‘I Love Russia, I Have a Russian Soul’
The President and founder of CCLAR (LATAM Chamber of Commerce in Russia), Domingo Garcia of Mexico, completed his master's programme in International Management at HSE University this year. However, he is not planning to return to his homeland; instead, he wants to live in Moscow, develop his organisation, attract new partners, and start a family with his Russian girlfriend. In an interview with the HSE News Service, he explained his decision to move to Russia and enrol at HSE University.
How I chose Russia and HSE University
Before moving to Russia, I had visited the country three times as a tourist. Each time I fell more and more in love with this country. I was captivated by its culture and history, as well as its traditional values that align with mine. In Western countries, such traditional values are losing significance in society. These factors, along with the pursuit of a master's degree for my professional career, motivated me to make this decision.
I researched online the best master's programmes in Russia for international students, and HSE's programmes stood out, so I decided to study here. I enjoyed my programme and had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Now I have friends from Syria, Peru, and, of course, Russia. Overall, the learning process was not very difficult, but the most challenging part of the programme was completing the diploma project.
The language barrier was quite strong, even though my programme was taught in English. In Mexico, I had studied Russian online for three years, and this helped me a lot both at the university and in Russia in general. My language level significantly improved when I moved and started speaking Russian every day.
About the LATAM Chamber of Commerce in Russia
The LATAM Chamber of Commerce in Russia (CCLAR) is an independent non-profit organisation that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Latin American countries and the Russian Federation. I came up with the idea to create this organisation due to the current global situation. Some countries have chosen not to trade with Russia, while other countries, such as those in Latin American, have opened their doors to Russia and are now considered friendly countries. Moreover, in Russia, there is no chamber of commerce for any Latin American country, yet there is a need for such organisations. The task of CCLAR is to facilitate commercial exchange between Latin American countries and Russia, promoting the export and import of goods and services. We also help strengthen commercial and diplomatic relations, fostering cooperation in various fields.
Plans for the future
My future is here in Russia. I am going to marry a wonderful Russian girl and continue to develop the LATAM Chamber of Commerce, attracting new partners. I want to obtain Russian citizenship because I love this country and have a Russian soul.