Feb 28, 2023 | Study abroad
Culinary Art student Daniela Olmos won an international scholarship to study at PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Yes, I knew they had agreements, but I did not know what they consisted of.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
The truth is that it has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember to get to know other countries and their culture but I never thought I would have the opportunity.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, this is the first time I have left the country.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
The experience of getting to know another culture, another gastronomy and ways of living, including their languages, as well as being more independent.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
For its gastronomy, they offer the gastronomy course; also the curiosity to learn a new language.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
It was a feeling of disorientation as it implied arriving in a place where I could not communicate freely because of the language and assimilating that I would not be close to my loved ones for a while.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Excellent, both the staff and the students treated us with great warmth and curiosity about Mexican food.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
My family, friends and food.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
It has been to see the sights of Brazil and its gastronomy.
And the hardest part?
It is being away from my loved ones because in difficult moments I cannot lean on them in the same way.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
I hope to learn a new language, about the gastronomy of this country and to get to know myself.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Of course, it is an opportunity to learn both culturally and personally, it is not just a study trip but to enjoy and learn.
Thank you, UNI School of Culinary Arts!
Feb 3, 2023 | Study abroad
Sandra Marín, from Systemic Psychology in Brazil.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Yes, since I came in.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Since I entered I knew I wanted to apply to go on exchange, I wasn't sure if I would be accepted, but since I entered UNI I knew I wanted to apply.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Never
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
The experience, experiencing new things, testing myself to get out of my comfort zone, expanding my cultural knowledge, valuing what I have, growing personally.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I went to Brazil, and what made me choose it was that it was the one that caught my attention the most and I felt it had more tourist spots that I wanted to visit, to be specific, I wanted to go to the Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I felt excited, happy, content to be accomplishing something so important to me.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
They were very kind, although I did not receive the same treatment as the rest of the foreigners, since they arrived before the start dates and were given a tour of the city, which I and my UNI classmates did not receive, but they treated us very well and helped us and guided us as best they could.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
From UNI, I miss my teachers, the activities that were done and the curriculum, because in my classes in Brazil, they are different from what I was used to, but I passed them and I did well.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Traveling alone was something indescribable, extremely beautiful and I loved the experience.
And the hardest part?
Being alone is a feeling that I'm sure takes a lot of strength to deal with, but I'm happy with how I coped.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
As a person to do things by myself, to do things without procrastinating, to know how lucky I am and to take advantage of all the opportunities that will generate experience and happiness and professionally I hope it will give me many opportunities to be taken into account and with the right skills to fulfill my assignments.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Not only to my colleagues, I would recommend it to everyone, these are unique experiences that change you and make you stronger, allow you to know yourself, face challenges that in your comfort zone you would never have. I recommend it to everyone.
Feb 3, 2023 | Study abroad
María Fernanda Peña, Global Business, Hallym University, Korea.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
At the time I entered the university I did not know about the exchange programs.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
I started to apply since I entered the fifth semester, first of all, because I saw that the University of Celaya has an agreement with a university in South Korea, Hallym University, from there I started to look for what I needed to do to be able to go to study in that country, since the idea of studying there for a semester made me very excited, UNI guides and accompanies us to achieve it.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
For many years I have had a great interest in the country and its culture, so when I found out that there was an exchange program I was interested in participating.
How was the scholarship application process?
I started applying since my fifth semester for the scholarship and was not selected, so I approached the people who had already gone or were about to go to Hallym to ask them what I needed to improve in order to be able to go to South Korea to study for a semester.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
Being a country where the language and culture are completely different from what I know, I studied basic phrases and resumed language classes to be able to read and write in Korean. I also applied to another scholarship offered by the Uni, about online courses on social and cultural aspects of South Korea, with Hallym University, which helped me to know in advance important aspects to consider at the time of arrival, but above all keep an open mind to change and the different, just what excited me most about leaving was the challenge of living in a totally different country in language, culture, food, etc..
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was nervous about all the changes that were coming, but also very excited to get to know the country, new people, the culture, everything excited me.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
We were very well received, first they gave us a talk to reiterate important aspects and give us credentials and then they gave us a small tour of the university, they took pictures and explained to us the events they were going to have in Hallym to be aware and to be able to attend, as well as another more detailed tour to know the whole campus. Both the university staff and the students were very friendly at all times.
