Interview
Carlos R Cruz, Operations and New Projects Manager at Time University, has been at the forefront of educational innovation for over two decades. With expertise in psychopedagogy, didactics, coaching, and learning technologies, he has played a key role in shaping the institution’s strategic direction. Founded in 1983, Time University has established itself as a leading Mexican educational platform, offering high-quality digital and printed learning materials across all academic levels. With a strong presence in Latin America, the institution is committed to fostering knowledge, professional development, and language acquisition through cutting-edge methodologies and technological advancements. Under Carlos’s leadership, Time University continues to expand its reach, adapting to the evolving needs of students, educators, and institutions alike.
We focus on creating high-quality digital courses so that anyone, regardless of location, background, or circumstances, can access knowledge and skills that transform their personal and professional lives.
Carlos R Cruz
CSA: Can you share the story behind Time University and its journey to becoming a prestigious educational platform in Mexico?
Carlos R Cruz: Time University, a 100% Mexican company, has positioned itself as a leader in its field. It was founded in 1983 with a fundamental mission: to disseminate knowledge and culture, contributing to the advancement of education at various levels through materials that meet the highest standards of quality in both raw materials and content. As a result, it has successfully fulfilled the needs and expectations of the Mexican and Latin American markets.
Its academic catalog includes materials for all educational levels—Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, High School, and University. Additionally, it offers resources to assist parents and teachers in their educational efforts, making online education more accessible to all.
In terms of commercialization, Time University operates throughout Mexico with an outstanding sales force and maintains a strong network of distributors in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Peru, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, among others.
Our commitment is twofold: on one hand, we provide institutions with essential support tools to navigate daily challenges, and on the other, we help families with ongoing training, development, and growth, with language learning as a cornerstone.
With over 40 years of experience, Time University continues to grow, launching innovative and cutting-edge projects while remaining deeply committed to the people of Mexico and beyond.
CSA: What inspired the development of your ESL teaching products, and what makes them unique in the market?
Carlos R Cruz: At Time University, our mission is to illuminate the path to knowledge, personal growth, and business success. We are committed to enriching lives through high-quality digital and printed courses that broaden horizons and business coaching programs that drive success. Our goal is to be a guiding light and source of inspiration at every stage of the educational and professional journey.
We envision a world where learning is an exciting and transformative journey. Our vision is to establish Time University as the epicenter of education, equipping individuals and businesses with the tools to reach their full potential. We aim to be a global leader in educational innovation, shaping the leaders and visionaries of the future.
CSA: What is your role at Time University, and how has your experience shaped the platform’s growth and success?
Carlos R Cruz: My role within the organization is Operations and New Projects Manager. With 22 years of experience, I have gained expertise in psychopedagogy, didactics, coaching, and learning tools. Combining these with the latest information technologies has allowed me to develop ambitious projects, leading to the creation of our language courses.
These educational materials have become essential tools used daily to enhance communication skills and improve the learning process in Mexico.
Our ESL programs integrate multiple methodologies to address diverse learning needs, ensuring that language acquisition is not just about memorization but about real-world application and cultural understanding.
Carlos R Cruz
CSA: What is Time University’s mission, and how does it influence your approach to education and innovation?
Carlos R Cruz: We focus on creating high-quality digital courses so that anyone, regardless of location, background, or circumstances, can access knowledge and skills that transform their personal and professional lives.
We use the latest digital techniques and tools to develop effective learning experiences that empower students and professionals to achieve their goals.
CSA: How do you see Time University shaping the future of education in Mexico and on a global scale?
Carlos R Cruz: We continuously seek new ways to improve and advance education, developing new resources and content. We embrace curiosity and the love of learning as core motivators. We believe in the power of knowledge to change lives.
We earn and maintain the trust of our users through quality content and ethical practices!
CSA: Can you explain the methodology behind your ESL programs and how they address diverse learning needs?
Carlos R Cruz: One of the most effective ways to learn English is by making it part of your daily life. This can be as simple as changing your phone’s language settings, reading articles or books in English, or listening to English podcasts and music. Additionally, thinking in English helps reinforce learning.
Our ESL programs are based on three primary methods: Direct Method, Reading Method, and Audio-Lingual Method. These methodologies focus on developing the four key language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. They are more effective than traditional methods. We also incorporate five additional teaching models: Grammar-Translation Method (GTM), Direct Method, Audio-Lingual Method, Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), and Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)
By integrating these techniques, we offer a comprehensive and adaptable approach to language learning.
With over 40 years of experience, Time University remains committed to continuous innovation, combining educational expertise with cutting-edge technology to enhance learning outcomes across Latin America and beyond.
Carlos R Cruz
CSA: How does Time University leverage technology to enhance teaching, especially for language learners?
Carlos R Cruz: We focus on adaptability, carefully studying and understanding the changing needs and preferences of our users.
We create high-impact content combined with cutting-edge technology, resulting in intuitive, practical, and highly effective tools for language learning.
CSA: How does Mexican culture influence the identity and offerings of Time University?
Carlos R Cruz: Culture is a critical component of learning. It shapes how people learn, interact, and understand the world in family, school, and workplace settings.
Cultural diversity is increasingly present in early education, and its impact on learning is significant. Mexican culture plays a crucial role in shaping the motivation, perception, and communication strategies of English learners.
By integrating cultural elements, we enhance communication skills, foster intercultural understanding, and promote inclusion and respect in language-learning environments.
CSA: What initiatives does Time University have in place to support the success of its students and educators?
Carlos R Cruz: We aim to make a significant impact on language learning, with English as our flagship program. Our approach is not just about how we learn, but also how we apply language skills in different contexts.
Understanding the culture behind a language can greatly enhance communication abilities. One of the primary objectives of foreign language education is to promote international understanding and cooperation, allowing students to connect with different cultures through language.
CSA: What challenges has Time University faced in its growth, and how have you addressed them?
Carlos R Cruz: As a leader, strategic planning is essential. Our leadership team develops strategies to address key challenges such as lack of planning, developing an effective marketing plan, budget allocation for growth, attracting new customers, implementing a sales strategy, customer retention, achieving profitability, developing new sales channels, and adapting to the digital era. The best approach is to believe in our mission, vision, and organizational culture, set clear objectives, and implement effective business strategies with well-structured action plans and budget management.
CSA: What are your plans for expanding Time University’s reach and impact in the future?
Carlos R Cruz: Our primary goal is clear: we are committed to creating high-quality digital courses so that anyone, regardless of their location or background, can gain knowledge and skills that transform their lives.
In our pursuit of excellence, we aspire to become a leading educational institution in the industry.
