One of us: Assistant Professor from Mexico Jesus Alberto Cazares Montes

June 1, 2022

Mexico is a country located almost ten thousand kilometers away from Latvia. It has a completely different culture that might be foreign for many. Jesus Alberto Cazares Montes, or how colleagues and students call him – Jesus Montes, is a citizen of Mexico who has come this long way to not only teach, but also to get to know our country. When you first meet Jesus Montes he seems like a quiet and shy person, but by the time the conversation begins, the room is filled with warmth. Interesting facts about Jesus Montes are that he earned his doctorate in physics from the “Center of Research and Advanced Studies at National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV–IPN)” in Mexico and he has taught various courses at six universities in both Mexico and Croatia. Since 2019, Jesus Montes has joined the academic staff of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and teaches mathematics and physics study courses in the English-language bachelor's study programme “Computer Science”. While reading this interview you will learn more about how Jesus Montes journey to VUAS and how he fell in love with Latvia, its culture and traditions.


Tell us about yourself and about your life in your home country and how it is different/similar to the one here in Latvia, Ventspils? 


I was born in a small town not so far from Guadalajara, Mexico called Cajititlan (actually, the hospital was in Guadalajara, which is one of the largest cities in Mexico). Because of my father’s job, we lived in different cities in Mexico. 


I would say that I am an open, optimistic person that loves coffee, music and culture in general.


I used to live in Guadalajara and Mexico City and they are very dynamic, crowded and noisy cities, but, on the other hand, they offer a wide range of possibilities and activities. This is something that I miss a little bit: the cultural activities.


Tell us please about your education and work experience before Ventspils.


I got the Bs.Sc. in physics in Zacatecas University, the Ms.Sc. and the Ph.D. in physics in the Center of Research and Advanced Studies which is the 2nd best research center in Latin America and has the 109 position in the world and is located in Mexico City. I have worked in different universities in Mexico including the National Polytechnic Institute. I did a postdoctoral stay at Ruđer Bošković Institute, in Zagreb, Croatia and after that, I worked as a mathematics professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, Croatia. 


How did you get to Latvia? To VUAS?


Here I will share the whole story of how I got from Mexico to Croatia and then to Latvia.


Once I got the Ph.D. in Mexico City, first I went to Croatia as a visiting researcher and then I joined as a mathematics professor at Rochester Institute of Technology in Croatia for three years. When I was teaching in Zagreb, my students often said to me “Professor, why are you here with us? I mean, you are very talented, you are very passionate, you know a lot of things, but many of us believe that you are wasting your time in this place with foolish students that are only interested in passing the course, but not to learn?” Honestly, I did not pay much attention to their comments.


However, that place was interested in acquiring university status, but according to Croatian law if a professor has a diploma in a specific science then they are qualified to teach only that science. As I am a physicist, I was able to teach physics, but not mathematics (the subject that I was teaching at that time).


I took into consideration the comments of my students and I decided to challenge myself by looking for a university where I could teach engineering again. I searched for different positions, I applied and I got a positive answer from our university. I came to Ventspils and we signed the contract. After that, in less than 3 days, I got several more positive answers from universities in different countries - including a one in Croatia!


However, VUAS was the first one. Since I did not like hot weather - Latvia could offer me the perfect weather! So, I chose Ventspils.


Now, looking back at this experience - I am really glad that the events happened the way they did. I think that I was really lucky to get the opportunity to join VUAS as a professor and I am very happy to be part of the VUAS community.

 

How do you see your future here at VUAS? And how do you see VUAS in 3-5 years' future?


I am really lucky to be part of the VUAS community, not only because I am in the faculty of IT, but also because I recently joined VIRAC. This full affiliation will allow me to grow not only as a professor but also as a researcher. Additionally, I am learning the Latvian language, that way I can be of a greater use to the university.


Currently, VUAS is taking part in different projects, both nationally and internationally. This means a bigger projection of our university can also imply growth of the university in a not so far future.


Additionally, I was elected as Assistant Professor two months ago. Do I need more reasons to be proud to belong to the VUAS community?


How would you characterize the student auditorium in VUAS? What techniques work best in the study process? Can you give some advice to students?


