Aug 11, 2023 | Study abroad
Alejandra Aguilera de Negocios (Global Business) lived and studied in Lleida, Spain.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Yes
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
I decided to study at the University of Celaya because it had always been my dream to study abroad, therefore, since I started studying Global Business I made an effort to meet the requirements to be able to apply for a scholarship and as soon as the call for applications opened I applied.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because my vision was always to go to a country within the European Union, therefore, as soon as I saw that I had the opportunity to go to Spain, it was very exciting for me, because I would be in a place where I had dreamed of, but at the same time, I would know another culture and another way of seeing life.
How was the scholarship application process?
It was quite simple, it just consisted of filling out a form and sending it in. The only thing that required a little more time and that made me a little nervous was waiting for the answer as to whether or not I had obtained the scholarship.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
Asking for advice from people who had already left, researching on the internet and helping each other (who had also won the scholarship).
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was very excited because it was a totally new and different experience. It was a mixture of emotions, because I felt very happy and grateful to be living such an incredible experience, and at the same time, I missed my family, the Mexican food, my country, etc.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Very good, they were always very kind and willing to help us with everything, both the people in charge of the internationalization area, as well as the professors who taught us the classes, etc.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
My family, the food, the professors at UNI, being able to have the comfort of being in my own home, etc.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing I have experienced has been to be able to expand my outlook on life; to get to know other cultures, other ways of thinking, other people, other places, because it is shocking to leave our comfort zone and get to know everything that is out there. On the other hand, the most difficult thing for me was learning to manage my emotions, because I am a very sentimental person, so being away from my home and the people I love was a bit challenging.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
Personally you grow a lot, almost without realizing it. At the end of the experience is when you look back and realize that you are not the same person who left your country 6 months ago, you are someone else and that's great, because you are a version of yourself that has grown, has matured a little more, has learned new things, has influenced other people and has also been influenced by others, and so on. Speaking within the professional field, everything I mentioned before about personal growth, adds to the professional you are becoming, therefore, you grow in all aspects, because one field goes hand in hand with the other.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
I could give lots and lots of advice, but I think the main ones would be:
- Get used to changes and learn to adapt; this experience is full of changes, changes that will do you good because they will make you grow.
- You are going to another country, take away the shame or embarrassment of doing and saying what you really want or think; it is a once in a lifetime experience, take advantage of it.
- Open yourself and be willing to get to know everyone you meet; there is the possibility of creating very nice friendships that you will take with you for life, as well as friends all over the world who will be willing to help you when you need it.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Yes 100%, going on an exchange is the best thing you can do, it is a unique and unforgettable experience. Thank you UNI!
Aug 11, 2023 | Study abroad
Andrés Everardo Ibarra of Global Business at the Universidad Mayor de Chile
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Yes
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
Since I started my career, I began to prepare myself because I was interested in studying in another country.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
The opportunity that this country offered me was very interesting and the Universidad Mayor caught my attention.
How was the scholarship application process?
It was a bit time consuming but interesting, you also learn a lot about paperwork and visas.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
I prepared myself by researching about the country, culture, customs, among other things.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
A lot of excitement, but at the same time a little fear of being in a new place.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Very good, he did several welcome meetings and helped us to adjust.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
The culture, the food and the way it works.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
Being able to visit places like Argentina, or Bolivia and I consider the most difficult thing to adapt to being away from my family.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
I think it will be very interesting because it helped me to grow, to analyze situations before acting or deciding on something.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
They should prepare themselves and not be afraid to take an exchange, because it changes your life.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Of course, because they are unique opportunities and experiences!!!!
Aug 11, 2023 | Study abroad
XIMENA GONZALEZ FROM SYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY TELLS US HOW SHE EXPERIENCED THE SEMESTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OVIEDO, ASTURIAS. SPAIN.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
YES.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
Since I was in high school, I started preparing to study abroad and when I started college I participated with UNI in their international online programs.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I wanted to have knowledge of psychology from a different point of view from my country.
How was the scholarship application process?
