Lía is studying economics at the University of Los Andes in Colombia. In mid-2007, she began looking into the possibility of participating in a student exchange program.
In July 2008, he moved to Uruguay to study for a semester at ORT University.
When I was in my third semester of college, I decided I wanted to participate in a study abroad program. I contacted universities in Mexico, Argentina, and Uruguay, and that’s how I found ORT.
She admits that at first she was very nervous. “I was a little scared to go to a university in another country because I had never left Colombia on my own. But I’d heard great things about Uruguay—people told me it was a very beautiful and welcoming country—so I decided to come here to study.”
Lía also highlights the immediate response she received from ORT. “From the moment I contacted the university, my questions were always answered. I started the application process in February 2008, arrived in Uruguay in July, and had my first class in August.”
During her exchange semester, Lía took two economics courses and two business administration courses.
“Things are going really well for me. I’m making the most of my time here, and I was able to turn in all my assignments on time.”
When she arrived in Uruguay, the first thing she did was get in touch with other young Colombians through her country’s consulate. “I spent the first month getting to know Uruguay, so when classes started, I didn’t feel like such a newcomer—I already knew my way around the city, how to take the bus, and how to get to ORT.”
The first time she attended an ORT class, Lía was very nervous. “The group had known each other for a while since they’d been taking the course together. Although at first I was nervous about joining an established group, over time I realized it wasn’t such a big deal. The group is small, the teacher knows everyone, and that helped me a lot.”
Currently, Lía has a very good relationship with all her classmates. “In our last few classes, we’ve been exchanging emails and started a Facebook group; I plan to stay in touch with them.”
Lía recalled that she loved Uruguay right from the start.
The landscape is completely different from Colombia's. I live in Bogotá, and we're in the middle of a mountain that dominates the landscape. I really liked Montevideo because I'd never had the chance to live in a coastal city; the first things I enjoyed were the beach and the boardwalk.
In addition, she found Uruguayans to be “very kind and warm.” “The people I met during my first few days welcomed me very warmly and taught me a lot.”
According to Lía, the academic level at ORT is very similar to that in Colombia, but she believes the difference lies in the study methodology. The student explained that in Colombia she had to submit a report every week, whereas ORT operates on a system of mandatory assignments. “It was just a matter of getting used to ORT’s pace, managing my time, and keeping up with my classes,” she said.
On January 3, she returns to Colombia to resume her studies at the Universidad de las Andes at the end of the month.
He plans to graduate with a degree in economics in late 2009.
My growth wasn't just academic; I now see things from a different perspective because I think I've matured a lot. It was a wonderful experience, and I have many fond memories of it.
Interview published in December 2008