“Studying in Brazil is not just a personal achievement, it’s an achievement for my parents and for the University.”

Jessika Viviana Castañeda Velandia, a seventh-semester student in the Business Administration program, Chía Extension, tells us about her student mobility experience.

“UCundinamarca gave me the opportunity to choose between six universities in different countries such as Spain, Mexico, and Brazil. I chose Brazil because it is a nation that I have always loved, for its cultural diversity, tourist sites, and the passion, magic, and artistry of how football is lived and played beautifully.”, Jessika Viviana Castañeda Velandia, a seventh-semester student in the Business Administration program, Chía Extension, highlighted this.

Jessika Viviana, who benefited from being able to study abroad, recalled years ago that desire for student mobility, a dream that was reaffirmed during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. She feels she made the right decision to grow professionally by choosing the Federal University of Minas Gerais, a leading federal public institution in Brazil that is ranked 5th in the Shanghai World University Rankings for higher education.

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This 20-year-old, hardworking, persevering, and above all, dreamy young woman, expressed that the exchange program exceeded her expectations, keeping in mind the motto "when in Rome, do as the Romans do." She managed to adapt as quickly as possible to her new place of residence, allowing her to live there for more than five months and be fully available to attend classes.

“The beginning of this experience was a bit bittersweet, as many things are very different, but as time goes on, you adapt quickly. You meet and interact with new people from different countries, cultures, and fields of study, and they all contribute to your personal and professional growth in one way or another. You also begin to understand the language better; in a way, you form a family, which is the most beautiful part of this academic experience.”, the young student indicated.

In the academic section, Jessika Viviana explains the effort and discipline she had to make to be at the same advanced level in theoretical and practical knowledge of her administration discipline, in addition to studying, understanding, and speaking the Portuguese language.

The young student's mobility takes place between classes such as Marketing Research, Human Resources Management, Marketing Management and Managerial Function; subjects belonging to the eighth, ninth and tenth semesters.

UC: Where did the idea of academic mobility in Brazil come from?

Jessika VivianaThis great idea of doing an exchange was a goal I had set since the beginning of my university career, even though I had very little information about this process.

UC: How does being able to study in Brazil contribute to your professional development?

Jessika VivianaOn a professional level, this great experience contributes significantly, mainly through the knowledge and use of another language, the experience of getting to know another country, and above all, having the opportunity to learn about its economic, political and educational methods; it truly contributes very positively to this training that is just beginning.

UC: ¿What would you say to students who want to study abroad but don't dare?

Jessika VivianaSomething I also longed for at some point in my life, but I didn't dare. One day I decided to do it, and well, here I am. Those who have the chance should dare to live. It's a great effort, but it will always be worth it. Life is very short, and we must make the most of it. Time passes, flies, and never returns, so let's fly.

It's not just a personal experience; it's also an experience for our parents, friends, and the university. Living in another country, even for just six months, changes your life, your way of thinking, your way of living life, your perspective on your country, university, culture, religion, people, etc. It changes everything.

This change is for the better. Being able to meet people from other parts of the world, interact with them, and of course, meet Colombians and more Colombians. It's a unique experience that deserves to be lived and enjoyed to the fullest.

UC: What is your opinion on the University encouraging these internationalization processes and supporting students?

Jessika Viviana: I think it's very positive for us, as the University is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary, and we are the second group of students to complete this process. It's commendable that our institution promotes these kinds of initiatives that contribute to the personal and professional growth of its students.

It also raises the profile of our institution globally as an internationalized university that creates academic links and generates joint projects.

Likewise, we need the University of Cundinamarca to develop and expand agreements with host universities, as this greatly benefits students in every way, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other necessities. I know it's quite difficult, but it can be done.

Finally, as a suggestion, I invite the leaders of the University's internationalization management to further encourage young people to participate in student mobility programs; as well as to maintain constant and direct communication with students who are in their mobility semester during their stay.