It is an opportunity they must seize

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.

I liked the idea of knowing how to teach psychology from a different country.

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.

Es una experiencia que se debe vivir

Diana Jimena de Ingeniería Biomédica, nos cuenta su experiencia con la beca internacional Uni que la llevó a estudiar hastra Oviedo, España.

When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?

Sí, fue una de las razones por las quise entrar a la UNI.

When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?

No, ya que lo veía un poco complicado por la carrera que elegí.

Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?

No

What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?

Tener una perspectiva más amplia tanto del modelo educativo como de la cultura.

Why did you decide to study in that country?

Es un lugar que siempre había querido conocer y al ver que se había abierto esa beca decidí meterla.

How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?

Sentí mucha emoción y miedo a la vez, porque era algo totalmente nuevo para mí.

How have you been received at the university where you arrived?

Me recibieron bien, nos dieron todos los detalles necesarios para nuestro intercambio y hubo apoyo al cambiar de materia.

What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?

Lo que más extraño de México es a mi familia y la comida, de la UNI extraño a mis amigos, maestros y la forma en la que se enseña allá.

What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?

Lo más emocionante fue que pude conocer mucho sobre las diferencias entre ambos países, también el poder conocer países nuevos y comida totalmente diferente.

And the hardest part?

Lo más difícil para mi fue adaptarme al modelo educativo que se tiene en España porque en lo personal creo que es de mucha exigencia y también influyó el hecho de que era una carrera diferente a la mía y las bases de las materias que tomé no las tenía y eso se me complicó bastante.

What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?

Lo que espero de la experiencia es ser más responsable en mis estudios y en general en mi vida diaria, también crecer como persona y hasta cierto grado ser más independiente.

Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?

Si, lo recomiendo ampliamente porque es una experiencia que se debe vivir.

¡Gracias UNI por darme esta oportunidad!

Agradezco a mi UNI de Celaya por haberme brindado esta oportunidad.

Emilio Patiño estudia Ingeniería Biomédica y obtuvo la beca internacional Uni para estudiar en Ovideo, España.

When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?

Sí, como estuve desde la prepa UNI era consciente de las oportunidades que ofrecía la Universidad de Celaya.

When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?

Era algo que quería y me llamaba mucho la atención, aunque por pandemia y todo lo que implicó mi esperanza era poca.

Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?

Sí, en secundaria tuve una oportunidad de estudiar en Canadá unas semanas.

What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?

Conocer más lugares, más gente y el desarrollo personal y profesional.

Why did you decide to study in that country?

Porque era la única beca para mi carrera.

How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?

Mucha emoción e ilusión porque era mi primera vez en otro continente por lo que todo era nuevo.

How have you been received at the university where you arrived?

Todo normal, fueron amables y respondieron las dudas que tenía.

What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?

Lo que más extraño es la comida y mi familia. Y de la Uni extraño las clases ya que las que tomamos acá no están relacionadas con mi carrera.

What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?

Es difícil decidir y responder esa pregunta porque han pasado muchas cosas emocionantes y siguen pasando, porque a pesar de que algunos días se parecen, no todos son iguales y siempre surgen anécdotas nuevas. Pero una de las cosas que más me emociona es el hecho de poder viajar a otros países y culturas.

And the hardest part?

Lo más difícil es la cuestión de perder todas las comodidades que tenías en tu casa, por lo que tienes completa libertad de hacer lo que quieras sin que nadie te diga: “tiende tu cama” o “¿ya comiste?”

What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?

Espero crecer como ser humano con todas estas experiencias que me están moldeando porque cada día, aunque sea mínimo aprendo algo nuevo. Por lo que espero tener una vista más amplia y competitiva del mundo en general y laboral.

Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?

Si las recomiendo por todas las experiencias que esto nos brinda, en mi caso creo que es complicado el estudiar algo que no te apasiona como mi carrera en la Uni de Celaya (Ingeniería Biomédica) porque la carrera de biotecnología no me emociona demasiado por lo que ha sido difícil estudiar.

Agradezco a mi UNI de Celaya por haberme brindado esta oportunidad.  Emilio.

