My Experience and Interactions with the Monterrey Institute of Technology Program in China
The following account reflects my personal experience while studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, China. It is based on my recollection of events, my direct observations, and information that was communicated to me by individuals involved at the time.
During my time as a student at Fudan University, I was asked by the university to serve as a translator during meetings involving representatives of the Monterrey Institute of Technology (Tecnológico de Monterrey) and Fudan University. At that time, the Monterrey Institute's China program was still developing and involved bringing Mexican students to China for language study and academic activities.
My understanding was that participating students received Chinese language instruction while also taking courses taught by faculty associated with the Monterrey Institute. Compared with other international programs operating at the university, the program was still in an early stage of development.
While studying at Fudan, I was also given responsibilities within the Spanish-speaking student community. I served as Director of the Spanish-Speaking Student Association and volunteered as a Spanish-language instructor. In addition, I participated as a translator in meetings involving university personnel and visiting representatives from Mexico.
Over time, I began receiving telephone calls from individuals associated with the Monterrey Institute program. During these conversations, I was encouraged to voluntarily withdraw from activities in which I was involved. On multiple occasions, I was also urged to leave China voluntarily.
In addition, I experienced conflicts with certain students affiliated with the program. I received threatening telephone calls, and there were incidents that I perceived as intimidation. On some occasions, I was involved in physical confrontations with students on university grounds. I recall hearing statements that I interpreted as threats, including comments suggesting that I would face danger if I returned to Mexico.
At the time, certain members of the Fudan University administration informed me that requests had been made regarding my participation in university activities. Because I had been involved with the university for an extended period, some faculty members spoke openly with me about concerns they had received from outside parties. One faculty member showed me emails that, according to her, had been sent by representatives connected to the Monterrey Institute program.
Although I cannot independently verify the motivations behind these communications, I was informed that efforts were being made to remove me from various university positions and activities, including my work as a Spanish instructor.
The situation had a significant impact on my life. I became increasingly concerned about my safety and avoided contact with certain individuals associated with the program. Over time, I lost several opportunities within the university community. I was removed from participation in the university newspaper, where I had contributed as a columnist, and I was asked to discontinue my Spanish-language teaching activities. Later, another instructor associated with the Monterrey Institute assumed teaching responsibilities in that area.
Looking back, I believe these events had a profound effect on my academic, professional, and personal life. While I cannot state with certainty the intentions of every individual involved, my perception was that sustained pressure was placed upon me that contributed to my exclusion from activities in which I had previously participated.
This account is offered as a record of my personal experience and perspective. Others involved may have different interpretations of the same events. My purpose is not to make factual findings regarding the motives of any institution or individual, but rather to document events as I experienced and understood them at the time.
The lasting impact of these events extends far beyond my time in China. One of the concerns that continues to affect me today is my fear of returning to Mexico. From my perspective, if I experienced intimidation, threats, and pressure while living in a foreign country thousands of miles away, it is difficult for me not to wonder what could happen if I were forced to return to my own country.
As a result, I continue to live with a question that has never been fully resolved in my mind: If such events occurred while I was in China, what might happen if I returned to Mexico? I cannot predict the future, nor can I know with certainty what would happen if I returned. However, the experiences I lived through have left me with a genuine fear and an unresolved concern about my personal safety. The question that continues to linger in my thoughts is simple but profound: Was the warning I received merely intimidation, or does real danger await me in Mexico?