The application process is very simple, but the paperwork can become cumbersome and in a moment you are busy; but it is totally worth it.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
A summer before I was selected as a Counsuler, I worked in the United States in a camp as a teacher and tutor of a group of girls and with the money I received I decided to save it for my studies in Spain.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was a little nervous but also excited about this new experience of what the city would be like and the people I would meet.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
At the beginning it is a bit confusing, when you arrive and don't know the facilities it is easy to get lost and the way you have to organize your schedule is also a bit confusing but within 1 or 2 months I was able to adapt to their system.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
Most of all the food, my friends, my teachers who will always be there for everyone and if you need support they will always be there for you.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing has been the unique connections, people that you know that they and only they can understand what you are living now, they become your little family and support network in your new, albeit momentary, lifestyle. I consider that the most difficult part of this experience for me has been adapting to the Spanish educational system, from the way classes are taught, to the way groups are organized, to the way evaluation is done.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
I think this experience has influenced me in a way that I have become a much more patient person, open to listen to perspectives that may even be totally different mentalities from mine and that many times can make you question certain things that you took for granted without reflecting on them. And above all to learn to make mistakes, to have a better attitude in the face of adversity.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
The advice I would give them would be to take into account that the first few months will be difficult, they will feel that they do not fit in and they will feel incapable of being so long in a country different from their own. But as time goes by and they get to know each other, they will make friends and it will be much more painful for them to return to Mexico; they will fall in love with the life they have created. Also, don't be afraid to make mistakes and enjoy every opportunity and every second of your exchange.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Yes, these are opportunities where you can develop very important skills that will serve you in your daily life. Mainly skills such as adaptation, organization, determination, courage, social skills such as communication, openness to other ideas and lifestyles, skills that will allow you to know beyond your comfort zone. Thanks UNI for this great life experience!
Aug 11, 2023 | Study abroad
Marco Antonio Morones of Automotive Engineering won the scholarship to study in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
When you entered Uni, did you know that there were international programs?
I entered in 2021 and I knew from acquaintances that they had international programs and it was one of the main reasons to enroll at UNI.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
From the first semester I entered I made an effort to maintain my GPA in order to be able to apply for an international scholarship.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I was interested in their culture and in learning another language.
How was the scholarship application process?
I saw the call for applications and decided to apply, and then I was selected.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
With anticipation I mentally prepared myself to learn a new language and knowing that it would be a challenge and a new adventure.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was very nervous at the beginning, but little by little I got used to it.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
I was very well received and it was a very beautiful experience.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
I missed my family, my school friends and Mexican food.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing was learning Portuguese, but also the most difficult thing was taking classes in that language.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
Having been in another country opened my perspective of the world enormously and Portuguese will also serve me well as I will one day be working in Brazil.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
They should prepare themselves beforehand with the language of the country where they will travel, with an open mind to get to know other cultures.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Thank you UNI for this wonderful opportunity of life!
Jul 21, 2023 | Study abroad
Velia Yaloan from Digital Design did a semester at Hallym University, South Korea.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
No
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
In 5th semester because a friend had gone on exchange and recommended him.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because he was the most different in terms of culture and the most distanced with language barriers and he wanted to test me.
How was the scholarship application process?
Simple, but I had to apply 3 semesters to earn it.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
I was asking my friend what her challenges and suggestions were so I could leave with an idea of what I was going to face.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Excitement and fear, it was a mixture of feelings since it was my first time outside of Mexico and it was a very different place from what I was used to.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Very good, the teachers were always very attentive and answered any questions.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
From Mexico the food and my family, from UNI my friends and teachers.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing is that you encounter a completely different world, meet people from all over the world and go on unexpected journeys.
The most difficult thing is the feeling of being alone even though you are surrounded by people because you know that your family is missing, the most difficult thing is getting sick and not having the same support as in Mexico because of the language barrier.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
It helped me get out of my comfort zone, meet a lot of people and make a lot of connections, and lose my fear of speaking English.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
Don't be afraid to talk, make lots of friends and pack light, you can find everything in the other country and then it will be very difficult to make the suitcases close.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Yes, it is an unforgettable experience. It makes you mature and see the world and its opportunities from a completely different perspective.
