The Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (MALACS) alumni community reflects the impact of our program. Our graduates go on to build meaningful careers in government, international development, nonprofit leadership, education, research, and the private sector—applying regional expertise and interdisciplinary training to address real-world challenges across the Americas and beyond.
Master of Arts in Latin American & Caribbean Studies (MALACS)
Areas of Interest:
U.S.–Latin America relations, political behavior, democracy, and political participation.
I was born and raised in Colombia and earned my bachelor's degree in international relations in Mexico. At Florida International University, I completed a master’s degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies and I'm currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science. My research focuses on U.S. foreign policy decision making toward Latin America, with particular attention to security, democracy promotion, and regional relations. I also examine political behavior and democratic governance in the region, including how institutions, economic conditions, and information environments shape political attitudes and participation. Alongside my research, I teach undergraduate Writing and Rhetoric, where I emphasize persuasion, critical reading, and information literacy.
Master of Arts in Latin American & Caribbean Studies (MALACS)
Ximena Valdivia serves as a Cataloging and Metadata Librarian at Florida International University (FIU). She holds a BS in Library Science from the Metropolitan University of Technology in Santiago, Chile, a Master of Arts in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida and a MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from FIU. In her current role at FIU, Ximena is responsible for creating metadata to enhance discovery of digital content, and providing authority control for rare and unique library materials, focusing on Special Collections.
What was unique about the MALACS Program?
The FIU MALACS program was unique because it combined strong knowledge of Latin American and Caribbean history and culture with practical, real-world experience rooted in Miami’s communities. The program stood out for foundational courses, but especially for its study abroad opportunities. I participated in the Argentina program, an unforgettable experience that combined classes, study groups, and living with local families. This immersion gave me firsthand understanding of the culture and history of one of the region’s most influential countries.
