Gerardo Ernesto, an Industrial Engineering student, was awarded the Uni scholarship for a semester at the University of Oviedo in Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
- Yes, when I entered the Uni we were told about the possible opportunities and options of programs abroad and it was one of the reasons why I chose this university and my career.
Did you think you would go live and study abroad in your first semester?
- I didn't think I would have the opportunity to have this experience the first time I applied for the scholarship.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
- No, it was my first time living and studying in another country for a longer period of time, I had already had the opportunity to be in Canada in a program of the same Uni but for a much shorter period of time.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
- I was motivated by several things, the main ones were to try to get out of my comfort zone, learn new things, grow as a person, achieve all my goals and take advantage of every moment of this great experience.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
- Since the beginning of my career, the option I liked the most was Spain, I wanted to get to know a new culture, live and learn many things in a new continent totally different from ours.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
- Obviously the first few days you feel nervous, uncertain and excited about what was to come, but little by little you adapt to life in this country and you feel proud of what you have achieved and obviously feel the great responsibility you have with yourself and your family.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
- We were received in a very friendly manner, they provided us with various things and information and from the first moment they made us feel supported and at home.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
- Personally, what I missed most about Mexico was my family, my girlfriend and my friends, but I also miss and value many things about our country, such as the food, the way of being of the people, the culture, etc.
What about the Uni?
- From Uni I mainly missed my class (my friends), the system we work with and the professors who give us their support and teachings day by day.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
- The best experience I have had is traveling around Europe, getting to know many places and meeting people, from whom you learn different things that will serve you in life.
And the hardest part?
- Obviously difficulties always arise, but the most difficult thing I went through was the difficulties we had at the beginning in terms of adaptation and finding a place to live, since we had certain problems, but I was solving them in a certain way and these experiences serve you in a positive way later on.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
- This program has given me new skills and abilities to perform in the professional field in a better way and on the personal side I hope to have improved as a person, to be more courageous and to realize that any goal is achievable if you set your mind to achieve it.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
- Obviously yes, 100% recommendable, I think that it would serve anyone in a positive way to have the opportunity to live an experience like this, and it would give them a plus in the professional field and above all in the personal field. Thank you very much for this great opportunity.