Aug 19, 2019 | Study abroad
Our student Alison Michelle Quintanilla, a student of Global Business at the University of Global Business at the University of Celaya and winner of the Uni Scholarship for a stay at the Pontificia Universidade Católica at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, shares with us more about this incredible opportunity.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
I had full and complete knowledge about these programs and scholarships, it was one of the reasons why I decided to enter the University of Celaya; because I believe that the opportunities it offers are really good.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
I not only believed it, it was one of my main goals in my stay at the university, the truth is that I had not yet planned the destination, but I was very clear about my goals.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Never, it always caught my attention, but I had not had the opportunity.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
It was a set, because just as my parents motivated me to continue my studies and maintain my average, I also wanted to improve myself and be better every day, to set goals and overcome new challenges.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I wanted a new project in my life, something out of my comfort zone and to learn a new language, besides Brazil is a country with a large territorial extension where you could fit almost all of Europe in it. I was also very interested in the way business is conducted, as it has a lot of economic relevance in South America and how foreign investment has become important.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
It was an incomparable experience since I had never been and lived alone for more than a week, I had never been on a plane, let alone gone to another country; it was a very interesting challenge and I would definitely repeat it.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
They were very friendly, cheerful people always willing to help you in any way possible and the teachers were very professional, dedicated and experts in their field.
What did you miss most about Mexico?
Definitely my family, I consider myself a person extremely attached to my parents, but that did not stop me from facing the opportunity that was presented to me.
And clearly the food since, like Mexico, its culture and gastronomy are second to none.
What about the Uni?
Although the academic level of PUCRS is good, I missed the way our great professors teach and the teacher-student relationship we have.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
There are several things I would like to say; learning a different language is for me like installing another software, meeting people who are not in your usual social circle is interesting because at least in my case that I lived in a house where we lived around 60 people, it was challenging to live together and not kill each other by sharing common areas, it was also exciting to see new places, share the view of the wonderful scenery with people who become important in your life and great friends.
And the hardest part?
There was nothing that I really considered difficult since I took it as a new challenge to overcome, learn from it and take it with the best possible philosophy.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
I know that I will take with me new knowledge and skills with which I will be able to face the world of work and my personal life in a more creative and courageous way.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Totally, they are incredible opportunities and probably unrepeatable, not because of the fact of being or living in another place, but because where could we find people or places that can pay for the school we want to attend in another country, probably exist, but if you are already if you are already in a university that already offers you these benefits and opportunities, why not take advantage of it and take advantage of it?why not take advantage of it and make the best of it?
Besides, I repeat, it is an unforgettable experience because; I learned a little more about the life outside my comfort zone, the real life that awaits me and with certainty I can say that I am more prepared for the challenges to come.
I am very grateful to Uni for giving me the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills that I will surely be able to take full advantage of in this and the following stages of my life.
I also thank PUCRS for supporting my personal and academic development.
Aug 16, 2019 | Innovation, Study abroad
My name is Juan Carlos Gallegos Cárdenas, I am originally from Celaya, Gto. A year ago I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. This document contains my most outstanding achievements at the University of Celaya and abroad.
My story begins in 2014 when I entered the race. I remember that the first thing I did was to talk to my future director Alejandro Saldaña. He told me about all the development opportunities offered by the university abroad, but above all about the success stories of former students of the faculty. At first the idea of traveling abroad and studying abroad seemed very distant and difficult. What I didn't know was that little by little my life was going to surprise me more than I imagined.
During my third semester I had the opportunity to work in Statistics class on a collaborative project of statistical water consumption in Celaya with JUMAPA. A project that at first seemed like a school project ended up being the beginning of my first success. Shortly after in 2015, the first call from Educafin and UNI came out to present a project at California State University, Fullerton. After seeing this opportunity I applied directly to the call, unsure of what was going to happen I had faith in my level of English and the importance of my project. The news had come and it was done. I would go to represent my university in California with 3 other colleagues. There I had the opportunity to meet the students of the university and for the first time to present my project in English. After having returned, I felt very motivated and sure that I had the tools to achieve anything, only if I put my mind to it and fought for it.
Some time later I applied for other calls without success, until one day UNI debuted its first edition of Trep camp 2017. This program consisted of an intensive course in the United States on entrepreneurship. The program's participation was optional for my generation but for me it was another opportunity I could not pass up. Shortly after I was selected to go to San Diego State University to do a workshop in entrepreneurship and a high impact project. This experience opened my mind a lot because I got to meet world-class companies such as Qualcomm, Takealessons and iBoss, in addition to complementing the teachings of the university in business. I also met brilliant young people with whom I was able to have a great friendship that remains to this day.
