Dr. Blanca Ruth Orantes holds a PhD in Research and Innovation in Higher Education from Universidad de Granada, Spain, a master’s degree in Higher Education from Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Universidad de El Salvador. She has led and coordinated more than 30 research projects and international projects such as Fostering Research-based Entrepreneurship and the development of spin-off companies in Central America and Development in Intercultural Competence in Higher Education Institutions. Currently, Dr. Orantes is Director for International Relations and a scientific researcher at UTEC. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Personal Self-Help Courses in the Mental Health Program

This project aimed to improve mental health by teaching crisis management skills and emotional conflict management to university faculty, students and the Salvadoran population. The lessons were developed by the Technological University of El Salvador (UTEC) School of Psychology professors and covered anxiety, depression and stress management in addition to resilience and grief management through a series of online asynchronous courses.  

180 undergraduate students participated in the courses on mental health and 10 members of the UTEC Psychology Department assisted with the project. It is reported that students connected most with the courses focusing on anxiety and depression.  

Project poster announcing the program.

Authorities from the Embassy of the United States in El Salvador were invited to the launch ceremony of the Personal Self-Help Courses project in the Mental Health Program.

"The self-help course for me has been very satisfying, I have been able to review more about these 5 topics that are vital for the Psychology degree." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience

Dr. Blanca Ruth Orantes was a participant in the IVLP Project Higher Education Partnerships and Jobs for the Future, organized by the U.S. Department of State and American Councils for International Education.

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Tucson, AZ; Sacramento, CA; Washington, DC; Springfield, MA; Raleigh, NC; Austin, TX

"IVLP is a wonderful experience and learning opportunity in a globalizing world." - Dr. Blanca Ruth Orantes

Country: El Salvador

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