Our student winner of the UNI-INTERNACIONAL SCHOLARSHIP, Cinthya Araceli Calva from the Marketing and Advertising career, shares her experience of living an international semester at the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, it was one of the reasons why I entered the Uni.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
The truth is that since I was in high school I had already planned to go to study in another country for a semester or a year but my parents were not very convinced, it was until I was already in my career that they told me that I would apply for the call.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, never.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Well, there were many things, first I wanted to learn more about my career but in another country to see if they were more advanced and to be able to learn new things in another university, then to meet new people, make friends from all over the world, learn about the culture of the country and travel.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because I love Spain, it is a beautiful country that has a lot to offer, very nice people, the lifestyle is very good, its gastronomy, many beautiful places where you can go.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
At first I was scared and nervous but also very excited, I think all of us who have gone to study in another country for the first time when we arrive to that country feel very nervous about what will happen, you are there, alone at the airport and thousands of miles away from home and there you realize that the adventure begins because you are completely alone and at the same time you feel very excited to know what the future has in store for you, I was anxious to meet the people who for the next 6 months would be my best friends and my family away from home.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Very good, the people were very nice, only the students were not as warm with the exchange people as we are here in Mexico.
What did you miss most about Mexico?
My family, my boyfriend, my friends, my dog, the food and the spicy food, I love spicy food and it was horrible because they eat with zero spicy food.
What about the Uni?
To my friends.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced?
Without a doubt, having met and made friends from many parts of the world, living with them every day, making many plans with them such as picnics at the Parque del Retiro, going to parties, going for a tinto de verano, and going on many trips together. Without a doubt, meeting them was the best part of this experience.
And the hardest part?
Being away from my family and my boyfriend and also learning to live alone because, for example, sometimes I would arrive home from college at 11:00 p.m. and I still had to prepare dinner, do homework and wash clothes, so sometimes it was very hard, but with time I got used to it.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
It has taught me so many things, not only in school, but more than anything in life it taught me that you can go as far as you want to go and to always fight for your dreams, it is definitely worth it.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Totally, going on an exchange is one of the best things that can happen to you as a person and above all as a professional. Thank you for this great opportunity!
