—from the visa process to how schools are managed, their rules, principles, the number of credits you’ll need, and any specific requirements. Understanding these details will help you avoid surprises and prepare you for what’s ahead.
Be prepared for challenges and stay determined. The process can feel overwhelming, especially as an international student with all the paperwork, adjustments, and cultural differences. But don’t give up—it’s worth it in the end!
Take time to build relationships. Whether it’s with professors, staff, or classmates, having a support system is so important. I didn’t connect with many classmates because of the age difference and being the only international student in most of my classes, but the staff and a few key people at Avila were incredibly helpful, and that made all the difference for me. Also, plan ahead and stay organized. Balancing classes, assignments, and everything else can feel like a lot, but with good time management, it’s manageable. And if you have friends or family nearby, lean on them when things get tough—their support can make a big difference.
It’s a tough journey, but if you do your research, stay focused, push through the hard moments, and take advantage of the resources available, you’ll come out with experiences you’ll always value. As I always say, education is something that no one can ever take away from you.
Jade Alfieri Sobral is an Avila Alum, now working at Sobel Network Shipping, as a Nationwide Sales Manager. Jade began her employment in June 2024 under the CPT program as a part time sales representative, and upon graduation was accepted into the OPT program and earned a promotion!
Jade was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and speaks 3 languages: Portuguese, Spanish and English. She has lived in Europe, Spain and Italy, for 6 years. She has 2 Bachelor’s degrees and has traveled to 18 countries, (and counting!) and loves the beach!