What did you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
What I missed most was my family and friends.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing is that every day was a new adventure, something to know, to try, new people and to be able to visit completely different places.
The hardest part was adjusting to the time difference to be able to talk to my family and friends.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
In short, this experience had an impact on me, both personally and at work. Being able to live abroad helped me to develop fundamental skills for life and work, such as the ability to adapt to new environments, to practice and perfect the English language at a conversational level and in this case to learn a new language which is Korean, to relate to all kinds of people, as well as to get to know another educational and work level different from what I have lived.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
I would tell them to enjoy every day to the fullest, to know and live new experiences, to go with a very open mind to everything that is to come, not to be afraid of change, to dare to do different things, to try all the typical food of the country, not to be embarrassed and open to meet and talk to everyone, to know how to manage and take care of their money but without depriving themselves of living or trying new things, not to put aside the study because we have the obligation to comply in academics.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience, learn as much as you can and have an amazing time.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
I recommend it one hundred percent, the Uni has agreements with excellent universities abroad, the scholarship program is a huge economic support, this program is made for us, so that we grow and develop as better people and better professionals, so I consider it a great opportunity that I hope all students can live and know how to take advantage of.
I am very grateful to Uni for choosing me to participate in the program last semester and very grateful to Hallym University in South Korea for welcoming us so well and making our stay in the country wonderful.
Jan 27, 2023 | Study abroad
Mariana Prado, from Artes Culinarias, in Medellín, Colombia.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Yes, in fact, it was the main reason why I decided to study my career at the Uni de Celaya.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
Practically since I was in my 3rd semester, although I already had the idea of leaving since I entered, I needed to apply as soon as I had 50% of my credits. I did it because I had always wanted to go on exchange and I thought I had nothing to lose by applying for the scholarship.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because of the affordability and I was already planning to visit Colombia, I just didn't have a specific date.
How was the scholarship application process?
For me it was full of mixed emotions, as some friends went to a different place than I did and I was anxious about leaving alone (with classmates I didn't know) but very happy to have the opportunity to leave.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
I didn't do much, students from past semesters who were in Medellin gave us some tips and I made a group with the classmates with whom I would go on exchange to be all on the same page and get to know each other a little before the semester started.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
It was an incredible feeling, that I was achieving what I had set out to do so long ago, that I was finally accomplishing a goal and living a dream.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
I was very well received, in general Colombians are very warm and friendly, so throughout the whole process I felt confident that, whenever I had a problem or needed something, I could go to the corresponding teachers without any problem.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
Definitely the food, my family and my colleagues.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing was meeting people from different countries and getting to know a little about how people live in their native countries. The most difficult part was getting used to the class material, since they were subjects that I did not have in my career.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
Definitely in my character and attitude, I think I grew a lot as a person because of everything I lived there and that helps me to see life in a different way, valuing absolutely everything, especially the present.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
They should try to live in the moment and let go of what they need to appreciate and live the experience in the best possible way.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
No doubt about it.
I am very grateful for the opportunity, it was without a second thought, the best experience I have had so far in college.
Jan 23, 2023 | Study abroad
Ian Villa, International Business, Hallym University, South Korea.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Since my entrance to UNI I was told about the international programs and also through the institutional mailing list I am made aware of the semester by semester programs.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Personally I have always had a more foreign-focused vision, one of my goals is to be able to continue to make an impact in the country I go to. So the answer is yes, I firmly believed that I could return to study in another country on behalf of UNI.
Also the international vision that my teachers have imparted to me in their classes along with the entrepreneurial vision of the University of Celaya to create leaders with global competencies.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
I finished my last year of high school in Japan. It was a wonderful experience that helped me grow, give me a new perspective on the world and is the reason why I am pursuing a degree in international business.
Living a new culture, trying different food, speaking and learning another language and creating beautiful friendships were some of the experiences and challenges I lived.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Experiencing a new culture, seeing and learning a different lifestyle, the use of different languages according to the country... The fact that there is a lot to learn from other countries motivates me to keep traveling and exploring, with this I hope to bring new ideas to our country.
