International Exchanges for Jóvenes Adelante Students

Supported by the Marta Puga and Bob Hesdorfer Special Funds

A journey that opens panoramas.

Yeslie Naomi Rea García

Universidad del Valle de México, Medicina

Currently an exchange student at the Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, España with the support of Jóvenes Adelante’s Marta Puga Travel Fund

"I feel too excited to start writing…

It all started when I was selected in the Spain exchange program. I felt a mixture of emotions, immense joy, but also a deep uncertainty. I didn't know what the process would be like, what it would be like to adapt, leave my family, start over in a different country. I was overcome with fear, but thanks to the unconditional support of my family, that fear diminished.

Thinking about all the paperwork I had to do to start the process frustrated me, there were many things to do, I was not aware of how to do them and I did not know who to ask either. The process to obtain the visa was complicated. I had several problems, in the end, I made the decision to pick up my passport and process the visa directly in Spain. Unfortunately I had very little time to apply for my visa, and with the lack of staff they have at the embassy, the process became longer. Making the decision to pick up my passport was very risky, but it was a risk that I had to assume - I did not want to miss this opportunity that would probably not be repeated.

The day of the trip was chaotic. I had setbacks with the airline that made me doubtful and discouraged, but I decided to trust the process and that everything would work out.

When I arrived in Spain, the real challenge began: adaptation. Everything was new. The schedule, the people, the food, the culture, every aspect represented a huge challenge that, honestly, I'm still dealing with. But little by little I found my rhythm. From the first days of school I knew that I had made a good decision to come. The academic quality is outstanding. The doctors are excellent, the subjects are more advanced, and the level of demand has challenged me in ways that have made me grow. It is inexplicable the emotion I feel every time I take a class, realizing how much I am learning, seeing the passion with which the doctors give their classes, the affection and respect they have for their patients makes me want to strive every day to become a like them.

It has not been an easy road, it was too drastic a change. Although I was used to being away from home, I had never been so long without seeing my family, and the issue of communication was difficult - we are 8 hours apart and it has been something to which we have been adapting.

This experience has transformed the way I see the world. It has made me more independent, more aware of the value and sacrifice that my family makes for me. I have learned to value the everyday and to grow emotionally. I spent my birthday alone for the first time, away from home, and it was a difficult time. But I understood that it's one of those small sacrifices that I must make for everything my family also does. There are many details of this trip that I would not be able to tell, good and bad, but each of them have undoubtedly left some learning in me.

I had the opportunity to go to an internship in the hospital, one of the best experiences I have lived, it reminded me why I chose this career, it reaffirmed that I am on the right path. I enjoy living with patients too much, being able to be there trying to give them a little encouragement is what makes me love the race, the feeling of empathy, gratitude is what fills me the most and drives me to make an effort every day.

I'm making the most of it, trying to absorb every knowledge, every experience, in the hope of becoming not only a better professional, but a better person. Because everything I learn here, I'm sure, will be something that I will be able to give back to others one day.

In short, so many things that have happened since the beginning of the year, that it is impossible for me to tell them all, but if I could summarize it in a few words it would be in the following: resilience, adaptation, sacrifice, overcoming, gratitude.

A large part of this process is thanks to you, Jóvenes Adelante and the Marta Puga Travel Fund with the support I have received. It was a pleasure to share a little of what has been of my life in these months, too many more things that I would like to share, but that I am sure that later there will be time."

Ana Laura Ramírez Cervantes

Tecnológico Nacional de México, Ingeniería en Sistemas Informáticos

Currently an exchange student in la Universidad Santo Tomás en la ciudad de Tunja, Colombia with the support of Jóvenes Adelante’s Marta Puga Travel Fund

“Since I started this semester with the exchange, my life took a 360 degree turn. Not because it was bad, but because inevitably being in another country changes the way you see the world. The customs are different, the accents too, but what I love is that I'm still in Latin America. It is a continent that, despite the differences, shares such similar stories... wars, social struggles, and a resilience that you feel in the air when you talk to someone on the street, in the classroom or in the cafeteria.

