Juan José Cala Serrano and Julián Darío Robles Díaz, students of the UIS Language Institute at the UIS Socorro Campus, were selected to live an educational and cultural experience in Canada thanks to the “It’s Time for Education 2025” program of the Government of Santander.
Motivation, determination and the desire to learn beyond the classroom led two teenagers from Santander to cross borders. Juan José and Julián Darío were selected to participate in a language immersion program in the United States, after a rigorous call for applications.
The selection process was demanding: applicants had to send a video in English talking about their likes and dislikes and their life in Colombia; they then had to submit a written test, an interview in English, a psychological evaluation and several other tests. Among more than 700 young people, they stood out: “I am interested in learning about their culture and how they live there. It is a country with other customs, another environment. I want to make friends with people from Canada,” said Juan José Cala, a ninth grade student at Colegio Universitario del Socorro, who is currently studying at Conversational Level 4 at the UIS Language Institute. At 14 years old, his future is already clear: “I want to study Mechatronics Engineering. I know that there is a great demand internationally and that will allow me to work in other countries”.
For his mother, Liliana Catalina Serrano Monsalve, Juan José’s achievement is a source of pride and she calls on families to support their children in their dreams: “It was an immense joy for him and for us. Out of 700 children who applied, he was one of those selected. He has been studying English at UIS since he was 9 years old because we know that this language opens doors. I tell parents to accompany their children, motivate them, the effort is worth it,” she said excitedly.
Julián Darío Robles Díaz, also 14 years old and a native of Simacota, is in his third year of English at UIS. He studies at Colegio La Llanita and decided to participate in the call as a personal challenge: “I wanted to try it because I wanted to prove myself and, well, if I passed, great. My mom was the one who warned me and motivated me. The English I know, I learned here at UIS, and with that level I was able to take the test and pass. I feel very satisfied,” he said.
About what he hopes to find in Canada, Julian speaks with enthusiasm: “I want to meet friends, talk to them, make video calls, meet new people. I even hope to have an adoptive family there who will invite me on vacation. You never know,” he said with a laugh. In his future he also sees UIS as his home of studies, with the idea of studying Petroleum Engineering or Chemistry. Although he also dreams of continuing his education at a Canadian university.
The “It’s Time for Education 2025” program opens new horizons and creates real opportunities for these young people from the southern region of Santander. For Juan José and Julián, this trip is more than an international experience: it is an open door to new worlds.
