Luz Sofía Mares from Architecture obtained an international scholarship to study at the Universidad Mayor in Chile.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Yes, I knew that the Uni had several programs to study abroad.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
It was something I wanted to do at least once, I had already set my mind to it.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Yes, I once received a scholarship to study English in Canada.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
I was always interested in learning about other cultures, ways of thinking and living, I wanted to know what is beyond what I usually know. How are the classes, the schools, the teachers and the student community.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I had been told that I had a very good academic level and also with respect to the career of Architecture and I have verified it.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
At first I was afraid to be alone and start everything new because I didn't know anyone or anything, but then I became curious to experiment and live together more.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
I was given an induction day where I met the student community, the school and also other exchange students. That's how I started to get to know those who are now my friends.
What do you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
I missed the food, the warmth of the Mexican people, the cordiality and friendliness of the people and the patriotic events. From Uni I missed the attention they pay to their students, that any process is solved quickly and that I can express doubts without having to go several times. And of course, my teachers. Also the discipline and punctuality.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Living alone, proving to me that I am able to adapt very well to new experiences, to start from scratch in terms of my routine, my lifestyle, social relationships and school. It helped me grow in all aspects.
And the hardest part?
The most difficult thing would be the same as I said before, school has its degree of difficulty, but it was the least of my problems, really adapting and starting from scratch was the most difficult and exciting at the same time because I was exposed to continuous changes and nothing was established, that is to say; every situation that was presented to me I had never lived before, so I had to know how to face it at the moment.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
This stay helped me to think beyond, I changed my way of thinking in every aspect of my life, I started the change in what I would like to become and know that after this I can be prepared to take important steps such as working and finishing school, losing the fear to try whatever I propose.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Of course, it is a very enriching experience and it changes you as a person; therefore, as a student and a professional.
Thanks for the opportunity!
ARQ. Luz Sofia Mares Aguilar.