After Argentina, the guitar sings better

Living in another country for a few months, studying at a different university and getting to know different cultures, people and lifestyles is undoubtedly an enriching experience, like that of Camila Parra Rodríguez, the UCundinamarca student who traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina for her exchange.

UCundinamarca has an internationalization program that supports students who apply and meet certain requirements, such as a high GPA.

The program called Student Ambassador, bridges the gap with universities in Latin America and supports students so that they can study a semester in the country and at the institution where it has an agreement and the curriculum is similar so that they can advance subjects in their study plan.

The student was able to travel thanks to the support of her parents and study a semester of music at the University of Lanús, where she had great experiences that will undoubtedly be key to her training as a music teacher.

Camila traveled to Argentina in the second half of 2019, arriving in December just in time to protect herself at home from the global pandemic; however, now about to graduate, she says that after her trip her guitar sounds better.

The classical guitar is the instrument of choice for this 27-year-old, who says that the cultural venues, spaces for making music, and chamber music classes were among the things she enjoyed most at that university.

“The experience of having chamber music classes was the best. I am a soloist, but the ear that you develop with the melodies of violins, flutes and other instruments playing in time with you is key to improving each performance,” explained the future music teacher from UCundinamarca.

The process

Camila had heard about the exchanges and knew that the Student Ambassador program would be very enriching for her as a professional, so she applied and after passing all the filters, she was accepted.

“I was originally going to travel to Brazil, but at that time the situation in that country worsened and the internationalization office looked for another option and that's where they found the University of Lanús,“ the student explained.

Camila's parents agreed; her mother is proud of every achievement and every step she takes. However, they assumed the expenses of the trip and part of the student's maintenance in the country of Gaucho.

“The University of Cundinamarca gave me an initial financial incentive; however, I was able to cover part of my accommodation, food, and transportation expenses with the financial aid I received from Lanús University. The rest was paid for by my parents,” the student recalled.

The return

Camila says she returned in time, just before the first case of Covid-19 occurred in Argentina, but what really changed her life was what she learned there and her training in that country that loves culture and music.

“My teacher assures me that my guitar playing improved, that the experience strengthened me as a musician, and that the discipline with which we study there definitely left its mark on me,” Camila explained.

Camila returned to her native Zipaquirá, full of experiences and knowledge, but above all with new friends from Argentina who welcomed her with kindness and affection.

More news from the Zipaquirá Extension at the News Agency