Aug 11, 2023 | Study abroad
XIMENA GONZALEZ FROM SYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY TELLS US HOW SHE EXPERIENCED THE SEMESTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OVIEDO, ASTURIAS. SPAIN.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
YES.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
Since I was in high school, I started preparing to study abroad and when I started college I participated with UNI in their international online programs.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I wanted to have knowledge of psychology from a different point of view from my country.
How was the scholarship application process?
The application process is very simple, but the paperwork can become cumbersome and in a moment you are busy; but it is totally worth it.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
A summer before I was selected as a Counsuler, I worked in the United States in a camp as a teacher and tutor of a group of girls and with the money I received I decided to save it for my studies in Spain.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was a little nervous but also excited about this new experience of what the city would be like and the people I would meet.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
At the beginning it is a bit confusing, when you arrive and don't know the facilities it is easy to get lost and the way you have to organize your schedule is also a bit confusing but within 1 or 2 months I was able to adapt to their system.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
Most of all the food, my friends, my teachers who will always be there for everyone and if you need support they will always be there for you.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing has been the unique connections, people that you know that they and only they can understand what you are living now, they become your little family and support network in your new, albeit momentary, lifestyle. I consider that the most difficult part of this experience for me has been adapting to the Spanish educational system, from the way classes are taught, to the way groups are organized, to the way evaluation is done.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
I think this experience has influenced me in a way that I have become a much more patient person, open to listen to perspectives that may even be totally different mentalities from mine and that many times can make you question certain things that you took for granted without reflecting on them. And above all to learn to make mistakes, to have a better attitude in the face of adversity.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
The advice I would give them would be to take into account that the first few months will be difficult, they will feel that they do not fit in and they will feel incapable of being so long in a country different from their own. But as time goes by and they get to know each other, they will make friends and it will be much more painful for them to return to Mexico; they will fall in love with the life they have created. Also, don't be afraid to make mistakes and enjoy every opportunity and every second of your exchange.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Yes, these are opportunities where you can develop very important skills that will serve you in your daily life. Mainly skills such as adaptation, organization, determination, courage, social skills such as communication, openness to other ideas and lifestyles, skills that will allow you to know beyond your comfort zone. Thanks UNI for this great life experience!
Aug 11, 2023 | Study abroad
Marco Antonio Morones of Automotive Engineering won the scholarship to study in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
When you entered Uni, did you know that there were international programs?
I entered in 2021 and I knew from acquaintances that they had international programs and it was one of the main reasons to enroll at UNI.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
From the first semester I entered I made an effort to maintain my GPA in order to be able to apply for an international scholarship.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I was interested in their culture and in learning another language.
How was the scholarship application process?
I saw the call for applications and decided to apply, and then I was selected.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
With anticipation I mentally prepared myself to learn a new language and knowing that it would be a challenge and a new adventure.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was very nervous at the beginning, but little by little I got used to it.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
I was very well received and it was a very beautiful experience.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
I missed my family, my school friends and Mexican food.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing was learning Portuguese, but also the most difficult thing was taking classes in that language.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
Having been in another country opened my perspective of the world enormously and Portuguese will also serve me well as I will one day be working in Brazil.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
They should prepare themselves beforehand with the language of the country where they will travel, with an open mind to get to know other cultures.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Thank you UNI for this wonderful opportunity of life!
Jul 21, 2023 | Study abroad
Velia Yaloan from Digital Design did a semester at Hallym University, South Korea.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
No
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
In 5th semester because a friend had gone on exchange and recommended him.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because he was the most different in terms of culture and the most distanced with language barriers and he wanted to test me.
How was the scholarship application process?
Simple, but I had to apply 3 semesters to earn it.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
I was asking my friend what her challenges and suggestions were so I could leave with an idea of what I was going to face.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Excitement and fear, it was a mixture of feelings since it was my first time outside of Mexico and it was a very different place from what I was used to.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Very good, the teachers were always very attentive and answered any questions.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
From Mexico the food and my family, from UNI my friends and teachers.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing is that you encounter a completely different world, meet people from all over the world and go on unexpected journeys.
