Mónica Hernández López of Nutrition at the Faculty of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Lleida, Spain.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Yes, it was the reason I chose to stay at this university.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
Since I entered college I had this goal in mind, because I think that studying abroad totally changes your perspective on life, so I wanted to live that experience.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I am in love with the Mediterranean culture and Spain was the choice for my career. Besides the fact that it is a place that always caught my attention because there are many ties that unite Mexico and Spain.
How was the scholarship application process?
Everything was very clear, it was just a matter of fulfilling the requirements and following the process once you were admitted.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
I talked to students who had already had this experience in previous years and I was very organized with the times and things I needed for the trip.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was very excited about what I was about to experience. A little nervous, because it would be an unknown world, but I was sure that everything was going to go very well.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
We had 2 weeks to get to know the other exchange students from other countries, and to get to know the Catalan language a little bit.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
My family, friends, the food made by my mom, and from UNI the evaluation system and closeness with the professors.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing: living together and making friends from so many countries, different cultures, discovering new cities. And the most difficult thing was to adapt to a different rhythm in the classes and the evaluation system.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
On a personal level, it gave me much more self-confidence and I developed many interpersonal skills. On a professional level, it allowed me to get to know the healthcare system in another country and many tools and contacts that will be of great help in the future.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
They should enjoy every moment to the fullest, make many friends and allow themselves to experience the culture of the place they are visiting in an authentic way.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Absolutely, it's a life-changing experience.