Federico Balbi earned three degrees from UTSA.
(Sept. 27, 2017) -- Meet Federico Balbi ’00, ’03, ’07. This three-time UTSA alumnus has developed a free website that allows people to learn new languages.
Born and raised in Venice, Italy, Balbi grew up wanting to travel abroad, immerse himself in diverse cultures and obtain an advanced education. His parents never had the opportunity to finish school. They encouraged him to work hard and get the education they couldn’t so he could do more with his life.
As a teenager, Balbi enjoyed computer science and took took tech courses throughout high school. After completing high school in Italy, he became a systems administrator at the University of Padua in Italy. While he cherished his hometown, he knew that if he stayed there working full-time, he would never have time to get a degree.
Using his savings, he began his journey alone and came to the U.S. in 1996, eventually finding his way to UTSA.
“At that time, it was exciting because everything was new,” said Balbi. “It took me about three months to familiarize myself with the southern accents.”
While attending UTSA as an undergraduate, Balbi worked in the library and even received an internship through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) program. He was introduced to opportunities to collaborate with a variety of research facilities.
“I had so much fun and was actually coding for the National Library of Medicine using a programming language developed and enhanced at the UTSA Department of Computer Science,” he said.
The Roadrunner earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2000.
He loved the academics at UTSA so much, he dug even deeper and, in 2003, earned his master’s degree in computer science while working full-time.
“Graduate school was very rewarding because I really got to do the things I like such as independent studies and my own research,” he said. “I also enjoyed having many international friends.”
Using the knowledge he gained from his professors, Balbi decided to apply to the Management of Technology (MOT) master’s program and later earned his third degree from UTSA, a launching pad to his own company.
“This program was great because it was geared toward managing technological innovation and technology entrepreneurship,” said Balbi. “It was a combination of business and engineering, which plays a huge role in how I manage my business today.”
Balbi and two other friends from Venice developed Conversation Exchange, a free website for people who are interested in learning foreign languages.
“Conversation Exchange is a tool for cultural exchange,” he said. “We match people so they can write, chat online or actually meet face to face to practice and learn. It’s a hub where people help each other and get the opportunity to practice new languages and approach new cultures in a fun way. Because of my experiences, I speak Italian, English and Spanish.”
So far, Conversation Exchange features users from 180 countries, speaking 140 different languages.
Balbi said all three of his UTSA degrees have shaped his career goals and opportunities. He said his computer science degrees helped him succeed in software development while his management of technology degree gave him a better understanding of high-tech startups and entrepreneurship.
“UTSA taught me discipline,” said Balbi. “I focused on team building, high performance and quality computing, with access to huge computers and great instruments. I would love to eventually come back to UTSA and go for my fourth degree.”
Do you know a Roadrunner who is achieving great things? Email us at social@utsa.edu so that we may consider your suggestion for our next installment of Meet a Roadrunner.
Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Why just leap when you can dash? The Alumni Association’s 36th annual Diploma Dash 5K and City Championship is a great opportunity to run or walk for a great cause: scholarships for UTSA students.
Main CampusStudents are encouraged to attend to obtain important information about Spring Commencement and life after UTSA. Graduating students can order their cap and gown and other items, win prizes and capture lasting memories with fellow Roadrunners at a selfie station. Participants should take a UTSA student ID for entry.
H-E-B Student Union, Ballrooms (HSU 1.104/1.106), Main CampusUTSA’s first Wellbeing Fair is a part of the President’s Initiative of Enriching Campus Wellbeing. UTSA is committed to the well-being of each member of the campus community and recognizes that numerous factors contribute to overall wellness: physical and mental health, diet and nutrition, physical activity, stress management and self-care, social behaviors and more. The fair will give students, faculty and staff an opportunity to participate in well-being activities, obtain well-being information and learn about available services. Participants will become more competent in making healthy decisions to take a more proactive approach in their own well-being.
Paseo Principal, Student Union, Main CampusStudents are encouraged to attend to obtain important information about Spring Commencement and life after UTSA. Graduating students can order their cap and gown and other items, win prizes and capture lasting memories with fellow Roadrunners at a selfie station. Participants should take a UTSA student ID for entry.
Durango Building, El Mercado Room (DB 1.208), Downtown CampusUniversity Technology Solutions hosts this survey, which will invite students to provide feedback on their experiences with technology and how it influences academic life on campus.
Student Union, Anaqua Room (SU 2.03.08), Main CampusUniversity Technology Solutions hosts this survey, which will invite students to provide feedback on their experiences with technology and how it influences academic life on campus.
Student Union, Anaqua Room (SU 2.03.08), Main CampusThe classic comic opera by Mozart is a continuation of the storyline from The Barber of Seville. Figaro and Susana, two servants in the house of Count Almaviva plan to marry, despite the efforts of those they have spurned and rebuffed.
Buena Vista Theatre, Downtown CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
