Fulbright Scholar, Francisco Suazo from Nicaragua, Pursues a Master’s in Management of Technology at New York University (NYU), USA

Hello, my name is Francisco Suazo, and I am from Nicaragua. I studied Industrial Engineering and worked for three years in the financial services sector before being selected to pursue a Master’s in Management of Technology at New York University through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Industrial Engineering gave me a strong foundation in improving processes and systems, and toward the end of my undergraduate studies, I became increasingly interested in the financial services sector, especially its role in advancing financial inclusion through digital technologies. This is what inspired me to pursue a STEM graduate program at the intersection of business strategy and technological innovation.

The Management of Technology, M.S. from the Department of Technology Management and Innovation at NYU Tandon School of Engineering was exactly what I was looking for, a program rooted in innovation, strategy, and technology, in the heart of one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the world, New York, an experience that allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I received the Fulbright Foreign Student Program scholarship, a fully funded award covering airfare, tuition, a monthly stipend, and additional allowances throughout my academic program (2023–2025).

The program is administered by binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations and U.S. Embassies. Established in 1946 by Senator J. William Fulbright, the program aims to promote mutual understanding and strengthen peaceful relations between the people of the United States and countries around the world.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

In addition to Fulbright, I received a generous Tuition Award from New York University – Tandon School of Engineering as part of my graduate admission offer.

Educational Background

I graduated as the Valedictorian of my high school while actively participating in academic competitions, where I earned distinctions such as best student of my city, my region, and third-best student nationwide, awarded by Nicaragua’s Ministry of Education (MINED).

I later received a full academic scholarship to study Industrial Engineering at Universidad Centroamericana (UCA), where I graduated with honors. My academic preparation, combined with my professional experience and volunteer work, helped me build the skills and experiences that later strengthened my Fulbright application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to New York University?

I first learned about Fulbright through alumni, and their experiences motivated me to research the program deeply about its mission, selection criteria, and long-term impact. Speaking with previous recipients helped me understand how to align my goals and prepare my application.

When I became a Fulbright finalist, I received multiple university admissions offers, but selected the institution that best aligned with my academic and professional goals.

I took both the TOEFL and the GRE. To prepare, I relied on the official preparation materials provided for each test and supplemented them with free online resources. I studied consistently, at least a couple of minutes every day, and focused on understanding the reasoning behind each type of question. Starting several months in advance was actually very helpful.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Fulbright Scholarship?

 I began by clearly defining my personal and professional goals and understanding how the scholarship could serve as a bridge to achieve them. From there, I created a structured plan with deadlines for each step of the process, like writing essays, gathering documents, studying for tests, and requesting recommendation letters. Treating the application like a project helped me stay organized and manage my time effectively.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again? 

If I were to go through the process again, I would reach out to more alumni early in the process and begin studying for the standardized tests with more time in advance.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Take time for self-reflection to clearly understand your goals and make sure they align with the purpose of the scholarship. Reach out to alumni and don’t let impostor syndrome discourage you. With preparation and consistency, the process becomes very manageable.