Hi there! I’m Yente Reyns, a Belgian FSA ULaval student. However, if you ask me where I’m from, I might say I’m a citizen of the world. You see, at the age of 15, I was bitten by the travel bug—a relentless urge to immerse myself in foreign cultures, understand diverse perspectives, and study in all corners of the world. My passion for international education has led me to feel at home in a mix of countries such as South Africa, Spain, France, South Korea, Canada, Costa Rica, and now Colombia.
The Transformative Power of Studying Abroad
My journey has been more than a series of stamps in a passport; it has been a transformative experience that has enriched both my personal and professional life. Living across different continents, I’ve not only learned about the unique values, norms, and worldviews of various cultures but also honed my cross-cultural communication skills.
Choosing Colombia: A Goal-Driven Decision
During my MBA in Global Business, I learned about the possibility of participating in an exchange semester. Given that I was already studying abroad in Canada, I wanted to establish a clear goal for this new academic adventure. My main goal? To become fluent in Spanish. With this objective in mind, I chose Colombia as an exchange destination. A decision that opened the door to an exciting new chapter of my life.
Life at Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
My exchange at Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, which spans from January 17 to June 1st, has been a blend of challenging academics and exploration. I have classes on Thursday (6 pm-9 pm), Friday (6 pm-9 pm), and Saturday (8 am-11 am). This schedule leaves enough time to discover Colombia’s wonders, like Valle de Cocora.
The university's sports center is a highlight, offering a wide range of classes free of charge. I am taking soccer, tennis, salsa, and bachata classes. These activities are a great way to meet local students!
Situated at the base of Monserrate, a mountain that can be hiked up in just an hour, the university has a great location for those times when the bustle of city life becomes overwhelming. Escapes into nature are easily accessible.
On the culinary front, I've embraced the local cuisine, swapping poutine for traditional Colombian dishes such as bandeja paisa, ajiaco, tamales, patacones, arepas, etc. For the fruit lovers among us, Mercado Paloquemao is just a 10-minute drive from the university, where you will find overchoice. Among my favorite restaurants is Andrés Carne de Res, a must-visit!
The vibrant student community at the university includes about 100-200 international students across faculties. The student-led initiative "Hermanos Sin Fronteras" organizes activities for exchange students. This initiative has given me the great opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Alongside this, I also sought meaningful interactions with local students. I am often the only or one of the very few international students in class, which creates the perfect setting to get these local interactions. Colombia's welcoming nature ensures that it is rather easy to make friends here.
Halfway through my exchange semester in Colombia, the experience has already exceeded my expectations. To those considering an exchange semester: do not hesitate. The growth, adventures, and friendships awaiting are invaluable. Embrace the opportunity to expand your horizons!
-Yente
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