Student Experience: Gilberto Tellez

“I got a lot of knowledge from Richland’s International Business and Trade program. I was taking some other courses, but once I took a course in International Business, I knew that it was what I wanted to do. I have a lot of places to go, people to meet, money to make. I’m working as a restaurant manager right now, but I want to get more experience in international business. I’d like to own my own company someday. 

“I want to do something where I can travel and not be stuck in an office doing the same thing every day. When I first got to the U.S. — my family came here from Monterey, Mexico — the first two years were the most difficult. People just act differently here than they do in Mexico and understanding those cultural differences will help me in the future in my career. I think it’s important to speak Spanish in Texas, there’s such a huge Spanish-speaking population here. It can really give you an edge in business.

“I want to get a bachelor’s degree. The best and most important thing is the knowledge I learned in Richland’s program. I’ve learned things that I know I will use someday in my career. I’ve learned a lot of things that I’ll be able to put into practice.” 

Gilberto Tellez earned an associate degree in International Business and Trade from Richland. He is bilingual in Spanish and English.


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Isaac Juarez

Isaac Juarez

Ascender student
“Ascender has helped me come out of my shell, be more active on campus, and step outside my comfort zone. It has also allowed me to build meaningful connections and find inspiration. Through this journey, I have come to see my friends as my family.”
Business
Icela Robles

Icela Robles

Realtor Sandyland Estates Home Builders
“In the classes, I learned basically everything I needed to know to work in the real estate business: ethics, laws, guidelines, about the Texas Real Estate Commission — really, all that the business entails — through the Real Estate program.”
Real Estate
Gina Becerra

Gina Becerra

Program Services Assistant Workforce Training
“I was nervous when I first started, but I soon felt comfortable and more confident in myself thanks to the instructors and staff in the BOSS program. They inspired me to try harder and to believe in myself. I feel prepared and ready for what comes my way, and I also know that there are people out there who truly care about me and others like me who want to get ahead in life.”
Business
Gary Jackson

Gary Jackson

Owner, GJAC Exports Independent Missionary, Fire and Life International Ministries
“I looked at both two-year and four-year colleges, and this was the only one that had a true international business program. Other schools had a business degree with a foreign language component, but that wasn’t really what I wanted.”
International Business and Trade
Gilberto Tellez
Gilberto Tellez
Manager Fernando’s Mexican Cuisine

International Business and Trade
School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade
Updated September 4, 2026