Aug 19, 2022 | Study abroad
Claudia Daniela is studying Culinary Art and won the uni scholarship to study at Hallym University in South Korea.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, in fact it was one of the main reasons for me to stay at the university; it is impressive the connection with different countries and the ease of mobility that the university provides.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
It was a motivation from the beginning, I didn't know I would make it, but I always strived to be a candidate. So, when I found out that I made it, it was happiness and satisfaction at the same time.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, thanks to other projects I had the opportunity to participate in online programs in other countries and win a pass to be in Brazil, unfortunately the pandemic started and these plans were cancelled; so this being the first time makes it even more special.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
The simple fact of learning, I am an enthusiast for new cultures, to be able to have the experience of learning from another educational system, absorbing different perspectives on things, is something that filled me with enthusiasm.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Simply the culture, Mexican culture to Korean culture have many differences, thanks to social media you can visualize some, however, it was lake that I wanted to experience on my own and it was definitely an unforgettable experience.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
It was completely turning around what I was used to, completely leaving my comfort zone, learning from scratch manners to adapt to the customs and society, understanding the way of dressing and even changing the taste of the foods I was used to, as well as adding to my diet foods that were not so common before, all these changes made me feel lost at the beginning, but as the days went by, the experience became fascinating and a lot of learning.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
I was surprised by the kindness and speed of all the staff, from our first days the managers were very attentive to all our requirements, as well as they were always alert in case we had any problem with in my case the blocking of my bank cards and my email.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
Of course, in addition to the food I was used to, the feeling of warmth of all the people around you, whether you know them or not, as well as having people related to your career with similar knowledge to share and develop, specifically in my case, in the gastronomic subject, although I can have interesting conversations with people about gastronomy, there are related concepts and terms that are not so easy to explain or understand.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
I consider that every day I spend here is exciting, Korea is a country full of surprises, the simple fact of being able to cross the country in one day just with your cell phone in your hand and your "T money card", or eating food that you had never thought of, even being a tourist one day and the next day becoming a climber, thanks to everything that this country has, makes this trip an adventure.
And the hardest part?
Of course loneliness, although it has wonderful things, it is true that it is a very individualistic country and, that is, coming from a country as sociable as Mexico, the change is noticeable, because each person here concentrates on his or her own affairs.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
I am sure that so far I have broadened my mind and my perspective of what awaits me in the world, my hunger to explore and develop more of my skills grew, as well as my social skills in other languages, the fact of going out of your comfort zone gives you a very vast learning experience.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Yes, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity that is difficult to obtain by other means, so if you are ready and have the opportunity; it is best to take it as soon as possible. Thanks to all who supported me in this great adventure!
Aug 9, 2022 | Innovation, Link
In an institutional event with special guests representing the Government of the State of Guanajuato, the municipal government of Celaya, business associations and Higher Education Institutions (HEI), the University of Celaya officially launched the call for the Unichallenge contest in its 2022 edition to challenge the creativity and innovation of the people of Guanajuato to come up with an event that will boost the economic and social reactivation of Celaya.
Since 2018, every year the University of Celaya launches the call for the Unichallenge whose axis is to analyze a specific local problem to which university students, together with expert mentors, offer tailored solutions.
Those who accept the challenge must organize their team composed of a maximum of 5 members: on the one hand, 4 university students (maximum 2 from the same IES); and, on the other hand, an expert mentor (teacher or graduate of one of the institutions in which the students participate), with the requirement of having the accompaniment of a mentor or organization from the public or private sector specialized in event organization (without him or her being part of the team). There will be cash prizes for the first 3 places. The call for entries is open from August 9th until August 31st of the same month of the current year. Get to know the phases of the contest and accept the challenge. Check the terms and conditions here!
From its first edition to date, the challenges for the participants of the contest have been diverse: the responsible use and consumption of water, the positioning of Celaya's cajeta at a national level, the strengthening of the sense of identity of being from Celaya, to name a few. The important thing about the challenge is to engage young people in the solution of real problems so that they get involved, raise awareness, act and also learn from the talent of teachers, mentors and/or specialized organizations.
Our institution is very grateful to have the support and collaboration for the Unichallenge initiative to continue to be a reality thanks to the synergy that has been generated between society, government, companies and higher education institutions of important presence in Celaya and the state of Guanajuato, in order to contribute to the proactive solution of the great global challenges of the local and regional level, for the benefit of the youth of Guanajuato and the common good.
Jul 21, 2022 | Study abroad
Bianca Sofia studies Communication and Audiovisual Media and completed an academic stay at the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda in Portugal thanks to the Uni international scholarships.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, it was one of the reasons I chose UNI.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
It was one of my goals from the beginning, but I didn't think it would be so easy and so soon.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico? Yes
What motivated you to study in another country? To be able to meet and have friends from different countries, to get to know another culture and to represent my country.
Why did you decide to study in that country? Because it would be a country that would take me out of my comfort zone because of the language, but at the same level it would be a bit easy because of my mother tongue. Also because of Portugal's location it is easy to get to know other countries.
What did you feel when you arrived in the new country? I felt a lot of fear, but at the same time a lot of excitement for the challenge it would be.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived? Very well, they always made me feel welcome and I felt the support of others.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI? My family, my friends and the food.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? Having a group of friends from different countries, getting to know their culture and being able to travel together.
