Jul 10, 2019 | Study abroad
Isaac David, an industrial engineering student, was awarded the Uni International Scholarship to study for a semester in Brazil. Brazil.
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?
Yes, it was one of my goals to achieve during my career.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Yes, last semester in Brazil.
What motivated you to study in another country?
The idea of developing myself as a person, broadening my vision and knowledge within my area of study, as well as getting to know and learn new customs.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
The language was one of the main reasons, in addition to the high level in the engineering area at PUCRS.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Since it was my second semester, it was easier because I was already familiar with the people and the language, but you always feel excited to take on a new challenge.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
The people in the mobility department are very attentive.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
In my first place my family and friends, but I also miss the food.
What about the Uni?
To my colleagues
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Meeting people who have become friends that I will certainly miss, in addition to the places I was able to see.
And the hardest part?
Upon arrival, I had to get used to the language again.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
I was able to develop and discover a part of myself that I did not know, as well as increase my knowledge and vision of the automotive sector in one of the countries with the highest production and projection.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Without a doubt it is an opportunity to develop as a person and as a professional, if you have the opportunity to do it you should not hesitate to do it, you learn and enjoy a lot.
Jul 9, 2019 | Study abroad
Daniela Guadalupe, student of Strategic Management in Tourism and Hospitality won the Uni International Scholarship to study at the University of Oviedo Campus Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes, it was even one of the fundamental factors that I took into account to enter Uni Celaya.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Yes, it was my dream since I joined, I always believe that dreams (goals and objectives) come true.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Yes, well, something like that; I lived outside of Mexico for a month. I volunteered in Germany, I had the opportunity to travel thanks to the "Hands for the World" program offered by the state of Guanajuato through Educafin.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
The future I desire, but above all the present I once longed for. I love to learn, share, know, travel and explore, it is part of what I am passionate about, and well, one of my biggest fears is to stay in my comfort zone for too long, so for me, living in another country (another way of thinking, culture, without my family, friends, a different way of studying, away from all the facilities and comforts) was a challenge and a new adventure that I had to live.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Within my career I had read that Spain (because it is the second most visited country by tourists in the world, according to UNWTO, 2018) has strong tourism industries that every day have been innovating and improving tourism within their country, thus being a reference for the other nations of the planet that seek to optimize their resources in tourism. So I decided to learn as much as possible to later be able to apply it in my professional life both in Mexico and anywhere in the world.
Another reason was because I was in the European Union, so traveling and getting to know more places and countries is easier than in other places.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
A lot of excitement and curiosity, I wanted to discover every corner of the city, the country, the people, the food, etc.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Just looking at my faculty building was the best welcome. The internationalization girls as well as the vice dean registered us, welcomed us and explained a little about UniOviedo.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
Definitely the food, the famous "garnachas" that you can find in every corner (tacos, gorditas, fruit with chili...), the music, the patience and the warmth that characterizes us Mexicans.
What about the Uni?
The teachers and my classmates, the noise, the laughter, the comments and participation of everyone in class.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Finding friends that became a new family and such special people that will remain in my heart forever, that without a doubt I will visit in the future in their countries/states and that I will also wait for them with open arms in Mexico/Celaya. Definitely the travels, the sharing, getting to know new cultures. Thanks to the proximity I was able to visit two places that made my mind fly: Morocco and Switzerland, were two places where I really felt in another world, it was very exciting to be there and be part of their lifestyle for a few days, their way of thinking, their food, the order / disorder ....
Trying to speak the little I knew of different languages to be able to converse with a person who did not speak English or Spanish. Making a Mexican dinner for my boyfriend, I never imagined myself cooking mole with chicken, guacamole, tacos dorados, enchiladas, enfrijoladas, making totopos, etc.
And the hardest part?
Adapting to the Spanish educational system. The way of studying, the fact that there is only one exam for a whole semester for each subject. However, in the end I managed to understand and I got good grades. I liked all the subjects I took and I learned a lot.
