Abel López Robles of the Bachelor's Degree in Law, obtained in 2017 a scholarship to study at the Universidad Mayor de Chile, Campus Santiago.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, it is one of the most noticeable things or one of the first things you learn about when you enter the University, which has several international programs.
Did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
The truth is yes, since I entered the University I set as one of my goals to study abroad when the time was right.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, never, this is the first time I leave Mexico.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
I felt that as a person and a student it was an opportunity that I needed and should take advantage of to expand my horizons and grow both academically and personally.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
If I am honest, my first choice was Spain, but for certain reasons beyond the University's control, this stay could not materialize, although, thanks to the support of the University, it was not possible. thanksto the support of the University, I did not give up and decided to study in Chile I did not give up and decided to study in Chile because it seemed the most interesting country for me and for my career.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I felt a mixture of fear and excitement, it is very interesting to know that you are going to meet a new culture and new people, but at the same time it is scary to distance yourself from everything you know and what you are used to.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Simply wonderful, the external relations staff is the most attentive and friendly with students and support you in everything and, although the university itself has a slightly different system to what I am used to, any doubt or problem that I have had, they have helped me quickly and very attentive.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
My family, my friends and Mexican food.
What about the Uni?
My peers and at least, in my case, the evaluation system and the Licensors to whom I am already accustomed.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
The academic trips that the University organizes are all very fun and exciting, getting to know places in Chile and its culture seems to me something that one must do, even if it is just a little bit.
And the hardest part?
The reality and what it means to live on your own and far away from everyone I know, it is not easy to complement your studies with the obligations at home or daily life that being here you have to see everything by yourself.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
Being here I have been able to see a whole different system than in Mexico, as a professional is to open my borders and have a broader view of what the world is, as a person it allows me to grow and mature since being here I only have time to reflect and learn both what my teachers have to teach as well as the Chilean society itself.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Yes, it is a scary experience that has both good and bad points, but what you get and take away from leaving your world and getting to know a bigger one is priceless, what stays with you is something very important both as a student and as a person.