And the hardest part? At the beginning, it was very complicated to take classes in another language.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience? Having this experience will help me in my personal growth and strengths to start my working life, being able to work in multicultural teams adds confidence in myself.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues? Of course I do, they are opportunities that we should not miss, thank you for your support!
Jun 28, 2022 | Study abroad
Regina estudia Ingeniería Industrial y obtuvo la beca internacional uni para estudiar en Medellín, Colombia.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Claro que sí, de hecho, una de las razones por las cuales elegí la Universidad de Celaya fue por la facilidad de cursar un semestre en el extranjero.
Cuándo entraste a tu carrera, ¿creíste que te irías a vivir y estudiar en el extranjero?
Si lo creí, aunque lo vi un poco difícil ya que el semestre que yo quería irme de intercambio era hace un año y medio y por la pandemia era imposible.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Never
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
El hecho de conocer una diferente cultura, la gente, su gastronomía, y tu forma de adaptarte, madurar y desarrollarte.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Realmente era una de mis opciones, pero siempre he sido fiel creyente que por algo pasan las cosas y por algo, Colombia me escogió a mí.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Tanta emoción, estaba tan expectante de saber que era lo que iba a acontecer y que iba de conocer.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Todos han sido tan atentos, brindan su servicio con una alta calidad.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
De México extraño la comida, y también a mi familia y amigos.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Irme de mochilera por toda la costa caribeña.
And the hardest part?
Acostumbrarme a la comida y sus frases.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
Tener muy bien desarrolladas mis habilidades blandas.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Por supuestos que sí, son oportunidades únicas en tu carrera universitaria.
Jun 22, 2022 | Study abroad
Joana, de Ingeniería Biomédica, obtuvo la beca internacional Uni para estudiar en Oviedo, España.
When you entered UNI did you know there were international programs?
Sí, cuando fui a conocer la UNI me comentaron que existían estos programas y que tenía varios convenios con distintas universidades de otros países.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Sí, era uno de mis objetivos, aunque no tenía claro a donde, ni en que semestre; pero al conocer las experiencias de mis compañeros me interesó mucho más, y trabajé para lograrlo.
¿Ya habías vivido o estudiado fuera de México? No, solo de vacaciones.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Principalmente el hecho de que esta experiencia podría ayudarme a mi crecimiento profesional y personal; y además de conocer nuevos lugares, culturas, tradiciones y personas.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Porque fue uno de los primeros lugares que se abrieron después de la pandemia y me interesó mucho conocer España y lo que podría aportar a mi carrera.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Fueron muchos sentimientos, felicidad, nervios, miedo, orgullo, emoción, realmente era algo completamente nuevo, estaba en un nuevo país por primera vez separada de mi familia y amigos; conociendo sólo a mis tres compañeros; sin saber que esperar, pero con toda la actitud de salir adelante y cumplir con mis objetivos. Fue realmente emocionante.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Los administrativos fueron los primeros en recibirnos, son muy amables y nos ayudaron en todos los trámites. Los profesores fueron igualmente muy amables y atentos; pero equitativos, es decir no hubo ningún trato especial o diferente por ser estudiantes de intercambio.
En cuanto a mis compañeros, fue un poco complicado integrarme al inicio, pero algunos se acercaron a nosotros y poco a poco comenzamos a trabajar con ellos. Fue una experiencia muy agradable.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
Lo que más extraño de México sin duda alguna es mi Familia y amigos, la comida, las fiestas y tradiciones; porque realmente la cultura de México y España son muy diferentes. En cuanto a la UNI, a mis compañeros con los que he convivido estos dos años y medio, mis profesores y sobre todo mis prácticas profesionales.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Cada día ha sido muy emocionante, pienso que seis meses no son suficientes para terminar de conocer una ciudad como Oviedo, entonces, cada día era una nueva aventura; además conocer nuevas personas también es muy emocionante. Otra cosa que resaltar, es la oportunidad que tuvimos de viajar dentro de Europa, visitar Paris, Inglaterra e Italia.
And the hardest part?
Diría que acoplarme a la Universidad de Oviedo, primeramente, el sistema es muy diferente; además la cultura de estudiante cambia demasiado. Un punto importante es que estoy en el grado de Biotecnología y tratar de acoplarse a un nuevo sistema en una carrera de la que no se sabe mucho es muy complicado.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
Como persona, pienso que la experiencia de vivir sola, enfrentarme día a día con situaciones complicadas o frustrantes y aprender a controlar mis emociones, a administrarme, organizarme y otros aspectos que he logrado trabajar me ayudarán a crecer para bien.
Profesionalmente, considero que todo lo aprendido puedo aplicarlo en mi vida estudiantil, si bien, biotecnología no es mi carrera; todas esas estrategias de estudio y el sistema que usan aquí, sus métodos de trabajo, entre otras herramientas podría utilizarlas en lo que resta de mis estudios. Además de poder agregar a mi currículo el estudio en el extranjero.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by UNI to your colleagues?
Totalmente, si tienen la oportunidad de hacerlo deberían de aprovecharlo, tiene demasiadas ventajas en lo personal y profesional; sin duda es de las mejores experiencias que he tenido. ¡Gracias a mi familia y todos lo que me han apoyado!
