Inside a Border Economy Experience

Explora Juárez brought together students from UTEP, UACJ, and UACH for a two-day academic and industry immersion in Ciudad Juárez. Held September 19 - 20, the program focused on how business, policy, and culture function across the border. 

Purpose of the Program 
The goal was direct: Provide students regional awareness that can’t be learned in a classroom. Through site visits and discussions with industry and academic leaders, students gained exposure to: 

• Cross-border trade and manufacturing 

• Regional economic history and policy 

• Professional networking across institutions and countries 

What Leaders Emphasized 
Organizers reinforced the long-term value of this experience: 

• Arturo Barrio (UTEP): Building binational networks early is essential for future leaders. 

• Dr. Jesús Meza Vega (UACJ): Understanding regional history, markets, and policy is part of professional training. 

Program Highlights 
Students took part in: 

• Tours of maquiladora facilities 

• Visits to key cultural and historic sites in Ciudad Juárez 

• Expert sessions on border industry, governance, and innovation 

• Peer exchanges designed to establish cross-university and cross-country connections 

Why It Matters 
For students in a border region, this Explora Juarez was hands-on professional preparation. The experience emphasized that leadership requires understanding how two economies, two countries, and different approaches to business operate side-by-side.