Arriving in Tunja, Colombia has been an experience that confronted me with my own fears. From the first time I got off the plane, I knew that nothing would be the same anymore. I do not say this with drama, but with the certainty that this experience has transformed me. The food, for example: the first "changua" made me think of home, even though it was far from mine. Colombian hospitality reminded me how close we are as peoples.

Being here has also taught me to be alone. I mean, I already did it since living in Querétaro, however, being so far from family was another form of growth. To organize, to resolve, to make mistakes and to start again. Like when I took the wrong route and ended up in an area I didn't know. Instead of panicking, I remembered the "Storytelling" [workshop at the JA Congress]. One of the phrases that marked me was: "Every story needs a conflict to have value." That day, lost in the middle of a city that I am just beginning to understand, I understood that I was also writing my story. One that I will remember with laughter, although at the time I just wanted to cry.

I have met incredible people, those of the exchange being Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, Mexico, who last but not least, with the Colombians. From classes, to having the opportunity to be a representative in the theater, where I feel like family again.

And although I have had a scholarship from Jóvenes Adelante and the Marta Puga Travel Fund that has helped me a lot, and I am deeply grateful for it, I cannot deny that the economic issue has been a challenge. Everything has a cost, from transportation, materials, to the simple fact of wanting to live together or get to know something new. Sometimes it weighs heavily, and it has affected me, but I think that is also part of the experience: valuing each step I take and learning to manage wisely. Every peso invested here has an emotional value that I know I will remember with pride in the future."

Sofia González Cervantes

Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Relaciones Internacionales

Currently doing an internship at the Voluntary Visitor Program of the Institute of Public Policies in Human Rights (IPPDH) of MERCOSUR in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina with the support of Jóvenes Adelante's Marta Puga Travel Fund

"This whole journey has been simply magical. Knowing places totally different from what my eyes are used to, the variety of people who surround me and even feeling far from home and missing even the smallest thing, have filled my heart with desire to continue cultivating and learning to have these experiences. I have reaffirmed my desire to travel and get to know all the good things in life with this trip, and definitely this dream would not have been able to come true in such a special way without the support of Jóvenes Adelante and the Marta Puga Travel Fund.

I truly believe that when you live experiences of this type and allow yourself to leave your comfort zone, things and your perspective on life are transformed. By meeting people, learning from their vast experience, being in places where you had never imagined, allows you to see everything you are capable of and can achieve, with the simple fact of setting your mind to it and being consistent.

There will always be challenges of all kinds, but it is always important to have an open mind willing to face them. Always what comes next will lead you to a better path.

Something that I have enjoyed a lot on this trip has been sharing my culture. Meet people who have no idea how beautiful Mexico is and with photos and anecdotes, be able to illustrate to them all the beautiful things that are lived in our country.

Of course, I miss the food and warmth of San Miguel very much, but I know that it is my home and I will always be waiting for me when I return, with open arms and a lot of love.

But also during this trip I have realized many of my virtues as a person and that exercise of true self-knowledge that is priceless.

I deeply appreciate your support in doing this and know that I am filled with happiness and beautiful experiences."

Gustavo Adolfo Jiménez Mendoza

Universidad de León, San Miguel de Allende, Architecture

A university sponsored architectural trip through Europe, including Paris, Geneva, Aosta, Venice, Rome, Pisa, Barcelona, ​​and Madrid. Recipient of support from the Bob Hersdorfer Fund

“After this trip, I not only think differently about architecture. I also think differently about my role as an architect.”

Venice:

"I understood how architecture not only occupies space, but redefines it.”

Rome:

“[I pondered] the ability of the ancients to create works that have endured through the centuries.”

Barcelona:

“Gaudí changed the way I see what an architectural work can be... his organic designs and innovative forms challenge convention.”

“This trip through Europe was a living lesson in the evolution of architecture over time. Each city and each monument offered me something new, broadening my vision not only of the art of building, but also of the history and cultural identity of each place.”