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.