The most difficult thing is the feeling of being alone even though you are surrounded by people because you know that your family is missing, the most difficult thing is getting sick and not having the same support as in Mexico because of the language barrier.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
It helped me get out of my comfort zone, meet a lot of people and make a lot of connections, and lose my fear of speaking English.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
Don't be afraid to talk, make lots of friends and pack light, you can find everything in the other country and then it will be very difficult to make the suitcases close.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Yes, it is an unforgettable experience. It makes you mature and see the world and its opportunities from a completely different perspective.
Jul 12, 2023 | Study abroad
Ximena Baqueiro of Global Business at the University of Burgos, Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs?
Yes.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
From the sixth semester, to take advantage of the programs.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
It was the option that most caught my attention of the available opportunities.
How was the scholarship application process?
Simple, just fill out forms and share documents.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
Nothing special, looking for information about the place, weather, etc.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I've had similar experiences before, it's something I was familiar with.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
It has been a bit complicated to adapt to their teaching and evaluation method.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
Family, friends and schoolmates and Mexican food.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The evaluations, in general everything was fine.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
Every experience allows you to grow personally and professionally, so I think it has been good to participate in this type of program, to learn to adapt to different methods and cultures in order to grow.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
Go with an open mind, investigate culture and traditions in general.
Would you recommend these opportunities that UNI offers to your colleagues? Of course you would! Take advantage of these wonderful opportunities.
Jul 12, 2023 | Study abroad
Mónica Hernández López of Nutrition at the Faculty of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Lleida, Spain.
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Yes, it was the reason I chose to stay at this university.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
Since I entered college I had this goal in mind, because I think that studying abroad totally changes your perspective on life, so I wanted to live that experience.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I am in love with the Mediterranean culture and Spain was the choice for my career. Besides the fact that it is a place that always caught my attention because there are many ties that unite Mexico and Spain.
How was the scholarship application process?
Everything was very clear, it was just a matter of fulfilling the requirements and following the process once you were admitted.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
I talked to students who had already had this experience in previous years and I was very organized with the times and things I needed for the trip.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was very excited about what I was about to experience. A little nervous, because it would be an unknown world, but I was sure that everything was going to go very well.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
We had 2 weeks to get to know the other exchange students from other countries, and to get to know the Catalan language a little bit.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
My family, friends, the food made by my mom, and from UNI the evaluation system and closeness with the professors.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing: living together and making friends from so many countries, different cultures, discovering new cities. And the most difficult thing was to adapt to a different rhythm in the classes and the evaluation system.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
On a personal level, it gave me much more self-confidence and I developed many interpersonal skills. On a professional level, it allowed me to get to know the healthcare system in another country and many tools and contacts that will be of great help in the future.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
They should enjoy every moment to the fullest, make many friends and allow themselves to experience the culture of the place they are visiting in an authentic way.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Absolutely, it's a life-changing experience.
Jul 12, 2023 | Study abroad
Carmen Jazmin of the Bachelor of International Business at Hallym University, South Korea
When you entered Uni, did you know there were international programs?
Yes, that's precisely why I entered the University of Celaya, because I found out that they had exchange programs abroad and that's what I wanted.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
Since I entered the university, but I was told that I had to wait until I met certain requirements, so I prepared myself from the beginning to be selected.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Their culture really catches my attention, and the language is extremely interesting from my point of view, plus my musical taste also includes K-pop and my entertainment includes K-dramas.
How was the scholarship application process?
I think it was quite simple, however, you should prepare yourself beforehand, especially with activities that will help you to be selected; extracurricular activities.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
A month before I left I learned to read the language (not quite to understand and translate it) and that helped me a lot to enter the country, I also prepared the papers that the university asked me and researched places I wanted to visit.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Nostalgia, because when I arrived my parents were not waiting for me. Impotence, because some people were very impatient and I had no way to communicate with them, but as soon as I arrived at the university I was filled with excitement to meet people and how my life was going to be in those 5 months.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Quite nice, the people were quite nice and pleasant; they like foreigners and are very impressed that Mexicans come to their country.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
I missed the food and the different flavors it contains and I also missed my family.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The friendships I made and the different trips within the country that I was able to make, which were a lot of fun.