Crear un mentalidad más internacional que me permita reconocer más oportunidades.

Alexa estudia Global Business en la Uni, y obtuvo una beca internacional para estudiar un semestre en Hally University, Corea del Sur.

When you entered UNI did you know there were international programs?

Sí, ya que había estudiado la preparatoria en la Universidad de Celaya y desde ahí comencé a informarme sobre las oportunidades que ofrece la Universidad para estudiar internacionalmente.

When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?

Debido a que mi hermana se había ido a China, pensé que haría lo mismo ya que me llamaba la atención. Sin embargo, irme a Corea del Sur fue inesperado.

Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?

Sí, en EUA.

What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?

El intercambio de culturas siempre era algo que me llamaba la atención, y sentía que en países de América no existía eso de una forma más genuina.

Why did you decide to study in that country?

Por la cultura que la considero muy diferente a lo que conozco, incluyendo otras asiáticas. Tenía noción anterior sobre el país, pero quería involucrarme enteramente para complementar lo que ya conozco.

How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?

Inicialmente fue difícil de aceptar que estaba al otro lado del mundo, pero rápidamente comencé a acoplarme a mi nuevo ambiente.

How have you been received at the university where you arrived?

En realidad, me impresioné bastante con la bienvenida con la que nos recibió Hallym University, ya que inmediatamente ofrecieron su ayuda, era continua y tenían muchos regalos para nosotros desde el comienzo del semestre (y continuamente durante todo el periodo).

What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?

Hubo momentos en los que la falta de comida y antojitos mexicanos me hacía extrañar a mi país y, por supuesto, a mis amigos de la universidad.

What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?

La exposición al intercambio cultural en bruto, ya sea con el país anfitrión o con otros estudiantes de intercambio, siempre está llena de sorpresas que me abren más a la idea de viajar más en el futuro.

And the hardest part?

Inicialmente, hubo dificultades para comprender algunos conceptos de la cultura coreana, pero mientras trabajas continuamente para integrarlos en la forma en que interactúas con otros coreanos para no causar malentendidos, es fácil superarlo.

What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?

Crear una mentalidad más internacional que me permita reconocer más oportunidades que se me presenten.

Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?

Absolutamente, ya que no se ofrecen en todas partes en su totalidad con la misma cantidad de exposición.

Estudiar en Corea del Sur es fácilmente la mejor experiencia de vida y la recomiendo totalmente a cualquiera que tenga la oportunidad de hacerlo. Es un conjunto único de eventos que suceden a lo largo de 5 a 6 meses y poco a poco van dejando una huella en tu vida.  ¡Gracias por esta gran oportunidad!

Estar en lugares que siempre había querido conocer.

Paulina Robinson, estudia Arquitectura en la Uni y obtuvo la beca internacional para realizar una estancia en la Universidad de Lleida en España.

When you entered UNI did you know there were international programs?

When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?

No

¿Ya habías vivido o estudiado fuera de México?

No

What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?

El poder tener una experiencia internacional, conocer otros lugares con culturas diferentes y tener la oportunidad de adquirir más conocimientos y crecimiento personal.

Why did you decide to study in that country?

Siempre me había llamado la atención conocer España.

How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?

Mucha emoción ya que fue la primera vez que salía de México y ves cosas completamente diferentes.

How have you been received at the university where you arrived?

Bien, muy atentos siempre y con disposición de responder todas nuestras dudas.

What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?

Las materias y la manera en la que se dan allá las clases en la Uni ya que es de una manera más práctica que aquí y la comida.

What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?

El poder viajar y estar en lugares que siempre había querido conocer. También conocer personas que me han ayudado a crecer.

And the hardest part?

Adaptarse a un estilo de vida completamente diferente.

What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?

Espero llegar con más conocimientos sobre mi carrera y ser una persona más independiente.

Do you recommend these opportunities provided by UNI to your colleagues?

¡Completamente! ¡Gracias UNI por esta gran oportundiad!

Una experiencia que enriquece tu persona en todos los aspectos.

Alejandro estudia Ingeniería Industrial y fue becado internacional Uni para realiar una estancia en Corea del Sur.

