Ivonne Sánchez de la Barquera Vendrell, Digital Design student, tells us about her experience with the Uni Scholarship in Medellín, Colombia.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, it was one of the things that motivated me to enter college.
Did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Yes, I had thought about it, but I didn't think I would do it so soon.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, this is the first time.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Getting to know new cultures and traditions, what the society of South American countries is like, and knowing what my career is like in other places, in order to expand my knowledge.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because I had already been told positively about Colombia, its culture, people, biodiversity and education; since the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana de Medellin (which is the university where I arrived) is one of the best in that country and in Latin America, with a high level of education and very well prepared teachers.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
At first everything is very strange, because you have to get used to the change of currency, the streets and lifestyles: as some customs and I felt a little disoriented. But at the same time I was happy, because stepping on another part of the world different from yours, being in a place you do not know and knowing that you have a lot to learn from that country, was very exciting for me.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Very good, really. Sarah, who is in charge of internationalization, and her team were always looking after the exchange students and organized excursions and events for us. Also, all the teachers always welcomed me in a good way and supported me and helped me when I needed it, as well as my classmates, all of them were very kind.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
To my parents, but also, definitely to the food, there are no flavors like those of Mexico.
What about the Uni?
Everything. My professors, who always support me and with whom I have good communication, my classmates, the cheerleading team of which I am a part, and the university spirit that is lived at Uni with all the activities they do.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Meeting new people, both from Colombia and from other countries around the world, since we share our customs and lifestyles, we learn other languages and beliefs and they are people with whom we share unique experiences. Also to be able to travel and get to know new places and different from my country, since Colombia is very beautiful and has a great biodiversity.
And the hardest part?
Being far away from the people I love, some cultural shocks and living alone, because you have to learn to be self-sufficient. Because living alone in your country and being independent is different than being abroad, because here you don't have someone close to you to turn to if something happens to you or you need something and everything depends on you.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
To expand my knowledge in the design area, learn to work under different circumstances than the ones I am used to and generate professional links that will help me in my future as an entrepreneur; as well as to be more responsible and independent, more autonomous and easier for me to solve problems and overcome challenges by being out of my comfort zone.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Of course it is, as long as it is something planned in advance and it is part of a life project. If so, I think it is an opportunity that should not be missed and that everyone should try it at least once in their life; it is a unique and totally enriching experience, from which you learn a lot and grow professionally as well as personally, and that, in addition, you enjoy and have fun in the process.