But the part I love the most is being able to represent my country. Sharing my own culture, gastronomy, language, traditions. I am proud of my country and I love to share it abroad.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I have a great interest in Asian countries since my exchange to Japan and this program was another opportunity to learn about Asia and specifically the Republic of South Korea.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
In my experience, arriving in another country feels like changing the world, especially if it is Asia. The language is new, you don't really understand what is going on and a feeling of desperation is born in you to be able to communicate and understand.
I always recommend traveling with an open mind, especially when the customs and behaviors of the people are so different from ours. The food is also different from ours, the flavors and dishes are very different.
All these points may sound negative, but believe me they are the best part of an exchange. Once you understand the language, get to know the customs, taste the food and learn a different lifestyle your development in that country becomes easier and that is when you enjoy it. The exchange presents challenges but once you overcome them you feel proud of what you have achieved.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
With open arms, from the teachers, staff and students from South Korea. Like UNI, HALLYM University has an international vision and despite being far from my country I found a home in Korea.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
Mainly family, being far away prevents us from communicating frequently, missing national holidays such as Independence Day, Noche de Muertos, Christmas and New Year's Day does create a feeling of nostalgia.
From my country I missed the language, being able to express myself in my native tongue. The gastronomy and also my friends. From UNI, it would be my classmates and teachers, because I would have liked to live and share these experiences and learning with them.
What I will miss about South Korea is the safety on the streets, quality public transportation, quality medical services, and the services and entertainment that a first world country like South Korea offers.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
The list is long...
- Become an English tutor
- Explore beautiful cities such as Seoul and Busan.
- Learning a new culture
- Discover new dishes.
- Practicing the language
- Make friends from different parts of the world
- Sharing my culture
- Practice taekwondo, being the national sport of Korea.
- Running a marathon in Chuncheon with the Mexican flag on my shoulders.
- To be invited to the Mexican Embassy in Seoul during the national holidays.
- To receive recognition for my outstanding participation as a HALLYM student.
- To carry the name and values of UNI de Celaya with me.
And the hardest part?
Saying goodbye...
It is curious how in both exchanges that I have experienced, when you return to your destination you go with a feeling of excitement and at the same time sadness knowing that you are leaving behind your family, friends and a lifestyle you are used to.
As I mentioned before there are challenges that any exchange puts you through and they are not easy. There were days when I wanted to go home before the program was over... But once you overcome them you start to enjoy the exchange and that's when you wish it wouldn't end.
Saying "Goodbye" to friends you made, to a lifestyle you adapted to and to a new city you called home. It is sadder to say goodbye because you are closing a cycle. We know it won't be easy to meet all our exchange friends again in the near future, we know how far our country is from Korea... But at least I will keep exploring new countries, creating friendships and learning as much as I can.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
I want to work in my country's foreign relations in Asia, or in a foreign company and be the person who can make the connections with these people because I understand their culture, I understand their language and I can have a better approach with them and they with us.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Absolutely, it helps you to grow as an individual, to work in a team with people from different countries and points of view; to create a global vision and to get to know a new country.
All my life I will be grateful for this experience that motivates me to be a better person.
Jan 23, 2023 | Study abroad
Angel Carrillo, a student of Automotive Engineering and Lean Systems, won the international scholarship to study in Medellin, Colombia.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Yes, it was mentioned to us in the meeting that was held prior to the admission exam.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
No, I never imagined it.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, this is my first time outside of Mexico.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
To grow both professionally and personally.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Colombia has always been a very rich country culturally and very well known in Mexico, its natural wealth and the contact I had had in Mexico with Colombian people.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Very excited and eager to learn and learn as much as possible.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
From the beginning, UPB was concerned about my wellbeing and adaptation, and they also gave me a very close follow-up during my stay in Medellín.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
The food and my colleagues.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
To meet people from all over the world and learn a little bit about their culture.
And the hardest part?
Having to say goodbye to all my new friends from different countries will forever remain in my memories.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
To acquire skills and knowledge that will enhance my professional career and grow as a person in the cultural and social sphere.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Of course, I would recommend it to all my classmates at Uni, it is an unforgettable experience.
Thank you for the opportunity of this SCHOLARSHIP!
