Citlalli Rodríguez, alumna de Ingeniería Industrial Administrativa, nos comparte su experiencia internacional en la Universidad de Lleida, España. Una experiencia única como ganadora de una Beca Uni Internacional.
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?
La verdad no, pero si lo llegué a pensar un par de veces.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Crecer como persona.
¿Por qué decidiste estudiar en ese país?
Tuve varios objetivos, uno de ellos fue conocer el sistema de educación, siempre me comentaban que en Europa la educación era muy diferente a la de México, eso me llamó mucho la atención; la cultura también me interesó mucho, amo la cultura de nuestro país, pero soy de la idea de conocer muchas y así enriquecer más mi manera de pensar; siendo honesta vine a este intercambio con objetivos muy claros y poco comunes según mis amigos y compañeros de clase y hasta el momento he cumplido la mayoría a pesar de las circunstancias en las que nos encontramos.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Muchos nervios, pero si lo debo de describir en una frase puedo decir que fue una marea de emociones y sentimientos
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Fueron muy amables y atentos
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
De la UNI la verdad extraño la manera de impartir las clases, como lo mencioné anteriormente uno de mis objetivos fue conocer el método de enseñanza a los estudiantes y puedo decir que la verdad me agrada más mis clases en México que aquí, cabe recalcar que tienen un buen método y sistema en España, pero no me acostumbro a los horarios y los cambios espontáneos de las clases; esto si hablamos de la escuela, porque de mi México extraño mucho mucho mucho la comida y a mi familia.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
La manera de ver el mundo de todas las personas que he conocido, su percepción del presente y su manera de pensar.
And the hardest part?
La pandemia del COVID-19, esto me cambió un poco mis planes.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
Espero que siempre que tenga un mal día, me sienta mal o tenga algún reto o proyecto complicado tenga presente esta experiencia, sé que aún no termina, pero he aprendido tanto a pesar de la pandemia, me he conocido de una manera en la pensé que no sería posible, inclusive he expandido mi visión profesional y ni mencionar la personal, tengo muchos proyectos ahora y sé que los cumpliré.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Claro que sí, sobre todo a aquellos compañeros que no le tengan miedo a una nueva explosión de pensamientos, crecimiento personal, profesional y a aquellos con ganas de superarse.
Since 2014, the University of Celaya started the "Business Linking Program".
An institution-business linkage through projects that allow interaction between companies and students.
In recent years, the institution has managed to implement 800 projects that have benefited more than 500 organizations in the public and private sector, in solutions in different thematic areas.
In the August-December 2019 semester, 11 projects were the winners, derived from the great effort and capacity of our students, here we present them:
Reverse Logistics Carrots
Project for the utilization of most of the carrots that are not currently being marketed, seeking differentiated proposals that generate value for the final consumer.
Golden Foods Cyclical Menus
Re-engineering of the company's canteen, including improvements in facilities, storage, cleaning and menu modification.
Hygienic food handling
Improvement and professionalization project in the market of Cortazar, Gto. It involves the proper handling of food, as well as training for vendors to improve their processes and productivity.
Cricket Flour
Elaboration of a market study for the development and placement of a new product with many properties and economic benefits for the community of Capulines.
Collective Brand of Cajeta
Development of an integral project to promote cajeta. It includes packaging redesign, marketing and labeling; in general, a strategy to promote the cajeta association.
Media Observatory
Project to develop a media observatory at Uni, so that CMA graduates can have more practice and develop skills in communication and media operation. Developing the ability to analyze and study communication phenomena through research, analysis, narrative and expressive creativity, as well as the generation of useful information for our city from a critical stance in the study of communication.
Respect Me More, A.C.
Advise to restructure the association's corporate purpose and in turn to properly manage it so that it becomes a donor association. Put the legal situation of Respétame, A.C. in order.
Improved work performance due to changes in eating habits
Development of a project with nutritional proposals for employees according to their job profile and work schedules through infographics and training.
Nopal Tea
Proposal to include Nopal Tea in the product catalog, a product that is easy and economical to produce, but above all, innovative and attractive due to the variety of benefits it contains in its properties.
Capulines Pickles
Conducting a market study to market a brand of pickles from the community of Capulines, since there is a quality product and adequate raw material to promote it.
Logistics Transportation
Logistics project to solve shipping and storage problems in an avocado packing company.
At Universidad de Celaya, we know that collaboration with our training partners is an important key in the professional preparation of students to face new challenges.
