Daniela Montes López, completed a semester of her degree in Communication and Audiovisual Media at Guangdong University thanks to the Uni.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs? <b></b>
Yes, I had been told about it since I entered, but I didn't really understand what it consisted of.
<b></b>¿Creítion that you will goíAre you planning to live and study abroad? <b></b>
I did believe it, because it was a goal I had since I started my career, becoming one of my motivations to do my best in my studies .
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before? <b></b>
No, never.
<b></b>What prompted or motivated you to study in another country? <b></b>
I was motivated to get to know a culture different from my own, to learn a language, and that this language would make me realize that my limitations are in my head and that I am capable of overcoming them. In addition, I knew that being in a different landscape than the one I already knew would allow me to discover skills and aptitudes that I had not noticed before in myself. On the other hand, I wanted to be the one to make my country and university known.
Why did you decide to study in that country? <b></b>
Because throughout my career I have had to live with Chinese students who go to the university, who told me about their country, leaving me curious to learn about their culture and experience on my own all those social and cultural differences that I knew would help me grow as a person.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country? <b></b>
I could not believe that I was on the other side of the world and although from the first moment I could notice the culture shock, without understanding anything of what they were telling me, I was very curious about what could happen. I also felt very happy because I was reaffirming the friendship I created with my Chinese friends I met at UNI in Mexico, who welcomed me at the airport, introducing me to more friends, and without a doubt, Chinese people are very kind people.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived? <b></b>
They have been very kind and willing to answer any questions, especially the Chinese students who had been at UNI and two students who shared a room with us, thanks to them we were able to enjoy our stay more.
<b></b>What will you miss most about Mexico? <b></b>
To my family, friends and Mexican food. I may miss my daily activities in Mexico, but best of all, I am sure I will be very busy capturing every moment in my mind to express it with such excitement to everyone when I return.
<b></b>What about UNI?
Subjects related to my career, my professors and friends.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? <b></b>
A few weeks after arriving in China, we Mexicans ventured on a trip to the north of the country (Zhangjiajie), we all stayed in the same room, we were just getting to know each other, no one understood any Chinese, to tell the truth, we were new to everything, but that was what made it one of the best trips, we visited places with incredible landscapes, even one day we stayed on a mountain waiting for the sunset, of course, then we had to run down because they were going to close the park. Undoubtedly, the improvised trips are the ones that surprise you.
<b></b>And the hardest part? <b></b>
At the beginning I was learning the language, I heard or saw it and did not know how I was going to distinguish the characters and at the same time speak it, but as the days went by I got used to it, until I understood a basic conversation or even to be able to communicate when I needed to. I also got used to the way of payment when buying a product, because here are rare places where they accept cash and everything had to be with a mobile device.
<b></b>What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program? <b></b>
The experience of living abroad allows you to enjoy life without what you are used to, being a challenge, although a great decision, because it strengthens the soft skills and agility of resolution to the challenges that are presented along the way, knowing hidden areas of your person, which help you both personally and professionally, leaving new goals to meet.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by UNI to your colleagues? <b></b>
Totally, I believe that living an experience abroad and in particular in China allows you to leave your comfort zone, adapting to new customs and discovering that the biggest limitation is in you.
Thank you very much!
