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Nicole Delgado
Delgado, a senior majoring in management and marketing, was one of the recipients of a CIBER study abroad scholarship, which supports students in pursuing global learning experiences. For Delgado, who moved from Venezuela to Miami nearly a decade ago, the opportunity to study abroad was a lifelong dream.
"I moved here almost nine years ago, and FIU felt like the perfect fit because of its diversity and strong business programs," said Delgado. "As an international student, I wanted to connect with people from different backgrounds, and FIU offered that."
Delgado's study abroad program, "Business Marketing at Sea," was anything but typical. Alongside 30 other FIU students, she spent two weeks taking classes aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, visiting Bermuda, Portugal, Spain and England.
"It was a regular cruise that anyone could book, but we had conference rooms for our classes during sea days," said Delgado. "When we docked, we'd go on cultural and business visits. It was an eye-opening experience for me."
The highlight of the trip was a behind-the-scenes tour of Bacardi's headquarters in Bermuda, where Delgado and her classmates learned about the company's branding, marketing and hospitality initiatives. The visit underscored the longstanding partnership between Bacardi and FIU, which has provided opportunities for students across business and hospitality disciplines.
Nicole O'leary and Nicole Delgado in Baiona, Spain."We got to see how Bacardi operates from the inside," said Delgado. "It was inspiring to see how they work and learn about the career paths available, especially as someone interested in marketing and hospitality."
On board the ship, students also received a rare look at the inner workings of Royal Caribbean, touring areas typically off-limits to passengers, from the ship's kitchen and laundry facilities to the captain's bridge. Industry professionals held panels onboard the ship to give students even more insight into global business operations.
For Delgado, the CIBER scholarship was critical in making the experience possible. She applied for the award, not only to support her own education, but also to ease the financial burden for her family, who have worked hard to support her academic journey.
"My dad travels back and forth between Miami and Venezuela for work, and it was important to me to help my parents with the costs," said Delgado. "The money helped me cover expenses like flights and transportation that weren't included in the program and it meant a lot to me to be able to give back to my parents in this way."
Beyond academics, Delgado says the friendships she formed and the connections with faculty were among the most memorable aspects of the trip.
"I went into this program not knowing anyone, and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone," she said. "I made great friends, and the professors were so understanding. It's an experience I'll cherish for the rest of my life."
2025 Business Marketing at Sea participants at a stop in Sete Cidades, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.Now, as she prepares to graduate in the fall, Delgado is already applying what she's learned in her role as a marketing assistant at X-1FBO, a software company serving the private aviation industry. She hopes her international experience will open doors to future opportunities in global business and hospitality.
Reflecting on her journey, Delgado encourages other students to seek out similar opportunities.
"Studying abroad changed my perspective," she said. "It's something I wouldn't have done without FIU and the CIBER scholarship. I'm grateful for the chance to grow, learn and give back to my family and community."
