Dr. Blanca Ruth Orantes is Director for International Relations and a scientific researcher at the Technological University of El Salvador (UTEC). She holds a PhD in Research and Innovation in Higher Education from Universidad de Granada, Spain, a master’s degree in Higher Education from Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Universidad de El Salvador. She has coordinated and led more than 30 research and international projects, including on Fostering Research-based Entrepreneurship, the development of spin-off companies in Central America, and Development in Intercultural Competence in Higher Education Institutions.  

IVLP Impact Award Project: Personal Self-Help Courses in the Mental Health Program

This project taught crisis management skills and emotional conflict management to university faculty, students, and the Salvadoran population. The lessons were developed by the Technological University of El Salvador (UTEC) School of Psychology professors and covered anxiety, depression and stress management, in addition to resilience and grief management. A total of 180 undergraduate students participated in the courses on mental health and 10 members of the UTEC Psychology Department assisted with the project. It is reported that students connected most with the courses focusing on anxiety and depression.  

"The self-help course for me has been very satisfying, I have been able to review more about these 5 topics that are vital for the Psychology degree." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience

Dr. Blanca Ruth Orantes participated in the IVLP Project Higher Education Partnerships and Jobs for the Future, organized by the U.S. Department of State and American Councils for International Education in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts, Inc., International Focus, Inc., GlobalAustin, Citizen Diplomacy Alliance, and Global Ties Sacramento.

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Tucson, AZ; Sacramento, CA; Washington, DC; Springfield, MA; Raleigh, NC; Austin, TX

"IVLP is a wonderful experience and learning opportunity in a globalizing world." - Dr. Blanca Ruth Orantes

Country: El Salvador

Click here to go back to the IVLP Impact Awards Main Page