Israeli Ambassador plans to expand partnerships with the Tec

Israel’s Ambassador to Mexico, Zvi Tal, has visited Tec de Monterrey as part of his efforts to strengthen the partnerships between the Middle Eastern country and this educational institution.

“It’s part of our work at the embassy in Mexico to strengthen relations with Nuevo León, Monterrey, making education a key factor in these efforts. 

“There is a special interest in Tec de Monterrey because of the importance of this institution and how it collaborates with Israeli universities and it’s refreshing to hear about and find ways to improve this,” the Ambassador said.

Also participating in the visit were directors of the institution such as David Garza, executive president of the Tec, and Juan Pablo Murra, rector of undergraduate studies, as well as Miguel Schwarz, honorary consul of Israel in Monterrey, among others.

Strengthening partnerships between the Tec and Israel

Ambassador Zvi Tal held a meeting with directors of the Tec in which they went over some of their projects and initiatives, highlighting the cooperation between the Tec and 19 Israeli universities.

This included student exchange partnerships between Israel and the Tec and research agreements with Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, and Hadassah University Medical Center.

“It’s inspiring to see new technology being applied here, but also to see the impact on the quality of teaching and student feedback. 

“I’m a great believer in the idea that global challenges and development lie in the quality of education,” said the Ambassador.

Tal highlighted that in recent years, Israel has had a better understanding of student mobility and collaboration, which it has developed further, mainly with European universities.

“I think the mindset of Israel has evolved in recent years. I’ve seen the results that these programs have had. I think it’s now the right time for us to get closer,” said Zvi Tal.

The Ambassador learned about the Tec 21 Model

The Tec’s directors introduced some of the institution’s educational projects such as the Tec21 Model to the Israeli ambassador.

This educational model is based on four pillars: flexibility in how and when to learn; inspiring teachers; a memorable college experience; and challenge-based learning.

The last one includes collaboration between professors from different areas of study, governments, companies, and civil associations, among others, in the design of real challenges through which students learn and gain experience.

The Ambassador expressed a positive opinion of the Tec21 Model because it gives students an advantage to tackle changes in the world.

“It’s very inspiring. It’s about how to prepare students for technology or jobs and new opportunities that don’t exist yet.

“What you do is very impressive. It’s definitely an integration between the academic world, research, and industry,” said the Ambassador.

“I’m a great believer in the idea that global challenges and development lie in the quality of education.” - Zvi Tal, Israel’s ambassador to Mexico

David Garza invited the ambassador to increase opportunities for bilateral participation, not only with institutional projects and initiatives but also with educational activities based on the Tec21 Model and its challenge-based learning.

“There are activities that we offer right now as a university, such as the Tec21 Model. It’s a great opportunity to work with the embassy and the organizations, companies, and communities that they are partnered with.

“Research can be transformed into entrepreneurship which can create opportunities for economic development. We’ll be very happy to continue with the collaboration,” said Garza.

The Ambassador pointed out the use of technology and social impact initiatives

During the visit, the Israeli Ambassador learned about some of the educational innovations and the use of technology in initiatives for the integrated development of students.

Some of the initiatives he learned about included the use of virtual reality headsets, holographic projections for distance learning, the educational Metaverse, Blockchain, and artificial intelligence. 

One of the social impact initiatives that caught his attention was Leaders of Tomorrow, a Tec de Monterrey program that offers 100% scholarships so that outstanding young leaders without access to education can study at the Tec.

“What I saw and realized is that a campus is not an island, it needs to connect with its surroundings, including young people who may not have access to education for socioeconomic reasons.

“The role that Tec de Monterrey plays in this regard is very important and so is its focus on leadership,” said Zvi Tal.

“The role of Tec de Monterrey (...) is very important and so is its focus on leadership.” - Zvi Tal, Israeli ambassador to Mexico

During his tour of the Monterrey campus, the Ambassador also learned about the DistritoTec urban development initiative, which aims for socioeconomic growth in the neighborhoods surrounding the campus. 

“When you see the remarkable people, the graduates, and everything they have done in terms of social impact such as creating NGOs, businesses, and companies, it’s proof that this institution is on the right path.

“Look at me as a partner that connects the dots at an institutional and academic level. I believe that only by joining forces can we make an impact,” concluded Zvi Tal.

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