The most difficult thing for me was the complicated subjects I chose, I lived in constant stress thanks to the intense study that I took, besides the atmosphere during exam season was very heavy, because there they work so hard that stress is felt everywhere.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
Personally, I feel that my sense of responsibility has increased a lot compared to how it was before I left, living on my own in a strange place creates a different kind of self-awareness.
On a professional level, the classes helped a lot and what you learn about the country you are in helps you develop thinking that will help me to be a better professional in the future.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
Have a lot of patience with learning the place where you are, do a lot of research beforehand about the new country to visit, its language, culture and make new friends.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
This is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity where you get to experience amazing things and gain lifelong friendships.
Jul 12, 2023 | Study abroad
Rafael Álvarez Romero of Law at the University of Oviedo, Asturias. Spain.
When you entered UNI did you know there were international programs?
Yes.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
When I was interested in learning about other cultures and knowledge about my career.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because it was a dream for me to get to know Madrid and I like Spanish soccer very much.
How was the scholarship application process?
Well, I had to list my most significant activities throughout my UNI career and it was a privilege to be given such an opportunity.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
A lot of nervousness, but I knew it would be a wonderful experience.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Surprise and nerves, doing a lot of things the first time, but an incredible experience.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Very well, treating me like just another student at the university.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
From Mexico the food and my family, from UNI colleagues and professors.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing was meeting people from all over Europe and the hardest part was getting used to the Spanish regulations.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
So much so, it gives me the opportunity to know the European Union's legal systems and that broadens my outlook.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
- Make friends from your career.
- Travel a lot (Save from before)
- Meet many people.
- Enjoy this magnificent experience
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Totally, this is a unique experience and I am very grateful to the university for choosing me to represent them.
Jul 12, 2023 | Study abroad
Samantha Arreguín of Global Business at the University of Lleida, Spain.
When you entered Uni did you know there were international programs? Yes, I was already aware of the academic experiences thanks to acquaintances from the University.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
I have always liked to learn the history and way of life of other countries, so from the beginning of my career I started to meet goals to be able to apply.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because they offered subjects that interested me and also because it is one of the countries with more foreign students, so I thought it was excellent to know that I would get to know more cultures.
How was the scholarship application process?
It was really an easy process for me, even UNI always supports you in any obstacles or doubts that arise.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
It was hard knowing that I would be leaving my family and friends for the first time and for a long time, but everyone motivated me. I was also researching what daily life is like in the country and saved a lot.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I felt good and excited to know how the classes would be, anxious to know the city, also for the people I would meet from other parts of the world.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Better than I thought, the teachers, local classmates and even students from other countries were very friendly and we connected quickly.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
I missed my family and friends a lot, also the food, especially the spicy food. From UNI I missed the social and academic environment.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The fact that I made friends from Korea, Italy, Spain, Chile, France, Germany, and so on. It is very exciting the experience that we were able to live together and learn from our cultures. The hardest part was the farewell with our friends.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
I believe that even though we all have different customs and traditions, I was able to learn from each one and respect them. I also became more independent and that helps me a lot in my personal growth. Professionally, I think it helps me because now I know how to get around more easily and work better in a team.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
Save money before leaving, be aware that it is a completely different but very good experience that will improve you as a person and always be mentally open to new adventures.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Totally, it is an unforgettable experience.
Jun 26, 2023 | No category
Paola from Communication and Audiovisual Media won the Uni scholarship for a semester at the Universidad Mayor, Campus Santiago, Chile.
When you entered UNI, did you know there were international programs?
Yes, it was one of the reasons I chose to study at the University of Celaya.
