Michelle Gonzalez of the Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition obtained the international scholarship to study at the Universidad Mayor de Chile.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Yes, since I entered high school I knew that there were many opportunities for international programs for both high school and undergraduate students, this fact was one of the main reasons why I decided to continue my career at Uni.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
Honestly it was not my intention to apply for the scholarship, all my life I had wanted to see the world and travel but I never thought of doing it while continuing my studies, much less in a country in my own continent but I decided to do it because I wanted to expand my horizons and get out of my comfort zone. I must admit that it took me by surprise and I was in shock for several months because I applied only once to the call and I won the opportunity to study in another country, I felt very lucky and happy.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
I had never been outside of Mexico in my life, this was the first time I left the country and the first time I traveled alone, it really makes you get to know yourself a lot as a person, the whole process of studying and living outside of your country.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
I have always loved learning about different cultures around the world and was excited about the idea of living with people from different countries, I had friendships with people of other nationalities before but had never really met anyone in person so this exchange helped me a lot to connect with different personalities and ways of thinking.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I have always liked Chile and have felt an enormous closeness to the country, many of my favorite artists or musicians are from there, I liked the climate and its variety of ecosystems.
Besides seeing in videos the perception of Chilean people about Mexico and how they express themselves about us, that seemed to me a very nice reaction that I had to experience on my own.
How was the scholarship application process?
Through the institutional mail we are informed every semester of the calls open to undergraduate students, you can approach the Department of Internationalization or send an email if you require more detailed information or how to apply, for all this we fill out a form and in a couple of weeks we let know the winners of the scholarships.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
It is a very personal process because you have to prepare yourself to live alone in a new country, fill yourself with a lot of courage and desire to learn and discover the world. Although you have to do a great variety of paperwork and movements to go to the destination country, I feel that this was not as big as preparing yourself as a person to get ahead and enjoy this opportunity.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was very scared and anxious, I had never faced such a situation before. Everything was new and different: the way of speaking, the weather, the people, the food. Fortunately my family was always there for me and they helped me to cope with the situation and encouraged me to get through it.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Everyone was more than kind, they were always attentive to each one of the students and tried to take care of any situation or inconvenience that arose, I am very grateful to the entire internationalization team because they really made us feel safe and solved our doubts.
What did you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
I really believe that what you miss the most when you leave your country is the food, your family and your friends.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
I had the opportunity to see many amazing places that I never thought I would see in my life, I was able to travel to Argentina and Peru, I saw snow for the first time and I got to know the cold beaches of central Chile. I also met many new people and made friends who are now my family.
And the hardest part?
Learning to live with almost 40 students because I lived in a dorm, taking me alone to my headquarters which was almost 1:30 hours away by Metro and bus, and not being able to see my family or spend my birthday with them.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
I learned how I can work in my field in another country, I got to know a different educational system and I got out of my comfort zone in a way that helped me to know myself better and recognize all that I can achieve.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
Enjoy every moment of your stay from the day you arrive, do not be afraid of what may happen on the other side of the world, go out and learn because this experience will always be yours and the lessons you will learn will last a lifetime. Lots of encouragement and success!
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
I highly recommend this experience, if you have the possibility to go on exchange, do not think twice. It is the best decision and a unique experience that our university offers us.