Skip to Main content

Anthony Sanchez: South American Adventure

August 29, 2007

While most ASU students were attending 2007 spring classes in familiar campus surroundings, senior Anthony Sanchez was half a world away gaining valuable experience at the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru.

As an intern with the Foreign Commercial Service (FCS), Sanchez assisted with trade development and promotion activities, including international partner searches and trade missions, shows and events. He also conducted market research and addressed inquiries from U.S. companies on doing business in Peru and from Peruvian companies seeking American products and services.

“Meeting such an impressive and diverse group of people enhanced my understanding of the professional world,” Sanchez said. “It was from this same group that I developed both working and personal relationships that made my stay at the embassy highly worthwhile.”

An international business/accounting major, Sanchez learned of the internship opportunity at a seminar organized by Dr. Sharynn Tomlin, ASU director of international education. But, it was a pending family trip to Peru to visit relatives that really opened the door of opportunity for him.

“I emailed Dr. Tomlin explaining my visit to Lima and my idea for an interview,” Sanchez said. “Without hesitation she contacted the FCS office and within 20 minutes I was connected to them through email. Everything began falling into place and just two days after talking to the FCS office in Lima, I had set up an interview.”

After acing his interviews, Sanchez was awarded the internship and spent four months working at the embassy alongside college interns from South Carolina, Michigan, Toronto and the University of Chicago School of Law. His key accomplishments included writing three International Market Research Reports that were published in BuyUSA and the 2007 “Peruvian Oil and Gas Report” for The American Oil and Gas Reporter magazine. He also helped remove a trade barrier between a U.S. company and a Peruvian company by utilizing government contacts and embassy personnel.

At ASU, Sanchez is a member of the international business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi and is an instructor for the ASU Salsa Club. He is slated to graduate in December 2007 and plans to spend a month backpacking through Europe before looking for a job.

“The Foreign Service is a sector that has definitely captured my attention after my internship in Lima,” Sanchez said. “The overall experience was unforgettable.”