When and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country? Since my first semester I started to prepare and work to get a scholarship, but it was in my fifth semester when I started to apply; I always wanted to go on an exchange program to learn about another culture.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
I chose to go to Chile because it is one of the most developed countries in Latin America, besides having a diversity of landscapes, it is a country full of incredible places.
How was the scholarship application process?
I started to do things since I started my career and have a profile to be selected for the scholarship; from volunteering, services and extracurricular things. So when the scholarships are announced you have a better chance of being a beneficiary.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
I started looking for accommodation from Mexico, and making a list of things I would like to visit or do to make the most of this experience.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
Arriving in Chile I was nervous and excited at the same time, it was a totally new experience for me, I felt ready for anything to come. Chile is a country with warm people and everyone helped us to get to our accommodation, even when we arrived they helped us to find what we needed.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
The Universidad Mayor, since we were in Mexico, helped us with the process to obtain the visa, they also offered us housing options, and when we arrived in Chile they gathered the exchange students to welcome us and explain a little about the University.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
Without a doubt the food, in Chile things don't have much flavor, besides they don't have much variety of products, about UNI what I miss the most is the community, at UMayor they don't have events to socialize, so it is difficult to meet new people.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing I have experienced is to be able to travel with my friends to different places, it is an unforgettable experience, the most difficult thing so far has been having to organize myself, now everything depends on me, so I have to organize my time very well.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
This experience helped me to grow as a person, I feel more capable of achieving my goals, coming on exchange opened another perspective of the world, and of what I would like to do with my life.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
Make the most of this opportunity, live and experience as much as you can, do things you wouldn't usually do, and make friends with people from another country, exchange cultures.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
I would 100% recommend going on an exchange, it is an experience that is like nothing else, you may be scared to go alone at first, but I promise you that after that you won't want to go back, you will meet amazing people and travel to places you never imagined. Thank you UNI!
Jun 23, 2023 | Study abroad
Regina, an International Business major, won the scholarship to study in Oviedo, Spain.
When you entered Uni, did you know that there were international programs?
Yes, I was told about it in the talks to enter the Uni.
At what point and why did you start thinking about applying for a scholarship and studying in another country?
Since I entered college, since one of my goals was to do at least one exchange during my career.
Why did you decide to study in that country?
Because Europe seems very interesting to me and Spain is an available option for my career in that continent.
How was the scholarship application process?
Quite simple, the complicated part was to obtain merits to be eligible.
How did you prepare for this new experience?
I prepared myself a lot mentally as I had never been so far away from my family and friends for so long.
How did you feel when you arrived in the new country?
I was very excited to get to know my new city, the university and make many new friends from all over the world.
How have you been received at the university where you arrived?
Good, although I would have liked them to accompany us a little more in the adaptation process. UniOvi does not have, like Uni, a dedicated department for foreign students, you receive very little guidance from managers and professors and we had to discover the dynamics within the university on our own.
What do you miss the most about Mexico and UNI?
From Mexico I mainly miss my family, my friends and the food. From Uni I miss the way classes are taught, the educational system and the evaluation system.
What is the most exciting thing you have experienced so far in this experience? And the most difficult?
The most exciting thing was being able to take advantage of the free time and having the opportunity to travel and get to know new countries.
The hardest part was undoubtedly becoming a much more independent person, as now I had to take care of myself, take care of the apartment, the food, the cleaning, etc., which is not something I was used to in Mexico.
How do you think this experience will influence you as a person and professionally?
This experience definitely altered my point of view about the world, and I am going home with thousands of new perspectives about life, the value of things, people, etc. An educated person, full of experiences and eager to continue knowing and learning, is something very valuable for both personal and professional life.
What advice would you give to those who are about to go on exchange to another country?
They should take advantage of any opportunity they have to travel or socialize or even learn something new, and they should seek a lot of support from people who have already gone on exchange to make it easier for them to adapt to the new city.
Would you recommend these opportunities offered by UNI to your colleagues?
Yes, they are very worthwhile.
