Our student David Velázquez, from the Communication and Audiovisual Media degree program, shares with us the experience he lived during his stay at the University of Oviedo, Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
I was unaware of the internationalization programs until before entering the career, it was in my first semester when we were introduced to the internationalization opportunities offered by UNI.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
The possibility crossed my mind when I first heard about the experiences of the students who traveled before me, but frankly it seemed like a distant dream.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, this is the first time I am out of the country.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
The curiosity to know something new, to continue my studies using another approach, to meet new people and cultures; to be able to travel the continent aboard a train and to add tools and possibilities in my development while I know.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Choosing the country was not difficult, I had always wanted to know Spain and travel around Europe. The hard part was choosing a university since there were 3 universities offered for CMA; in the end Oviedo was my first choice because of the academic program offered, and fortunately I was accepted.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
At first I couldn't believe it, everything was so new, but I was excited.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
They gave me a warm welcome, when I arrived in Oviedo, the university brings you closer to the Erasmus (which is an EU student exchange program), they made sure to make me feel welcome, they also do a lot of activities so you can socialize with other exchange students.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
I miss my family, my friends, my teachers, and also how easy the exams were there (believe me, they are much harder here).
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
I can say that the greatest emotion has been falling in love and living with my partner, but I also find great satisfaction in having directed my studies in another current of thought. I had the opportunity to study within the Faculty of Philosophy and take a semester of Art History and Music. I really loved taking these classes, I think this will help strengthen the pillars of my professional and personal future.
And the hardest part?
You could say it was the Covid, isolation in a foreign country is hard. Besides, it was not a very good idea for me to take subjects in the last semesters of a different career than mine.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
As a person I think it has already changed me, leaving your country and seeing things from outside, listening to other cultures and exchanging ideas really changes your perspective. Professionally it also helped me to find new perspectives, I hope this can lead me to a better professional development.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Totally, I believe and hope that all UNI students (or at least most of them) can have this kind of experience. I recommend you to be aware of the different calls for internationalization and do your best to meet the requirements. I was irregular, and yes, it was difficult, but in the end it was worth it.
Thank you very much for this great opportunity!
