The Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) continues to consolidate itself as a benchmark in internationalization, becoming a meeting place for students from different parts of the world. On this occasion, it celebrates a significant milestone: for the first time, a foreign student has been housed in the University Residence Halls Headquarters II.
This is Vianka Alejandra Murcia Meneses, a student of Biotechnology Engineering at the Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, in Tena, Ecuador, who arrived at the UIS for a semester-long academic exchange stay, focused on the development of a research project.
“I find it a very good opportunity, since I have a place to live and, in addition, share with classmates in a safe, illuminated, organized space where respect and cleanliness are promoted. It is a trusting environment,” said Vianka Murcia.
The allocation of the residential space has not only meant peace of mind for Vianka, but also for her family, who from Ecuador celebrate the institutional support provided by the UIS.
“My parents are more relaxed. They were worried about living alone in another country. This benefit also helps us to balance the economic expenses. My mom is happy and very grateful to the university and this program,” she added.
In addition to the residential environment, Vianka has been surprised and pleased with the university environment:
“For me this is a new world. The laboratories are modern, I have received constant and close support. I have been guided and taught a lot. The professors and collaborators are very knowledgeable. The campus is immense, diverse and its recreational and wellness spaces have enchanted me. The extracurricular activities allow me to interact with other students and learn about different cultures,” she said.
The Office of External Relations recognizes this as a turning point that makes visible the joint efforts between different departments such as Student Welfare and the Rector’s Office, to strengthen the processes of internationalization and comprehensive support to visiting students.
“This fact represents for us an enormous joy. We are grateful for this path we have initiated, in which incoming mobility students can access benefits such as University Residences and dining services. This is a significant advance, since for the first time a foreign woman enjoys these opportunities, something that would not have been possible without the articulated work with Student Welfare and the support of the Rector’s Office,” commented Liliana del Pilar Castro Molano, director of the UIS Office of External Relations.
Currently, the Residencias Universitarias Sede II houses two international students: in addition to Vianka Murcia, also resides Levin Seidinger, originally from Germany, who is doing an internship and volunteering at the institution.
This event demonstrates that the UIS continues to take firm steps towards a university that is increasingly global, inclusive and committed to the integral formation of its community.
