Lisette Dianee studies Global Business and was awarded the international scholarship to study at the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Portugal.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, in fact, it was one of the many reasons why I entered the University of Celaya.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Being positive, I thought that someday I would make it; however, in the blink of an eye it happened.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Yes, but for a very short time, being a whole semester in another country and alone is a completely different experience that I really enjoyed.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
I was motivated to become more aware of my abilities to both adapt in a completely different environment, as well as communicate and work with different people.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Something very important about Portugal is that it has one of the main ports in Europe and because of my career I was interested in learning about trade and logistics, as well as cultural and economic exchange.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I felt a little scared and desperate because at first I couldn't communicate very well with people, but little by little I got used to it.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
I was very well received, they were always accompanying us along the way.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
My family, friends, the ease of communicating with professors and of course the food.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Every day that I live here for me is exciting, however, I consider that traveling and getting to know this country better has been a great experience.
And the hardest part?
The most difficult thing was adapting to the language, although it is similar to Spanish there are things that are not understood because of the fluency with which they speak it, and also adapting to a new work method.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
To learn a new language, to trust in myself, the abilities I have, to expand my vision of the world, to experience and enjoy new ways of life, as well as to travel and get to know different places.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Of course, these opportunities are worth gold, they help you grow both professionally and personally, they open up your panorama and change the perspective you have on different topics. Thanks to everyone who supported me in achieving this dream!
Claudia Daniela is studying Culinary Art and won the uni scholarship to study at Hallym University in South Korea.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, in fact it was one of the main reasons for me to stay at the university; it is impressive the connection with different countries and the ease of mobility that the university provides.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
It was a motivation from the beginning, I didn't know I would make it, but I always strived to be a candidate. So, when I found out that I made it, it was happiness and satisfaction at the same time.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, thanks to other projects I had the opportunity to participate in online programs in other countries and win a pass to be in Brazil, unfortunately the pandemic started and these plans were cancelled; so this being the first time makes it even more special.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
The simple fact of learning, I am an enthusiast for new cultures, to be able to have the experience of learning from another educational system, absorbing different perspectives on things, is something that filled me with enthusiasm.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Simply the culture, Mexican culture to Korean culture have many differences, thanks to social media you can visualize some, however, it was lake that I wanted to experience on my own and it was definitely an unforgettable experience.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
It was completely turning around what I was used to, completely leaving my comfort zone, learning from scratch manners to adapt to the customs and society, understanding the way of dressing and even changing the taste of the foods I was used to, as well as adding to my diet foods that were not so common before, all these changes made me feel lost at the beginning, but as the days went by, the experience became fascinating and a lot of learning.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
I was surprised by the kindness and speed of all the staff, from our first days the managers were very attentive to all our requirements, as well as they were always alert in case we had any problem with in my case the blocking of my bank cards and my email.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
Of course, in addition to the food I was used to, the feeling of warmth of all the people around you, whether you know them or not, as well as having people related to your career with similar knowledge to share and develop, specifically in my case, in the gastronomic subject, although I can have interesting conversations with people about gastronomy, there are related concepts and terms that are not so easy to explain or understand.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
I consider that every day I spend here is exciting, Korea is a country full of surprises, the simple fact of being able to cross the country in one day just with your cell phone in your hand and your "T money card", or eating food that you had never thought of, even being a tourist one day and the next day becoming a climber, thanks to everything that this country has, makes this trip an adventure.
And the hardest part?
Of course loneliness, although it has wonderful things, it is true that it is a very individualistic country and, that is, coming from a country as sociable as Mexico, the change is noticeable, because each person here concentrates on his or her own affairs.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
I am sure that so far I have broadened my mind and my perspective of what awaits me in the world, my hunger to explore and develop more of my skills grew, as well as my social skills in other languages, the fact of going out of your comfort zone gives you a very vast learning experience.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Yes, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity that is difficult to obtain by other means, so if you are ready and have the opportunity; it is best to take it as soon as possible. Thanks to all who supported me in this great adventure!
In an institutional event with special guests representing the Government of the State of Guanajuato, the municipal government of Celaya, business associations and Higher Education Institutions (HEI), the University of Celaya officially launched the call for the Unichallenge contest in its 2022 edition to challenge the creativity and innovation of the people of Guanajuato to come up with an event that will boost the economic and social reactivation of Celaya.
Since 2018, every year the University of Celaya launches the call for the Unichallenge whose axis is to analyze a specific local problem to which university students, together with expert mentors, offer tailored solutions.
