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.
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.
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.
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!