When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?

Sí, ya que es uno de los prinicipales diferenciadores de la Uni.

When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?

Desde el inicio fue uno de mis objetivos y estuve trabajando o enfocando todas mis actividades para lograrlo a mediano plazo.

Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?

Sí, pero nunca en alguna país Asiático.

What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?

El ver las cosas desde otra pespectiva, tener una mentalidad mas abierta, poder complementar mi CV, más en el aspecto internacional.

Why did you decide to study in that country?

Ya que desde mi parecer es un país completamente diferente a México y quería salir de mi zona de confort.

How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?

Un poco de nerviosismo ya que a mi llegada las medidas contra el COVID estaban muy estrictas, pero de la misma manera emocionado porque sabía que valdría la pena.

How have you been received at the university where you arrived?

Bastante bien, desde el principio los canales de comunicación con el staff de Hallym estuvieron muy abiertos y fueron muy serviciales conmigo, respondieron todas las dudas que me fueran surgiendo y buscaron que mi adaptación a Corea fuera lo mas rápida y sencilla posible.

What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?

De México, la comida y de la UNI, a los profesores y su atención personalizada a cada uno de los estudiantes de la Universidad de Celaya.

What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?

Esta experiencia ha estado llena de momentos emocionantes para mí, es difícil escoger uno solo y por mencionar algunos: la vez que escalé la montaña “Samaksan”, la ocasión que fui parte del desfile mas grande de Corea del Sur, cuando me adentré a un tubo lávico, el primer partido de futbol al que asistí aquí o cuando probé por primera vez “Sannakji” (pulpo vivo).

And the hardest part?

Algunos trámites que he tenido que realizar al llegar fuera de la universidad y el idioma coreano ha presentado un obstáculo pero que al final todo se completó con éxito.

What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?

Como persona el seguir en contacto con mis nuevas amistades y aprovechar todos los conocimientos que adquirí en esta travesía. Como profesional la habilidad de adaptarme a diferentes entornos facilmente, el entendimiento de nuevas culturas de trabajo y el sumar un diferenciador a mi perfil.

Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?

Totalmente, es una experiencia que enriquece tu persona en todos los aspectos y te ayuda a comprender/visualizar las cosas desde una perspectiva más amplia, conoces personas de todo el mundo y te enfrentas a constantes retos los cuales traen consigo un sinfín de recompensas.

Agradezco a la Universidad de Celaya por haberme brindado esta oportunidad, al Departamento de Internacionalización por acompañarme en el proceso, de la misma manera a la facultad de Ingeniería por haberme preparado con conocimientos de calidad internacional para enfrentar todos los retos que se me presentaron. A todos ellos aquellos que esten dudando en aplicar por una beca de intercambio dejen de hacerlo y avetúrense si es que tienen la oportunidad

I was fulfilling a dream I had for many years.

Mauricio Espinoza is a student of Industrial Engineering and thanks to Uni's international scholarships he studied for a semester at the University of Oviedo, Gijón campus, in Spain.

When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?

Yes, I already knew about all the international programs that Uni has and the opportunities for us students and it was one of the reasons why I decided to study at Uni.

When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?

When I entered the career I already knew about the opportunities and from the beginning I was interested and acted in favor of winning a scholarship, then with time and because of the pandemic I thought it was no longer possible and that I would not study abroad, at the end of all the opportunities opened up and it was possible.

Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?

Prior to this I had not studied outside of Mexico.

What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?

What motivated me to study in another country was to learn about the country I was in, its customs and to learn to be independent and grow as a person.

Why did you decide to study in that country?

Spain was always my first choice to study abroad, I decided to study in Spain because of the language we have, I wanted to know more about Spain and its customs and I wanted to get out of my comfort zone being in Europe.

In addition, the University of Oviedo has a great level and that motivated me to make it my choice to study there.

How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?

When I arrived in Spain it was very exciting because I was fulfilling a dream I had for many years and I was going to live an unforgettable experience.

How have you been received at the university where you arrived?