Thanks to the Uni Scholarships, our student María Núñez from the Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, had the opportunity to make an international stay at the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria. Madrid, Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, it was always one of my goals to enter this program.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
I was not sure I would do it, but I was working since high school and college to be a candidate and meet all the requirements to travel abroad. This program was one of the main reasons why I decided to study at the University, so I was very excited to participate.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No
Whaté what prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Learning about other cultures and sharing experiences, knowledge and experiences. In addition to learning to live alone and grow personally and professionally.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because Madrid has one of the best universities for my career so getting into UFV was very important for me.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Fear, uncertainty but above all a lot of excitement and happiness to begin a new stage of learning many new things and starting from scratch in another place.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Very well, the truth is that the program and the international students of UFV, provide you with many tools to make your adaptation process a little easier. I didn't expect such a good reception, but the truth is that you can see a lot of effort in the area and they are very nice and kind to the students.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
My family, friends and food.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Feeling that you are already adapted; that you have made friends, that you have learned to live on your own, that you have adapted to your university and classmates and that you know how to move around the city. I learned that although for some it is something "everyday" to be able to walk the streets without any concern and without fear, it is actually a luxury and a privilege that is priceless. I really enjoyed being able to move around the city at any time without being afraid and feeling free. Unfortunately it is such a simple activity that in Celaya is something that we can no longer do without fear, and Madrid allowed me to do it and I am very grateful for that.
And the hardest part?
The pandemic and the adaptation process.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
That when I get home I will be a more mature person with new knowledge that I can share with my colleagues, friends and family.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Yes, it is an opportunity for personal and professional growth that should not be missed, and I believe it is an experience that you will have for the rest of your life.
Brenda Reyes, alumna de la Lic. en Derecho, realizó una estancia internacional en la Universidad de Lleida, España.
Cuando entraste a la Uni ¿Sabías que había programas internacionales?
Cuando entre sabía que la UNI tenía programas internacionales, sin embargo, desconocía como se podía acceder a ellos; no fue hasta que a través de los correos me entere de cómo funcionaban.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
No, la verdad lo veía como un sueño muy lejano, pero conforme fui estudiando y viendo las oportunidades que la universidad me brindaba, lo creí posible.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, solo había realizado un voluntariado con duración de un mes.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Principalmente las ganas de aprender y conocer otro país, lo que me impulso a hacerlo fueron mis ganas de seguir superándome y esforzándome por llegar a ser una buena profesionista, además en el verano 2019 realice un voluntariado en Croacia, cosa que me motivo más a querer estudiar en otro país.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Porque me interesaba conocer como era el derecho en España y que similitudes con México, que diferencias existían, si podrían implementarse modelos o leyes similares en ambos países y poder conocer otra cultura diferente a la mía.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Fueron muchos sentimientos encontrados, no podía creer que viviría 6 meses en otro país, que ese país era España, estaba emocionada por conocer mi universidad, estudiantes de otros países y muchísima satisfacción de estar logrando mi sueño, pero también estaba muy nerviosa pues me iba a enfrentar a cosas completamente desconocidas.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Muy bien, excelente diría yo, prepararon diferentes actividades para conocer la cuidad y a nuestros compañeros de intercambio, sin duda una bienvenida muy cálida.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
Lo que más extraño es a mi familia, pero también la comida, aunque es bueno comer cosas diferentes, de verdad que México tiene una gran variedad gastronómica.
Y de la universidad lo que más extrañe fueron a mis amigos.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Creo que en si la experiencia es bastante emocionante, pero lo más padre de esto son los viajes que pude realizar con mis amigos.
And the hardest part?
Sin duda el COVID, nunca pensé que estaría 50 días encerrada, desde que entramos en confinamiento mi vida cambio, algo que igual me resulto muy difícil fue despedirme de algunos amigos que tuvieron que regresar antes a sus países por la pandemia, porque prácticamente estuve con ellos todo el día, eran mi familia en esos momentos y sentía muy feo decirles adiós pues sabía que a la mayoría no los podría ver otra vez y de poder hacerlo jamás seria de la misma manera.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
Un intercambio definitivamente te transforma, estoy segura que la persona que tomo ese avión en enero no será la misma que llegara en julio, cada circunstancia que vives te hace crecer como persona y sobre todo madurar, espero seguir aprovechando cada situación que se presente y mejorar día con día.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Totalmente, deben de vivir esta experiencia que cambiará por completo su vida.