Those who accept the challenge must organize their team composed of a maximum of 5 members: on the one hand, 4 university students (maximum 2 from the same IES); and, on the other hand, an expert mentor (teacher or graduate of one of the institutions in which the students participate), with the requirement of having the accompaniment of a mentor or organization from the public or private sector specialized in event organization (without him or her being part of the team). There will be cash prizes for the first 3 places. The call for entries is open from August 9th until August 31st of the same month of the current year. Get to know the phases of the contest and accept the challenge. Check the terms and conditions here!
From its first edition to date, the challenges for the participants of the contest have been diverse: the responsible use and consumption of water, the positioning of Celaya's cajeta at a national level, the strengthening of the sense of identity of being from Celaya, to name a few. The important thing about the challenge is to engage young people in the solution of real problems so that they get involved, raise awareness, act and also learn from the talent of teachers, mentors and/or specialized organizations.
Our institution is very grateful to have the support and collaboration for the Unichallenge initiative to continue to be a reality thanks to the synergy that has been generated between society, government, companies and higher education institutions of important presence in Celaya and the state of Guanajuato, in order to contribute to the proactive solution of the great global challenges of the local and regional level, for the benefit of the youth of Guanajuato and the common good.
Bianca Sofia studies Communication and Audiovisual Media and completed an academic stay at the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda in Portugal thanks to the Uni international scholarships.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, it was one of the reasons I chose UNI.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
It was one of my goals from the beginning, but I didn't think it would be so easy and so soon.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico? Yes
What motivated you to study in another country? To be able to meet and have friends from different countries, to get to know another culture and to represent my country.
Why did you decide to study in that country? Because it would be a country that would take me out of my comfort zone because of the language, but at the same level it would be a bit easy because of my mother tongue. Also because of Portugal's location it is easy to get to know other countries.
What did you feel when you arrived in the new country? I felt a lot of fear, but at the same time a lot of excitement for the challenge it would be.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived? Very well, they always made me feel welcome and I felt the support of others.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI? My family, my friends and the food.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? Having a group of friends from different countries, getting to know their culture and being able to travel together.
And the hardest part? At the beginning, it was very complicated to take classes in another language.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience? Having this experience will help me in my personal growth and strengths to start my working life, being able to work in multicultural teams adds confidence in myself.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues? Of course I do, they are opportunities that we should not miss, thank you for your support!
Joana, de Ingeniería Biomédica, obtuvo la beca internacional Uni para estudiar en Oviedo, España.
When you entered UNI did you know there were international programs?
Sí, cuando fui a conocer la UNI me comentaron que existían estos programas y que tenía varios convenios con distintas universidades de otros países.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Sí, era uno de mis objetivos, aunque no tenía claro a donde, ni en que semestre; pero al conocer las experiencias de mis compañeros me interesó mucho más, y trabajé para lograrlo.
¿Ya habías vivido o estudiado fuera de México? No, solo de vacaciones.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Principalmente el hecho de que esta experiencia podría ayudarme a mi crecimiento profesional y personal; y además de conocer nuevos lugares, culturas, tradiciones y personas.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Porque fue uno de los primeros lugares que se abrieron después de la pandemia y me interesó mucho conocer España y lo que podría aportar a mi carrera.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Fueron muchos sentimientos, felicidad, nervios, miedo, orgullo, emoción, realmente era algo completamente nuevo, estaba en un nuevo país por primera vez separada de mi familia y amigos; conociendo sólo a mis tres compañeros; sin saber que esperar, pero con toda la actitud de salir adelante y cumplir con mis objetivos. Fue realmente emocionante.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Los administrativos fueron los primeros en recibirnos, son muy amables y nos ayudaron en todos los trámites. Los profesores fueron igualmente muy amables y atentos; pero equitativos, es decir no hubo ningún trato especial o diferente por ser estudiantes de intercambio.
En cuanto a mis compañeros, fue un poco complicado integrarme al inicio, pero algunos se acercaron a nosotros y poco a poco comenzamos a trabajar con ellos. Fue una experiencia muy agradable.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
Lo que más extraño de México sin duda alguna es mi Familia y amigos, la comida, las fiestas y tradiciones; porque realmente la cultura de México y España son muy diferentes. En cuanto a la UNI, a mis compañeros con los que he convivido estos dos años y medio, mis profesores y sobre todo mis prácticas profesionales.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Cada día ha sido muy emocionante, pienso que seis meses no son suficientes para terminar de conocer una ciudad como Oviedo, entonces, cada día era una nueva aventura; además conocer nuevas personas también es muy emocionante. Otra cosa que resaltar, es la oportunidad que tuvimos de viajar dentro de Europa, visitar Paris, Inglaterra e Italia.