Unfortunately, I have not worked exactly with a Latvian auditorium because I am working with international students. This is really an awesome experience because I am learning different approaches and methods from them.


Mathematics is a logical and structured science but it is necessary to work with it, to study a lot to get a full understanding. I have seen that some students can learn things at a first glance and they can remember everything, but I have also seen students that need to work a lot and solve many exercises before they learn the subject. I mean, each one of us needs a different learning process, thus, the first advice that I can give to any student is to know yourself and find what kind of methodology suits you better and work with that.


Something really important is to never limit yourself with the content studied in the classroom. Go to the library and make a review of the materials studied in class and also the materials for the next class - you will understand it better.


There is an interesting quote in the book Xunzi “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn”. The learning process involves two persons - the professor (I see the professor like a guide, nothing more) and the student. If a student is just going to the classroom and not working regularly, it will be hard to get a deeper knowledge of the subject, but when the students read additional materials or discuss the subjects and homework with their colleagues, then success is almost guaranteed.


I can summarize this with a personal quote: Nobody becomes a captain in a swimming pool.


Could you list 3 - 5 beliefs that would make life easier and people happier?


“If your problem has a solution - why worry? On the other hand, if your problem has no solution - then why worry?”


“Good decisions come from experience - experience comes from bad decisions!” (in other words, do not be afraid to be wrong, but learn from the mistakes).


“If lemons fall from the sky, learn how to make lemonade!!” (in other words, transform a problem into an opportunity).


Do you miss Mexico? 


What I really miss from Mexico is the food… It is impossible to find such a kind of food here in Europe. Yes, I know, there are many “Mexican” restaurants in Europe (we even have one here in Ventspils). However, they offer the so-called Tex-Mex food. This is the result of the Mexican influence in the south part of the USA (especially Texas, that is the reason for the name). But certainly, no one offers real Mexican food.


Do you consider Latvia your home?


I think that you can call home a place where you feel comfortable, a place where you can identify yourself with the local culture and especially where you can create bonds. After almost three and a half years here, I have started to tie my identity with the Latvian culture and now that I am learning the Latvian language my bond can only get stronger. Additionally, I am in a folkloric dance ensemble and a folkloric choir ensemble. I now have a dream to participate in the Latvian Song and Dance Festival.



Yes, I consider Latvia my home and every day I become prouder of this land since I am creating a stronger bond with Latvia every day.