Many times I was asked if traveling alone scared me, the truth is that at first I was not, but sometimes when I felt a dark, dirty street, without people was when I started to be really afraid, but I am grateful to all the good and all the people who have always wished me well because they appeared very good people, kind and willing to help me on my way, for me they were angels and friends that I carry very present in my memories. Traveling is learning and developing more the survival instinct, I learned to trust more in myself and in others.
One of the hardest things was to say goodbye to my friends and to the city where I lived.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
A lot of learning about myself, my career and the people around me, expanding my networks, knowledge and thinking, being more empathetic and that the knowledge I acquire in the classroom I know how to apply it in real cases, as well as knowing how to interact in intercultural teams resulting in a global impact and strengthening both soft and hard skills, among these I highlight the languages, that despite Spain, being a language that I speak my native language, there are many people from other parts of the world who do not speak it, so I can exercise and learn different languages.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
I recommend it 100%, it is an experience that everyone should live in your life, especially if you are a UNI student, that the fear of the unknown is not an obstacle that stops you. Dare and live an unforgettable adventure.
Jul 8, 2019 | Study abroad
Yuritzi Casandra de Comunicación y Medios Audiovisuales, realizó una estancia gracias a las becas internacionales Uni para estudiar un semestre en la Universidad de Oviedo – Gijón, España.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Sí, sí sabía que había este tipo de programas.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Sí, desde que iba en preparatoria mi meta era irme de intercambio en la universidad, entonces cuando entré a la Uni hice todo lo que estuvo en mis manos para poder lograrlo.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, never.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Conocer otra cultura, hacer amigos de otros países y vivir la experiencia de estar en otro país.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Porque había escuchado por personas que ya habían estudiado en España que era muy seguro y que la Universidad de Gijón era muy bonita, y realmente lo es.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Sentí mucha emoción, lo que había esperado durante toda la carrera por fin se estaba logrando.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Bien, nos asesoraron para poder hacer nuestro horario, elegir materias y hacer nuestro proceso de inscripción.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
La comida, es imposible no extrañar la comida de México, y a mi familia y amigos.
What about the Uni?
De la Uni extraño el trato que hay entre profesor-alumno, todo es más personalizado a diferencia de aquí.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Lo más emocionante era saber que en cada situación podía aprender algo nuevo, en la escuela, en mis labores diarios, cuando viajaba, de mis amigos de otros países etc.
And the hardest part?
Creo que nada se me hizo difícil, todo era nuevo y emocionante y se convertía en una experiencia más.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
Que todo lo que aprendí me ayude en mi vida diaria y que esta experiencia me impulse a aprender mucho más de todo.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Definitivamente sí, Irte de intercambio supera todas las expectativas posibles, es mucho mejor de lo que piensas y creo que es algo que puede cambiar tu manera de ver muchas cosas y se vuelve una de las mejores experiencias de tu vida.
Jul 2, 2019 | Study abroad
Andrea Pamela Serrano Barrera, estudiante de Arquitectura, obtuvo la beca internacional Uni para estudiar en la Universidad Mayor de Santiago, Chile
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Sí, fue una de las razones por las que elegí estudiar en la Universidad de Celaya
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Sí, siempre fue una de mis motivaciones para sacar buenas calificaciones
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
Sí, un verano en Universidad Estatal de San Diego, California USA, igual gracias a la Universidad de Celaya
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Conocer nuevos lugares, personas, cultura y sobre todo aprender sobre la Arquitectura de otro país, el cómo es la enseñanza y su aplicación.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Porque tenía muchas ganas de conocer Sudamérica y escogí Chile porque es uno de los países de América Latina con mejor educación y tiene lugares con una gran riqueza natural. Quede completamente enamorada de este país, sé que hice una buena elección.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Cuando llegué a Chile sentí una gran emoción, la verdad es que nunca sentí miedo o nervios de estar sola en otro país, ya que quería conocer lugares nuevos, tener nuevos amigos y sobre todo conocer los paisajes increíbles que tiene Chile.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Las personas de Relaciones Internacionales nos recogieron en el Aeropuerto con mucha alegría y desde ese primer día nos ayudaron en todo lo que necesitábamos y nos hicieron sentir bienvenidos.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
Vivir lejos de mi familia, ya que nunca había estado tanto tiempo lejos y obviamente la comida mexicana.