In the first days in Gijón we went to the University to choose the subjects and they treated us well, they helped us with all the doubts we had and with all the process that had to be done. The teachers supported us in everything and so it was a little easier.

What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?

What I missed most about Mexico was the family, food and the weather since it is very cold, and from Uni I missed my friends and classmates.

What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?

The most exciting thing I have experienced in this experience are the trips I have made, the new places, food and customs that are made.

And the hardest part?

The most difficult thing is being away from your family, learning to be independent and the level or educational system in Spain, which is totally different from Mexico.

What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?

What I expect from this experience is to grow as a person, to learn, to be more responsible and to value everything we have and have achieved.

Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?

These opportunities are 100% recommendable for my colleagues because you learn a lot, you value, grow and see life in other countries in different ways, as well as getting to know new places.

Any other comments:

As a comment I would like to thank the University of Celaya and the Internationalization Department for all the opportunities they give us students to grow and have different experiences in our lives.

These six months have been amazing, I definitely recommend studying abroad.

Alejandra, an engineering student, tells us about her experience living in Lleida during the six months of her Uni international scholarship.

  • When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?

Yes, I had the opportunity to study at Uni since high school and since then I knew that the University had international programs.

  • When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?

I had always wanted to live the experience of studying abroad for a semester, when I entered the race this was one of my goals but because of the pandemic I thought it was not going to be possible.

  • Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?

I had the opportunity to win a scholarship from EDUCAFIN and support from UNI for a one-week study trip to Canada. I enjoyed that trip so much that I was constantly looking for opportunities to travel and study abroad.

  • What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?

I had always wanted to travel and study abroad, it was one of my goals.

  • Why did you decide to study in that country?

My dream had always been to travel to Europe, when the opportunity to study in Spain came up I didn't think twice. Spain is a place full of history and culture, it is definitely a country you have to visit.

  • How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?

At the beginning it was a little difficult because there are many changes, the people, the culture, everything is different. However, little by little you adapt and learn from every experience and person you meet.

  • How have you been received at the university where you arrived?

Since before arriving in Spain, the University of Lleida has been in contact with us, they have always been willing to help us and solve any doubts that may arise before and during this semester abroad.

  • What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?

Definitely my family and friends, but without a doubt also Mexican food.

  • What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?

The opportunity to visit several countries, not only Spain, and to meet people who have undoubtedly made this experience one of the best of my life.

  • And the hardest part?

At the beginning, adapting to a new culture and language was the most complicated part.

  • What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?

To grow both personally and academically in a new environment full of challenges and new experiences.

  • Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?

These six months have been amazing, I definitely recommend studying abroad. It is a unique and unforgettable opportunity. I will never forget everything I have experienced and known thanks to this scholarship.

This is where professional and personal growth is demonstrated.

Mikel Guerrero, from Global Business, won the international scholarship to study in Gijón, Asturias in Spain:

When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs? Yes.

When you started your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad? Yes, but, in the middle of my career, due to the pandemic and the job where I had done my internship months before, I stopped contemplating it (while still applying for the call).

Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before? Yes, first year of high school in Canada.

What motivated you to study in another country? To know the academic level, the culture, to live new experiences, to know more countries, the learning and the challenge of starting to face daily life without people so attached to me (family).

Why did you decide to study in that country? Because it is the country that most attracted my attention, since in addition to having family, I like its culture and it is a more developed country.

What did you feel when you arrived in the new country? Satisfaction, tranquility and excitement.

How have you been received at the university where you arrived? Well, there was no induction week or anything like that, and as for the subjects, I chose the ones that were left and that best fit my schedule, even so, the subjects are quite interesting, the professors are excellently prepared and willing to support you with advice.

What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI? Tacos, family and friends.

What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? Visiting family and getting to know other countries.

And the hardest part? The university, this is where professional and personal growth is demonstrated in order to face other study models.

What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience? I hope that this will be a tool that will help me to open more doors in my personal and professional life. As a professional I hope to finish university and return to Spain or somewhere in the European Union.

Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues? Of course, 100%.

Any other comments: Thanks to the university and the support of my parents I had this great opportunity that allows me to continue growing as a person in all aspects to achieve my goals.