And the hardest part?
Diría que acoplarme a la Universidad de Oviedo, primeramente, el sistema es muy diferente; además la cultura de estudiante cambia demasiado. Un punto importante es que estoy en el grado de Biotecnología y tratar de acoplarse a un nuevo sistema en una carrera de la que no se sabe mucho es muy complicado.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
Como persona, pienso que la experiencia de vivir sola, enfrentarme día a día con situaciones complicadas o frustrantes y aprender a controlar mis emociones, a administrarme, organizarme y otros aspectos que he logrado trabajar me ayudarán a crecer para bien.
Profesionalmente, considero que todo lo aprendido puedo aplicarlo en mi vida estudiantil, si bien, biotecnología no es mi carrera; todas esas estrategias de estudio y el sistema que usan aquí, sus métodos de trabajo, entre otras herramientas podría utilizarlas en lo que resta de mis estudios. Además de poder agregar a mi currículo el estudio en el extranjero.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by UNI to your colleagues?
Totalmente, si tienen la oportunidad de hacerlo deberían de aprovecharlo, tiene demasiadas ventajas en lo personal y profesional; sin duda es de las mejores experiencias que he tenido. ¡Gracias a mi familia y todos lo que me han apoyado!
Antonio Merino, de Comunicación y Medios Audiovisuales, obtuvo la beca internacional para estudiar en la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana en Medellín, Colombia.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Fue una de mis motivaciones principales, el intercambio siempre fue un ideal.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Sabía que estaría buscando oportunidades para ser un profesional apto para esta beca.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Cuando era niño estudié la primaria en Estados Unidos.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
El aporte que hace a mi carrera, los contactos y las vivencias que día con día se obtienen.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Estaba de vuelta de Europa; Sudamerica me parecía muy interesante, sobre todo Medellín.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Emoción y un gran aliento por descubrir todo lo que este territorio tenía para ofrecerme.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Ha sido muy acogedora, me encantó todo: los cursos, las clases, mis compañeros.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
Poder entrenar con mi equipo de atletismo.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Conocer el país con mis amigos.
And the hardest part?
Que no hay comida que se parezca a la de casa.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
Quiero que esta experiencia sume a uno de mis sueños para mi último grado; quiero ser el orador en mi ceremonia de grado, por eso creo que es importante que este registro y buen resultado haya sido tan bonito.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
La suerte está creada para las personas que están preparadas desde antes que se ofrezca la oportunidad. Todos deberían tener esa suerte, trabajar por ello. Les va a encantar.
He realizado un trabajo final que estará participando en el final del curso cómo mejor trabajo de semestre. Le adjunto el link:
Mikel Guerrero is studying Global Business and won an international scholarship to study in Oviedo, Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, one of the reasons I decided to study at Uni was because of its international programs.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Yes, one of my main goals in my career was to study a semester outside of Mexico, it is not easy, but with dedication and effort you can achieve it.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Yes, I had the opportunity to do a year of high school in Canada.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
I think what drives me to study in another country is to get out of my comfort zone and routine, to fill myself with knowledge and experiences, as well as to get to know different cultures and environments. Other main reasons are personal and professional growth.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I decided to study in Spain because I really like its culture and the activities you can do.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I felt very happy and motivated to get to know the culture and people.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
The University of Lleida received us in a very special way, giving us advice before our arrival as well as integration courses before the beginning of the school year. I am very grateful for their attentions to students from abroad.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
One of the things I miss is my family, friends and tacos.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
The most exciting things I have experienced are the different trips I have been able to do in Europe, the outdoor sports. Also making friends from different countries opens your vision and you get to know different cultures.
And the hardest part?
I believe the school evaluation system is different from that of Mexico.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
To continue developing different skills and abilities to apply them in my daily life as well as in my professional life since I am about to graduate.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by UNI to your colleagues?
Of course, I recommend and encourage my classmates to apply for all the scholarships offered by the university and set the goal of living an experience abroad. It is a great opportunity for them to get out of their comfort zone.
I am infinitely grateful for the support of my parents, the Internationalization Department, my academic director Alejandro Saldaña and everyone at UNI de Celaya.... THANK YOU!
Clarissa Fernanda is studying Global Business and won an international scholarship to study for a semester in Medellin, Colombia.
When you entered UNI did you know there were international programs?
