Bruno Wahrmann, a student in the Bachelor’s program in International Studies, shared his experience during his exchange semester at the University of San Diego.
-Why did you decide to do an international semester?
-Because it’s a unique opportunity to study at top-tier universities, while also leaving time to enjoy life in another country and make new friends. Plus, it’s something I’d been planning ever since I first heard about this possibility, since I love to travel.
-How did the opportunity to do this at the University of San Diego come about?
-I looked into which U.S. universities had agreements with ORT, and that’s when the opportunity arose, after receiving the unconditional support of the program coordinators—Andrés Bancalari and Javier Bonilla—and the help of Miriam Kemna, the exchange coordinator, to whom I am very grateful.
-Why did you choose to do it there?
-Since I’d already had the chance to go to Europe, I figured it was time to try something different. The United States is a fascinating country, and I have friends studying there; from what I’d heard, the college experience is unlike that of any other country in the world. Honestly, I was also really drawn to the beach. It was the one closest to the coast, and escaping winter didn’t sound like a bad idea. Plus, I’d never been to California, and above all, the weather is warm all year round. It had the whole package.
-Did you feel ready to study there?
-I was always confident that I wouldn't run into any major difficulties, thanks to the solid foundation I had built here and because the language wouldn't be a barrier to understanding the classes.
-You took business and leadership courses in San Diego. What would you highlight from what you learned?
-Basically, it’s a different way of thinking—more dynamic and practical. Also, when it comes to leadership, I was surprised by how important it can be across all areas, and it really opened my mind, since it’s a discipline that’s usually studied completely on its own. The most notable aspect is the blend of classes and life outside the classroom. A clear example was the in-class entrepreneurship competition where you could win money—we lost in the final, but it was still incredible. Finally, the greatest benefit of attending class was gaining knowledge that isn’t found in books.
-How did you find the adjustment?
-I found it very easy to adjust. The only thing that was a challenge for both me and Federico Sendra, the other Uruguayan who came with me, was punctuality. Like typical Latin Americans, we were late everywhere we went, and we dragged our Spanish roommate into our habit of being late—though he eventually got used to it whether he liked it or not. Being at a nightclub and having the lights come on at 2 a.m. as they closed was something that really surprised us. We never managed to get to dinner at the right time.
-What are the main differences between life in San Diego and life in Uruguay?
-There were several. First of all, as I mentioned, the schedules. Everything starts much earlier. Plus, there are events all week long—like concerts or parties—not just on the weekends. And college life is lived to the fullest. Students live on campus until their junior year (third year). In fact, they’re required to do so during their first year. You build a sense of community within the university, and it’s where you eat, sleep, play sports, study, and attend events. On top of that, you choose the classes you like best, within the framework of your intended major, which offers incredible flexibility. Plus, we were able to earn credits for extracurricular activities like surfing, golf, and others.
-What was your life like during the exchange program?
-It really was a dream. My friends here didn't believe me. On a typical day, I’d wake up, go to the beach to surf, and then have lunch. Classes in the afternoon until evening, and then soccer, tennis, or the gym. At night, we’d get together for dinner and go out to an event on campus or around town. Later, we took several trips along the West Coast of the United States with Uruguayan friends who came to visit, and it was incredible.
-What stood out to you the most during your time abroad?
-The number of young people in San Diego. It’s a college town, and there are young people everywhere. Plus, the people are so friendly—they’re always smiling. We were always told that people on the West Coast are more laid-back, and I saw that for myself. Also, how Americans accept you for who you are and not where you come from, since they constantly move from one state to another, which creates an incredible mix of people from all regions as well as different countries. The university’s facilities and financial resources really caught our attention. College life, on the other hand, is a time to enjoy, and you’ll cry your eyes out the day you leave. On top of that, the efficiency of the assignments and how they make the most of their time. During exam periods, the library was packed 24/7. At parties, everyone had a blast, and when it was time to work, you couldn’t get distracted. Plus, they really value the contribution you can make to the group, no matter what field you’re in, and they appreciate you for that.
-How did this experience enrich you?
-From every possible perspective. Academically, I took top-notch classes and attended lectures by internationally renowned figures, such as senators (I missed the Dalai Lama’s lecture by just a couple of weeks). On a personal level, I made friends from all over the world with whom I shared incredible experiences that will last a lifetime. Plus, the connections and potential opportunities to return in the future—because I still have a lot of unfinished business here!