Velia Yaloan from Digital Design did a semester at Hallym University, South Korea.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
No
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
In 5th semester because a friend had gone on exchange and recommended him.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because he was the most different in terms of culture and the most distanced with language barriers and he wanted to test me.
How was the scholarship application process?
Simple, but I had to apply 3 semesters to earn it.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
I was asking my friend what her challenges and suggestions were so I could leave with an idea of what I was going to face.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Excitement and fear, it was a mixture of feelings since it was my first time outside of Mexico and it was a very different place from what I was used to.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Very good, the teachers were always very attentive and answered any questions.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
From Mexico the food and my family, from UNI my friends and teachers.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing is that you encounter a completely different world, meet people from all over the world and go on unexpected journeys.
The most difficult thing is the feeling of being alone even though you are surrounded by people because you know that your family is missing, the most difficult thing is getting sick and not having the same support as in Mexico because of the language barrier.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
It helped me get out of my comfort zone, meet a lot of people and make a lot of connections, and lose my fear of speaking English.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
Don't be afraid to talk, make lots of friends and pack light, you can find everything in the other country and then it will be very difficult to make the suitcases close.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Yes, it is an unforgettable experience. It makes you mature and see the world and its opportunities from a completely different perspective.