Days after returning from San Diego, I had the opportunity to do an exchange semester at Hallym University in South Korea. Thanks to the agreements that the University of Celaya maintains, I was able to live in another country and learn about a culture different from my own.
I have always felt very supported by everyone at UNI. Talking with my director, he also told me that not only academic achievements are rewarded, but also extracurricular ones. He encouraged me to be curious and to always be eager to learn.
In 2018 I was recognized with the merit medal, being highlighted as one of the best students of the entire university along with another friend of the faculty. Already at that time I was going to graduate and awards were given to different students for their trajectories. In my case I had the honor of receiving the "UNI Pride for International Impact" award, thanks to all my achievements abroad, and at my graduation I received an honorable mention as the second best average of my class.
A few months before graduating I had applied for the "Gobernadores 2018" scholarship from Educafin that selected 10 outstanding young people from the state to live in Washington, DC for a semester studying a public policy seminar and doing professional internships, in my case I was in the area of trade and investment at ProMéxico. This program has been one of my most important achievements since I was able to have another international experience but more focused on the world of work and international politics. On that occasion I had the privilege of being decorated by the governor of the state of Guanajuato, Miguel Márquez Márquez, to put the name of my state and my university on a high level.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to study in Germany and learn about its culture. This country has always been known for always getting ahead despite any situation, for the high quality of its educational institutions and its work culture. I have been learning German and improving my English since before studying my career, in order to be prepared for this moment.
This year I have been accepted at the University of Applied Sciences Nürtingen-Geislingen located in the outskirts of Stuttgart (Capital of the state Baden-Württemberg) which is located in one of the strongest economic regions of Germany and Europe. Today the university is one of the top 10 universities of applied sciences in Germany and has more than 5,000 students at all levels of education.
I am eternally proud to be UNI. I thank the University of Celaya from the bottom of my heart for giving me tireless support in my projects, giving me the tools to be competent in the world, believing in me and in my personal and professional development.
Thanks to you I have succeeded.
Aug 16, 2019 | Innovation, Study abroad
Hello, my name is Astrid Serrato Mandujano, I am 21 years old and I am from Apaseo el Alto, Gto.
I attended elementary school in my municipality, then I entered UNI High School, and when I finished it, I decided to stay to study a Bachelor's Degree in International Commerce.
During my career I distinguished myself by:
- Participate in the Certification course in the practice "Business Sustainability and Commercial Logistics in Colombian Ports", developed in the cities of Santa Marta, Barranquilla and Cartagena Colombia (October 24-29, 2016).
- I participated in the Radar Network (November 18-19, 2016).
- I participated in the national program "Peraj, adopt a friend", where I served as a tutor for elementary school children, supporting and motivating them to develop and improve their academic performance (Cycle 2016-2017, Celaya, Gto.).
- I obtained the medal for academic excellence (February 2018).
- I participated in the 8th Olympiad of Foreign Trade 2018 (May 20, 2018, Querétaro).
- I was the winner of UNI Scholarship to study one semester in South China Business College of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (September-January 2018 semester).
- I became certified in the ASPEL SAE, COI and NOI programs (May 2019).
- I was a winner of the Leaders in Canada call by the State Government, which I had to give up in order to continue participating in the call to study a Master's Degree in China (June 2019).
- I am currently a winner of the call for Export Talents China Chapter by the State Government to study the Master's Degree in E-Commerce at Zhejiang Gongshang University in Hangzhou China (July 2019).
I was interested in participating in this call because when I was in China, I was struck by the great technological progress, the communication channels, the services provided, as well as the handling of currency in commerce, where with just one application, you can carry out transactions, buy, sell, pay, etc., without carrying cash or bank cards.
Previously when I traveled to other countries, I observed the differences that exist with respect to our country, and I realize that we need to update ourselves to be more competitive, my career being focused on international trade, has a strong link with the Master's degree that I will take in China.
I believe that it will not be easy to learn Chinese in one year, but rest assured that I will do my best to meet the expectations.
Jul 31, 2019 | Study abroad
Michelle Suárez, estudia Arquitectura y obtuvo la Beca Internacional Uni para estudiar en la Universidad de Lleida, España.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Sí, pero no a detalle.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
No realmente.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, never.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Conocer nuevas culturas a través de otros estudiantes de intercambio, así como su plan de estudios y comparar la manera de hacer las cosas en otros países.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Porque siempre quise conocer Europa y España era el país que me ofrecía el programa internacional, además de tener muchos íconos arquitectónicos.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Mucha emoción ya que no podía creer que estaba al otro lado del mundo y un poco de miedo por viajar sola por primera vez fuera de México.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Me recibieron bien, todos fueron muy amables.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
La comida, definitivamente.