Yes
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
It was always something I wanted to do, but after pandemic and other personal reasons I had already discarded the possibility of being able to do it.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, never.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Experimenting, getting out of my comfort zone, getting to know and taking advantage of all the opportunities and learning I could get from this great experience.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Nothing specific, however, I knew that Colombia is a place that would not make me miss my country so much and that the people would be very friendly.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
A lot of nerves and a little bit of fear, but at the same time a lot of excitement because I knew it would all be worth it.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Incredible, both the university and the professors and students helped me a lot in the whole process of adaptation.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
The food, and most of all having my family, friends, teachers, etc., to share with me.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Meeting so many people from different countries, seeing spectacular places, having such prepared teachers and having made such strong bonds with incredible people.
And the hardest part?
Adapting and having to learn to do things on my own and face the different situations and difficulties I went through away from my family, friends and what I had always been used to.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
Knowing how to take advantage of my strengths and take them to my personal and professional development, as well as opening my expectations and knowing how to direct them in the best way for my future and my community.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by UNI to your colleagues?
Totally, it is an opportunity that they have to take advantage of.
It is an experience that I thought I would not be able to achieve due to different situations, however, thanks to my family and the University of Celaya I was able to do it and it is something I will always be grateful for.
Paola Hernández, from Systemic Psychology, was one of the winning students of the Uni International Scholarship that allowed her to study for a semester in Oviedo, Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, I had already heard about it in my interview with my career director (teacher Myriam).
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Studying abroad was something I had in mind, but living for 6 months outside of Mexico was not planned, less so because of the pandemic issues and things related to Covid.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Yes, but not for that long.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
To get to know new cultures, to let others know more about mine, to be able to represent UNI as a student, Celaya as my city, Guanajuato as my state or Mexico as a country in any aspect.
It motivates me a lot to have new challenges in different stages of my life, because of course it has been a challenge to get out of my comfort zone completely, but in part it has helped me a lot (which is also something that motivates me) in my personal and school growth.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
First of all, it was because after the confinement, it was the first face-to-face scholarship that was available for my career, plus Spain had always been a country I had always wanted to travel to.
Another reason, is that I liked the idea of knowing how they teach psychology from a different country, how the classes are taught, what differences there are and what things could be applied to improve the teaching.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
A lot of excitement to be honest and at the same time the fear or uncertainty that comes when you start something new, but above all happiness, and why not? I was in Spain, on the other side of the world, by myself (meaning no family or friends nearby) because of course I was with Diana, Emilio and Joana (but I didn't know them yet) hahaha.
I felt grateful to my parents because they gave me the opportunity that not everyone has, to go to another country, to get to know it, to be able to study in a foreign university, to be able to say "I will go to Spain for 6 months".
I felt like I was starting a new adventure and I was ready for whatever was to come.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Very good, the truth is that they are very kind, they are very inclusive people with everyone, at no time I lacked instruction to perform the activities or high or low subjects to give an example.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
I think that from Mexico my family, DEFINITELY the food, the people I live with in my day to day life, my work, my children at work, the parties that are celebrated in Mexico and not in Spain.
At UNI I will miss my friends, classmates and teachers who have been a part of my life for the last 2 years or so, the way they do their work, exams and homework.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
EVERYTHING has been like an experience every day. I think everything is exciting, from arriving at the hall and not knowing anyone, arriving with the landlady and seeing her for the first time, the first fight with the roomies, the way the school works has been interesting.
Of course, going out and seeing places near and far from Oviedo has also been interesting.
Creating new friendships during all this time has been something very nice, being able to say that you have Chilean, Italian, Ecuadorian friends and even meet Mexicans that you would never have met otherwise.
And the hardest part?
The most difficult thing I feel has been to become partially independent, since my parents support me financially, but to take care of that money, to know how to distribute it according to personal needs and expenses.
Adapting to the way teachers and students work, since the way classes are taught and work in teams is very different.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
-Personally I hope it will help me to improve my organization, that it will make me feel the responsibility that comes with not being with our parents and not having someone who is supporting us first hand, also a personal growth should come out of this experience that will completely turn my life around for 6 months.
-Professionally, I think you can learn a lot about the differences of working in this country, the opportunities that I can have, as well as find contacts that can help me to get those opportunities.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
-I really liked my experience, I would highly recommend an exchange if you have the opportunity and resources, because you have to keep in mind that not everything is as easy as arriving and seeing what happens.
Personally, it is an experience that everyone should have at least once during their college life because it is also a great glimpse into the adult life that awaits us after graduation, so I highly recommend it.
I would like to thank my career director, Ms. Miryam Centeno, who supported me throughout this process, and the Director of Internationalization, Ms. Gaby Gonzalez, for her support and guidance. And above all to my parents who gave me this opportunity that not everyone has.