What about the Uni?
La calidad de los maestros, sus instalaciones y a mis amigos
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Desde que supe que me iría de intercambio a Chile, el primer lugar que quería visitar era la Patagonia, donde se encuentra el Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. Para llegar a la base de las torres tienes que hacer un trekking de 8 horas, donde vas observando paisajes magníficos.
And the hardest part?
Aunque ir al Parque Nacional Torres del Paine fue lo más emocionante que viví, también lo considero como lo más difícil ya que el trekking de 8 horas que debes hacer para llegar a la base de las torres es muy pesado, jamás me imagine que un día estaría caminando bajo la lluvia y nieve en el fin del mundo. Es un reto físico y mental que vale totalmente la pena.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
Crecer como persona, y como profesional, aprender sobre otra cultura, poner en práctica los conocimientos adquiridos en la Universidad Mayor de Chile.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Sí, es una experiencia que no puedes contar, la tienes que vivir. El estar en otro país, conocer nuevas personas y lugares es sumamente increíble, salir de tu zona de confort, atreverte a nuevas cosas, visitar lugares donde nunca creíste que estarías, admirar la cultura y los paisajes de otro país es algo que todos debemos experimentar.
Jun 28, 2019 | Study abroad
Gerardo Sanchez is studying Industrial Engineering and was awarded the Uni international scholarship to study for a semester in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
That's right, in fact, the admissions department was clear about study abroad opportunities, although I honestly didn't give it much thought at the time.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
I never imagined having an opportunity like this, as I did not know the benefits that a stay abroad can bring.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, this was the first opportunity I had to live and study in another country.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Personal growth, as I consider that this also complements a professional, and the Going out and getting to know how people from other countries think, and what their culture and ideology are like, adds to the growth and learning of any professional.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I had the opportunity to travel to Brazil a year before my exchange, precisely with the HPVC team from the University of Celaya, and this country impressed me with the warmth of its people and the way they use their educational system, as it is very different from what I have previously experienced in Mexico.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Excitement, because I was arriving again to the country where I experienced one of the best trips of my life, and at the same time I felt uncertain about the difficulties that lay ahead, such as language, culture, gastronomy, and most importantly, security.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Honestly, I did not feel a great reception from the staff of the Internationalization department of the PUCRS, although the other departments in general were and have been very kind with the different situations that have arisen.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
Obviously to my family, because they are my driving force to move forward and take advantage of this opportunity.The food here is totally different, and sometimes difficult to get something similar to our Mexican gastronomy.
What about the Uni?
Comfort in terms of the system or way of working, because being an institution where I already know all the procedures, I can feel comfortable when I need to start any process. Here everything is completely new and full of departments that specifically solve each problem, which makes a simple process complex.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
A few weeks before leaving, what excites me the most is knowing that I can now start and maintain a conversation in Portuguese.This makes me very happy, because I remember that in the first weeks this was a huge problem.
And the hardest part?
I was involved in a car accident, so this experience will become unforgettable.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
I believe that as engineers we must know the needs of our clients in an accurate way, and the fact of knowing the ideologies and cultures of people from other countries has allowed me to broaden my mind towards the fact of analyzing such needs also considering cultural, local, ideological and even political fields.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
I highly recommend it to those students who feel the need to seek personal growth, because for me, the true meaning of these opportunities is to broaden our cultural knowledge and open up to new personal experiences..
Jun 27, 2019 | Study abroad
Mi experiencia en Universidad de Lleida, España.
Regreso después de unos meses a una ciudad donde tengo muy buenos recuerdos, amigos, aventuras y lugares nuevos, sin embargo; esta vez no están aquellos amigos que el año pasado conocí, solo quedan dos de ellos, con los cuales decidí vivir y hoy son mis compañeros de piso.
Me encuentro con personas nuevas, de distintas nacionalidades, los lugares siguen siendo los mismos pero el ambiente es diferente.
Comencé clases en una lengua diferente y al mismo tiempo similar a la mía, una lengua que un año antes me había dado dolores de cabeza y esta vez comenzaba a tomarle el sentido y empecé a comprender tantas cosas que hace un año no me había dado la oportunidad de tomarles el interés.