Share on other platforms

Other news

By Rota Rulle October 29, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) has been recognized as one of 16 higher education institutions in Latvia to receive the “Best Practice University” award from the Study in Latvia initiative. This certificate confirms that the university meets the criteria set by the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of the Interior, ensuring responsible admission of international students and a high-quality study process. With this Agreement, the VUAS have undertaken to comply with the criteria and principles of the Agreement fostering good practice in attracting international students and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality study process. VUAS promises to observe good faith and ethical principles, providing only true information in marketing activities and advertising campaigns for international students.
By Rota Rulle October 28, 2025
On October 22, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) joined the international celebration of “Erasmus Days”, bringing students and staff together for an afternoon filled with creativity, teamwork, and cultural exchange. The event was organized by two students of VUAS with the help of international office and “COLOURS”, featuring engaging activities and friendly competition across a series of interactive stations. Each station offered a unique challenge inspired by the theme of cultural diversity, encouraging participants to test their knowledge, communication skills, and creativity while earning points for their teams. Guided by enthusiastic station leaders and coordinated by the two main event organizers, the atmosphere was both energetic and welcoming. Students from different study programs and cultural backgrounds had the opportunity to connect, work together, and learn from one another in a relaxed and engaging environment. Throughout the event, participants enjoyed refreshments and snacks, as well as a live performance from the band “Sweet Sixteen.” The music, laughter, and friendly competition made for a memorable afternoon celebrating the spirit of “Erasmus +” openness, inclusion, and intercultural understanding. At the end of the activities, all teams received prizes in recognition of their efforts, with the winning team taking home exclusive VUAS merchandise. “Erasmus Days” once again highlighted the value of collaboration and student mobility, reminding everyone that learning extends far beyond the classroom, it thrives through shared experiences and cultural exchange and making new connections. Photos: Endijs Eihlers
By Rota Rulle October 24, 2025
After a fantastic first edition, our Language Café is back and better than ever! If you missed it the first time, this is your chance to join the friendliest crew of language lovers on the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences campus. Expect good vibes, new words, and plenty of laughter as we meet again at D0 (Lounge Room) on 29th October 2025 at 16:30. Whether you’re a returning participant or a first-timer, everyone is welcome! So dust off your sense of humour, clear your schedule, and widen your comfort zone. Bring a friend, roommate, coursemate, and of course, your favourite snack – and let’s make language learning fun again!
By Rota Rulle October 22, 2025
In September, Lilita Sproģe, Head of the Doctoral School at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, went on a business trip to Le Mans University in France to discuss opportunities for creating a joint internship project for doctoral students and developing cooperation in providing doctoral study courses, research, and student mobility. The meeting was organized by COLOURS project partners at the Le Mans University. The day's program included several meetings with representatives of Le Mans University, including Christine Gonzalez, Deputy Director of the EDGE Doctoral School and Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Management and Economics, Geoffroy Martin, Administrative Director of the Doctoral School, Selin Duhan, Head of the International Relations Office, Xavier Lachazette, Vice President of International Relations, and Miloš Borozan, former COLOURS WP3 Manager. During her visit, L. Sproģe familiarized herself with the language faculty and doctoral student workspaces, as well as the research infrastructure on the university campus. Le Mans University is closely integrated into the city structure and easily accessible by public transport from Paris and Le Mans itself. The talks covered key differences between Latvian and French doctoral school models and regulatory frameworks, credit point accounting principles, promotion procedures, and deadlines for completing doctoral theses. The meeting resulted in a strengthened mutual interest in further cooperation in the development of joint doctoral activities and research in the fields of linguistics and economics.
By Rota Rulle October 16, 2025
On September 30, 2025, the first Language Café organized by the COLOURS Project was held at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. The event gathered international and local students in a relaxed and informal environment to practice languages (Mainly Latvian Language for now), exchange cultures, and foster connections across study programs. The event took place at student lounge, bringing together students from more than 6 different nationalities and speakers of a wide variety of languages, including English, Latvian, French, German, and Russian. The Language Cafe was designed to support student integration and intercultural communication, two key focus areas of COLOURS. During the event, participants engaged in small-group conversations guided by Lasma Asme, the EDI coordinator. The atmosphere was lively and inclusive, with background music by Liva Slesare, allowing students to gain confidence in speaking while enjoying snacks and refreshments prepared by the EDI coordinator. “The participation from both Latvian and international students exceeded our expectations,” commented Janvier Dylan, COLOURS representative and International student “It was inspiring to see how open and engaged everyone was, especially how many Latvian students were eager to communicate and connect across cultures. The energy and motivation to continue this kind of event were remarkable.” The event concluded with students dividing into small groups, where Latvian participants taught international students common words and phrases useful for everyday communication. This interactive exchange created a lively and friendly atmosphere that encouraged mutual learning. The session ended with an open discussion about future activities, during which students shared creative ideas for how upcoming café meetings could look. Many also expressed interest in volunteering and helping to organise the next events, highlighting their motivation to make the Language Cafe a regular and sustainable part of campus life the organisers noted that the success of the first Language Café demonstrates the importance of creating spaces that encourage communication, collaboration, and cultural exchange beyond the classroom. The next Language Café is planned for 29th October 2025, and all VeA students, international and local, are welcome to join.
By Rota Rulle October 15, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences invites students, staff, and the community to join Erasmus Days 2025 on October 22nd at 5:00 PM in the Lounge Room (D0) for an unforgettable evening of fun, culture, and connection. The event will feature a variety of interactive stations and activities, offering everyone a chance to test their knowledge, explore new cultures, and win exciting prizes. Whether you’re an Erasmus+ participant, an international student, or simply curious about global exchange, this celebration is the perfect opportunity to learn, engage, and connect. To keep the energy high, the evening will include snacks, live music, and plenty of good vibes – all in the spirit of bringing people together from across the world. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate Erasmus Days 2025 with us! Come share the Erasmus spirit, make new friends, and experience the joy of international exchange.
Other news