Nuestra alumna Regina Oviedo de la Lic. en Comunicación, ganadora de una Beca Uni para realizar su estancia internacional en la Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid. España, nos cuenta su experiencia.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Sí, fue una de las principales razones por las cual decidí quedarme después del Bachilerato en la Uni.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Sí, puesto que era una de mis metas a corto plazo.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, lo más cercano había sido un verano de voluntariado en Alemania.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Al principio, era una meta que me planteé por el siemple hecho de saber que era posible. Después de la experiencia de Manos Por El Mundo, me di cuenta que fue un parteaguas en mi vida personal y estudiantil, entonces quería poder aprovehcar una experiencia de largo periodo, superarme, aprender a ser independiente en un país extraño y llenarme de diferentes culturas y experiencias a través de las personas para poder tener una formación profesional íntegra en un mundo laboral tan globalizado como el mundo actual.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
La Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, me llamaba mucho la atención por su plan de estudios para mi licenciatura, pero especialmente porque en Alemania conocí muchas personas que son queridas para mí hasta la fecha de diferentes partes de Europa, entonces me interesaba más explorar el continente Europeo. Además de que tengo interés de poder trabajar en algun país de la Unión Europea en el área de la curaduría en museos.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
No sé si le hago justicia a ese puñado de sensaciones con mis palabras, pero emoción y altas expectativas.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
La UFV tiene varias actividades de integración para estudiantes de Erasmus e Internacional, como viajes y el Buddy Program, siempre me sentí cuidada por los profesores, algunos alumnos son más sociales con los estudiantes de intercambio, otros no tanto.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
De México, mi familia, el Sol y la comida, de la Uni, probablemente pasar tiempo con mis amigos.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Lo más emocionante ha sido conocer a tanta gente de contextos, nacionalidades y culturas tan distintas y tomar clases de Comunicación enfocado a las Bellas Artes.
And the hardest part?
Pasar la pandemia mundial del COVID-19 durante mi intercambio.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
He logrado abrir mi mente a nuevos campos laborales, he hecho networking con profesores que trabajan ya en estos campos, independizarme y hacerme más responsable de mí, conocer un sistema educativo completamente diferente y manejar mis tiempos.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Paulina Ruiz, our student of the Bachelor's Degree in International Commerce, made an international stay at the University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. Thanks to her effort and dedication as winner of a Uni.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, I was already aware of these exchange programs.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
No, I didn't really plan to study abroad, I thought it would be a bit complicated.
Have you already lived or studied outside of Mexico?What motivated you to study in another country?
No, I had only had short stays in another place, but what attracted me the most to study in another country was to know and live that experience.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I liked Spain because I had never traveled to that country before and I was very interested in going to a completely different place in terms of timetables, culture, etc.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
At first I was a little afraid of traveling alone, not knowing what it would be like, but then it turned into excitement.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Super nice, the truth is that they were very nice and welcoming to us. I would gladly come back.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
My family, the food, and my friends.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Arriving at that university where we knew completely nothing about how to work was more of a challenge than anything else.
And the hardest part?
With all this contingency that happened, the hardest thing was having to come back early and not being able to fulfill all the plans I had, although classes continued online.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
To acquire as much knowledge as possible, to grow and mature as a person, to be more independent, since this experience is based on that more than anything else, all the decisions I make will be for me and for my wellbeing.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Yes, absolutely, everyone who is presented with the opportunity should not miss it.
Our student Jazmín Medina from the Bachelor's Degree in International Trade, won a Uni Scholarship and had the opportunity to make an international stay at the University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, as soon as I entered I knew about these programs, and the Uni sends you the announcements so that you are aware of them.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Yes, in fact, that was one of the reasons I chose my career. Besides that, studying abroad was one of my college goals and I am glad to know that I achieved it.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, this was my first experience living and studying abroad.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
The experience and the great knowledge that you get from being in another country, because learning about new cultures would enrich me as a person to be more open-minded, and to know that there is more world out there for me not to conform. But the most important thing is to accomplish my goal that I had already set for myself and show me that whoever wants to can do it.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because I wanted to get to know the customs of Spain, as well as take advantage of the opportunity to travel around Europe.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Nerves and excitement, because it was my first trip all alone and I got lost haha but I learned not to worry because you will always meet good people who helped me.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Very well, they let me know that I could count on their support if it was ever offered to me.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
To my family, boyfriend, friends and food. Without a doubt, there is no other food like the food in Mexico. And from Uni I missed my teachers and facilities, because if I have a problem I know where to go and who to go to.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Getting to know new places and seeing how cultures can be so alike and so different at the same time.
And the hardest part?