Comienzo a conocer gente nueva, que al igual que yo es tímida en un inicio; nos cuesta un poco tratar de socializar por mas extrovertidos que seamos, pero al final a todos nos une el mismo sentimiento, estamos en un país diferente, lejos de nuestras familias, rodeados de completos desconocidos, cada uno con su propia historia y claro, con una lengua distinta a la nuestra; porque si, aunque el español de México y el castellano sean casi similares, créanme que no lo son, puedes comprender todo lo que te dicen, pero no estas acostumbrado a escucharlo de esa manera y tardas un poco en adaptarte al cambio cultural y en ese tiempo de adaptación, notas que ya hablaste con una Chica ucraniana que está sentada a tu lado y poco a poco comienzas a hablar con más y más gente…. Y tu cabeza comienza a hacer conclusiones sobre si quizás estos chicos que conocí van a ser mis amigos de por vida o simplemente serán a quienes les sonreirás cuando te los encuentres caminando por la calle mayor. De lo que estoy seguro es que todo esto se queda en tu cabeza porque la vida va dando muchas vueltas y un día conoces a un chico de Italia, que no tomo el curso de catalán, que llego dos semanas tarde a clases y con el paso de los días se convierte en uno de tus mejores amigos, al punto de llamarte “hermanito” y es allí cuando te das cuenta que el mundo es muy pequeño. Aprendes que las personas no son tan complicadas cuando las conoces y les dejas conocer a tu yo verdadero, que estas en un país diferente, donde puedes ser quien tú quieras y poco a poco aprendes a aceptar que a algunas personas no les vas a agradar por tu forma de ser, pero otras te van a amar por ello.
Aprendes a valorar tu familia, tu casa, tu escuela, tu dinero, tus maestros, tus compañeros, tu automóvil, la comida, etc. Comienzas a notar que vas madurando poco a poco y esto gracias a que ya no tienes a nadie cerca para que te ayude a resolver tus problemas, estas solo y comienzas a resolver tus inquietudes por ti mismo, aprendes a escuchar consejos y a tomar solo los que te benefician y a agradecer el interés de alguien hacia ti cuando es sincero.
Descubres que eres mejor Chef de lo que pensabas y comienzas a compartir tus artes culinarias con tus nuevos amigos, te encanta ver como lloran por el picante y como gozan al probar por primera vez una carlota. Cuentas los días por estar con tu familia y a la vez no quieres contarlos porque no quieres que toda esta nueva aventura se acabe, tienes una mezcla de emociones pues sabes que a muchas de estas nuevas maravillosas personas que acabas de conocer no las volverás a ver otra vez en la vida y se te hace un nudo en la garganta al pensar en el día que les tengas que decir un hasta pronto; porque lo difícil no es despedirte de alguien, siempre puedes tomar un vuelo a cualquier parte del mundo y esa persona estará allí recibiéndote con los brazos abiertos, lo difícil es despedirte de los momentos, lugares y los recuerdos; esos son los que no regresan, sabes que no volverás a estar en el mismo lugar, con las mismas personas y bajo las mismas circunstancias. Aun así, despiertas cada día tratando de disfrutar al máximo, pues la experiencia de estar de Intercambio se define como una forma de pensamiento y una forma de vida, algo que sin duda todos deberíamos experimentar.
Mi nombre es Sergio López Cruz estudio arquitectura y me encuentro haciendo mi segundo intercambio estudiantil en Europa, porque uno no es suficiente y sin lugar a dudas, por más aterrador que parezca, por más imposible que pienses que sea, recordemos que querer es poder y muchas veces las oportunidades están allí esperando a que nosotros digamos SÍ!
Esto es un poco de mi experiencia hasta ahora, pero si de algo estoy seguro es que aún habrá más anécdotas que contar, más personas por conocer, muchos más lugares que descubrir y mucho más que aprender.