What about the Uni?
El plan de estudios y las instalaciones.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Conocer a personas de distintos países con el mismo gusto por la misma profesión al igual que viajar por otros países cercanos.
And the hardest part?
Adáptame a las normas de construcción que tienen en el país, así como traducir del catalán al castellano.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
A pesar de que me costó trabajo, espero que lo que aprendí en España podamos empezarlo a implementar en México, ya que son técnicas muy buenas y es momento de trascender como país.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
¡Definitivamente! Los invito a participar en estos programas.
Jul 30, 2019 | Study abroad
Emma Castillo is studying International Commerce and was awarded the Uni International Scholarship to study for a semester in Gijón, Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, that was the main reason why I decided to stay at Uni.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
I always believed in it, it was something I wanted to do, but at some point I thought it could not be possible, but with effort I had the opportunity and I was able to achieve it.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, never.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
To be able to learn about another culture, to get to know another country as a student, to be able to live this experience at this age and above all to be able to grow both culturally and personally, to know that I could meet many people of different nationalities and feel what it was like to live away from home, without having everything so easy, to know that it was a challenge because it was something completely new for me.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because from the moment I decided to go abroad to study, I had always thought about Europe so that when I was studying I could take advantage and get to know other countries in that continent and Spain was what they offered at that time.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
It took me a while to realize that I was in another country and on another continent, but the moment I arrived I could not believe that I had fulfilled one of my dreams and that I was so far away by myself, without my family and friends.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
There were always people who helped us and were very attentive if we needed anything. It was shocking to see for the first time the University where I was going to study.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
What I missed the most was the food, of course after my family and friends, but something I also missed a lot was the hospitality and charisma that we Mexicans have.
What about the Uni?
The atmosphere that can be experienced within the classroom, teachers, friends and classmates.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Being able to make a small family with people I did not know, the fear of knowing if we would get along well (difficult when they are all women ha ha) but at the end of the day we managed to make a very nice friendship full of good memories and experiences.
And the hardest part?
Adapting to an educational system very different from the one you are used to, where you don't have mid-term exams but simply a final exam.
But the most difficult thing is to say goodbye to the friends you have made along the way and you don't know when or if you will see them again.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
May all that I have lived and learned improve or positively change the person I am and not remain just another trip.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
100 percent!!! if something was clear to me with this experience, it is that if you want to do something, do it and do not stay with the "what will happen or what would have happened?" you have to try and that fear or uncertainty is not an obstacle to get what you want.
Jul 29, 2019 | Study abroad
Alejandra Jiménez, Industrial Engineering student, won the Uni international scholarship to study for a semester at the University of Lleida, Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, since I was in high school I knew that Uni had multiple international programs, that's why I continued my studies there.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Yes, it was always in my plans to do a semester abroad.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Only courses, but never with a duration of more than one month.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
I have always been interested in getting to know other countries, people and cultures. Getting out of my comfort zone seems to me a great opportunity for learning and personal growth.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because Spain seems to me to be an incredible country, with an excellent quality of life. On the other hand, I wanted to take advantage of my stay to get to know other countries in Europe.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Since I arrived at the airport I had a set of mixed feelings, no doubt I was very excited to be in Spain, thinking about everything I was about to live generated in me too much illusion, but at the same time leaving behind my life in Mexico and face the unknown made me a little nervous.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
From the first day everyone was very kind to me, always available to help me with whatever I needed.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
My family, my friends and definitely the food.
What about the Uni?
The very pleasant atmosphere we had in my group and the excellent student-teacher relationship.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
All the trips made, the experiences shared with friends from all over the world that in the end became family. Getting to know the unknown is always exciting, it's like living a dream.
And the hardest part?
During a trip with my friends to Morocco we had an accident on the road, in which I was unfortunately injured. It was one of the most frustrating experiences, as I was in a totally different country, I did not understand the language, the health care services were totally negligent and we had no cell phone service to communicate.
It was a terrible experience that changed my life in a matter of seconds, however, in spite of everything, I can say that Morocco was one of the best trips of my life.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
Every circumstance that arises in life leaves a lesson, both the good and the bad, and that is what forges the person we are today, so I hope to take advantage of every situation that touches me to learn and achieve a better person day by day.
Professionally I have broadened my view of the world, I now have much higher aspirations and I am excited about what is to come.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Totally, it is an experience that everyone should live at least once in life, do not miss these opportunities.