That I had to return in the middle of my exchange because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without a doubt, I do not recommend anyone to spend the fortieth away from their loved ones.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
Personally, to grow, mature and be independent, because I will make decisions on my own and I know that this will help me to be a better person in all areas, and as a professional to know the types of business that exist in different countries of the world and interact with international specialists and professionals will help me to be prepared when I practice in everyday life.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Yes, to all those who have the opportunity to live this experience abroad, do it and do not think twice.
Our student Glaf Jiménez of the Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences and Audiovisual Media, was the winner of a Uni semester scholarship to carry out her international stay at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs? Yes, that was one of the main factors that influenced my decision to study at Uni.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
I thought I would do well, but I never imagined I would be able to study abroad. I saw it as a distant dream.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, this was my first time.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
I was driven to learn about another culture, to broaden my knowledge and to test myself. My family was my biggest motivation.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I thought it was an interesting country and the school had an excellent academic plan.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was excited and a little scared to get out of my comfort zone.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived? The reception was very nice, they were attentive to us at all times.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
I missed the food from Mexico and from UNI I missed the system they use to evaluate us.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? The most exciting thing was to get to know and explore a city I didn't know. Not being afraid to ask questions.
And the hardest part?
The hardest part was being separated from my family and friends.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
I hope to continue expanding my knowledge and I want to continue adding achievements.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Of course, I recommend them 100% and I am very grateful for the opportunity.
Our student Loida Montes of the Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences and Audiovisual Media, thanks to the Uni Scholarships, had the opportunity to carry out an international stay at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, in fact this opportunity was one of the reasons why I chose the University of Celaya.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
It was one of my goals, but I didn't know whether or not I could actually get the scholarship.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Yes, in 2017 I spent five months in the United States.
Whaté what prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
The openness and knowledge that I could acquire during my stay such as a new language and new ways of learning.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because all my friends who had been here before had told me wonderful things about their stay in Brazil and how great PUCRS University was and they were definitely not wrong.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was happy but at the same time a little anxious to know what the semester would be like, a new adaptation, new friendships, challenges and classes in another language that although it is very similar to Spanish, it is not the same.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Wonderful, I could not choose a better place to study and although because of the COVID we had to take the classes online, everyone at the University was very nice to us and organized many activities for our integration with all foreign students from many countries around the world, they gave us a tour of the city completely free, organized welcome cocktails and a lot of things that I could not write them all.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
Definitely my family and the food. As for UNI, I think what I miss the most is being able to attend all the activities it provides and use the gym for free since at PUCRS they charge for it separately.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Just after we arrived, my university friend from PUCRS got free tickets for all exchange students to attend the classic Inter vs Gremio game and to visit a world cup stadium with more than 50 kids of all nationalities, it was one of the most incredible things I could experience here.
And the hardest part?
Everything derived from COVID. Everything was going great, I was taking my normal classes and we had only been there for a week when they told us that the classes would be suspended in person and that they would be taken online until further notice. The truth is that first they said it would only be until April 12 but to date we have not returned and most likely we will not do it, in a way I feel that I did not take advantage of it as it should be because of this whole situation but I do not believe in coincidences and if I am here is for something ... in fact, I have dedicated myself to document everything we have lived the exchange students during this quarantine and I hope to make it a good project in the future.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
I came back with new knowledge, above all I had the opportunity to learn a new language.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Yes, of course, even in spite of COVID, it is an experience I would not have changed and would do again if we could turn back time.
Nuestra alumna Greta Ruiz de la Lic. En Psicología Sistémica, tuvo la oportunidad de realizar una estancia internacional en la Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, España.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
SI
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Era parte de mi plan de vida y más específicamente de mi plan académico.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
NO
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Enriquecer mi conocimiento cultural, abrir mi mente y conocer nuevas formas de estudiar, aprender y sobre todo nuevas culturas.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Por el plan de estudio en psicología y había facilidad de movilidad en la unión europea.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Me sentí muy emocionada.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Muy bien, tienen grupos de alumnos especiales para que los alumnos de intercambio conozcan la ciudad y la universidad.
What will you miss most about Mexico and UNI?
Extraño que se divide el semestre en parciales y que te evalúan también con proyectos y otros trabajos, y de México extraño mucho la comida, a mi familia, el calorcito y mi novio.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Aprender de mi misma ha sido lo más interesante en ésta experiencia.
And the hardest part?
Aunque fue parte de aprender, me costó trabajo vivir sola y no estar cerca de mis papás.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this experience?
Auto-crecimiento a nivel profesional, implementar parte de las diferencias que he aprendido sobre en mi carrera y compartirlas.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?