Jun 26, 2019 | Study abroad
María Fernanda López estudia Ingeniería Industrial y obtuvo la beca internacional Uni para estudiar un semestre en Guangdong University – China
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Ya sabía, pues muchos amigos me habían platicado sobre sus experiencias.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Sí, fue algo que siempre estuvo en mis metas.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, nunca
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Vivir experiencias nuevas, viajar y aprender otro idioma, otra cultura, hacer nuevas amistades, etc.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Quería ir a un país completamente diferente y salir de las comodidades a las que estaba acostumbrada. También siempre me llamó mucho la ateción aprender mandarín y viajar por Asia.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
El shock cultural fue impresionante desde el primer momento y estaba muy confundida por que no entendía nada, pero aquí las personas son muy atentas y siempre están dispuestas a ayudarte.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Desde el primer momento fueron a recogerme al aeropuerto y después llegando a la escuela todos han sido muy atentos, siempre buscan la manera de ayudarte otros compañeros chinos, los maestros también siempre te ayudan, son excelentes personas.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
Lo que más extraño de México son mis amigos y familia. También extraño la comida, aunque la comida de aquí me gusta. Extraño las comodidades que tenía en mi casa, aunque al no tenerlas aprendes a hacer muchísimas cosas y a valorar lo que tenemos a diario y a veces no nos damos cuenta.
What about the Uni?
Sin duda mis amigos.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Hay demasiadas buenas experiencias al conocer lugares nuevos y viajar, creo que una de mis favorita fue un día que estabamos participando en el carrera de botes de dragón, los estudiantes de intercambio formamos un equipo y en la carrera la primera vez perdimos pero la segunda ganamos y estábamos muy emocionados, además el equipo de chinos al que le ganamos nos felicitaron y todos juntos después cantamos una canción en chino.
And the hardest part?
No recuerdo un momento específico, pero siempre es difícil cuando no te puedes dar a entender por el idioma o no saber lo que te dicen, además de que en china al ser extranjero siempre se te quedan viendo y a veces es muy incómodo.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
Tener excelentes experiencias y conocer lugares nuevos, y como profesional espero que aprender el idioma me sirva mucho para tener un mejor trabajo.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Sí, las recomiendo muchísimo que tomen todas las oportunidades que se presentan, todo son experiencias y aunque a veces ha sido difícil algunas cosas todo ha valido la pena y sin duda no cambiaría nada de este viaje.
Jun 25, 2019 | Study abroad
Karla Frias Zapatero es estudiante de Ingenieria Industrial Administrativa y obtuvo la beca internacional Uni para estudiar un semestre en la Universidad de Lleida, España.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Sí, lo sabía.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Irme a estudiar al extranjero siempre había sido uno de mis planes a futuro.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No, solo había participado en programas internacionales de estancias cortas.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Principalmente lo veía como una excelente oportunidad para crecer tanto profesionalmente como personalmente. Me motivaba conocer nuevas culturas, sistemas educativos, construir relaciones personales, estar en contacto con otro ambiente para generar nuevas ideas y perspectivas.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Desde siempre me ha llamado mucho la atención la cultura española, además de ser un país del cual me sería fácil viajar y poder conocer Europa.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Al llegar sentí miedo, porque no sabía cómo moverme y no conocía nadie; el catalán también era un factor que me preocupaba. Al mismo tiempo sentía emoción porque estaba iniciando una experiencia que desde hace mucho tiempo había esperado.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Tuve un muy buen recibimiento y apoyo por parte de la UdL.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
La comida y a mi familia.
What about the Uni?
A mis compañeros y equipo de futbol.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Lo más emocionante ha sido conocer a excelentes personas y hacer amigos de distintas partes del mundo, tener la oportunidad de hacer varios viajes con ellos y aprender de sus países, idioma, cultura, costumbres.
And the hardest part?
Tomé una asignatura compleja en catalán, al principio me costó mucho trabajo, pero finalmente aprendí muchísimo y me termino encantando.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
Crecimiento en ambos aspectos, estar fuera de tu zona de confort y enfrentarte a situaciones desconocidas te empujan a aprender y a desarrollar habilidades que te van a servir a lo largo de tu vida.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Las recomiendo cien por ciento, es algo de que tal vez al principio da un poco de miedo pero que realmente vale la pena vivir y que se convierte en una experiencia inolvidable. ¡Gracias por esta oportunidad!
Jun 22, 2019 | Study abroad
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?
Era una de mis metas desde que ingrese a la universidad.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?
No
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Conocer diferentes culturas, idiomas, gastronomía y formas de aprendizaje.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Principalmente por que la escuela tiene muy buenas instalaciones y en segundo lugar por ser un idioma diferente a mi lengua madre.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Emoción, nervios, incertidumbre.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
No tengo nada que quejarme sobre el departamento de movilidad de PUCRS, siempre están dispuestos a ayudarte.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
La comida y mi familia.
What about the Uni?
Mis amigos
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
Viajar sin conocer el idioma
And the hardest part?
Las clases ya que son en otro idioma, pero lo tome como un reto y logre salir adelante
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
Aprovechar las actividades y relaciones que puedan ayudarme en un futuro.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Sí, es una de las experiencias que cambia tu forma de ver la vida por completo ya que aprendes demasiado de muchas culturas y te ayuda a valorar la tuya.
Jun 21, 2019 | Study abroad
Alfredo Levi, a Gastronomy student, won a scholarship to study for a semester at Hally University in South Korea.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
The moment I found out that there were international programs was when they didn't give the tour of the school the first week of school (if I remember correctly). There was a moment where they talked to us about going to study in another country.
When you entered your career, did you think you would go to live and study abroad?
Yes, the moment I found out that there were study abroad programs I thought, I want to go and I'm going to do it.
Have you ever lived or studied outside of Mexico before?Yes, I studied my first year of high school in the United States.
What prompted or motivated you to study in another country?
Eating, tasting the gastronomy of a country that was not my own. The experience of living in a place where they did not speak Spanish and being able to live with people of different nationalities.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because it is a country where they do not speak Spanish, it seemed very different from what I am used to, not only because of the language, but also because of the culture. I wanted to try Korean barbecue and what better place than in Korea. Besides, I found the facilities of the university very nice.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Excitement, it was my first plane ride and it was to another continent. Even though I had no idea how to get to the city where I would be, I was excited even for that. I flew alone, carrying two heavy suitcases (suitcases without wheels), a ten kilos backpack, in winter time and in a strange country; that was what made me so excited, besides the possibility of getting lost because I didn't know where I had to get to.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
The university assigned me a Korean classmate to help me during my stay. When I didn't know which truck to take I made a Messenger call to him to talk to the ticket lady. In order to make it easier to say her name I just call her John (a very nice person). The first Korean food I tried was with him, and when I had doubts about the names of the dishes he solved my doubts.
What will you miss most about Mexico?
Tacos, tortillas and a wide variety of hot sauces.
What about the Uni?
Days in the kitchen. Going out at night and meditating while riding the truck back home.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience?
There are some very exciting things, but I'll pick one that may not be as exciting as others, but it's great. This was the time I ran a half marathon (21Km). I hadn't run for about 5 years, but I decided to enter. The first training I ran 10km in breaks, got injured and had to rest for about nine days. The second training I ran 15km without stopping and I got injured again (I realized it was because of the type of shoes, so I changed to running shoes), I rested more time and with two weeks to go I ran for the third time, but I could only run 5km. In the span of two weeks I trained three more times where in my sixth training session I managed the 21km and 5 days later I ran the race (I was still hurt, but I could finish it without stopping) and after I finished I could barely walk, but I had an incredible satisfaction that not even the pain could take that smile off my face.
And the hardest part?
In my first week in Korea I went to buy groceries alone, at the time of paying I wanted a bag, but I didn't know how to explain to the cashier I tried and after a while she could understand me and now she was trying to tell me that I had to pay for the bag (I felt very nervous) in the end I understood and got my bag. Now I am not even ashamed to talk all bad trying to explain what I want.
What do you expect as a person and as a professional from this program?
To keep as many unforgettable experiences as possible.
Do you recommend these opportunities provided by Uni to your colleagues?
Absolutely. Because it is not the same to go to a country to vacation than to live and be closer to the people of that culture.
