Nikita Grams and Laura Ehrler, from Germany, and Yvanna Guadalupe Jiménez Gaytán, from Mexico, are the exchange and volunteer students currently staying at the University of Santander’s (UIS) Campus II University Residences, a facility that has established itself as a key resource for well-being and intercultural integration.
“We are very happy. This initiative to provide housing for international students began last year as a pilot program with one German student and was successful. The university community welcomed him warmly, which encouraged more international students to consider coming to UIS. Today, we have three international students living here,” said Liliana del Pilar Castro Molano, director of International Relations at UIS.
For international students, this benefit is essential to their academic and cultural adjustment. They emphasize that the experience has been enriching and has allowed them to integrate more easily into university life.
“I really like this concept of university housing because it fosters support among students. I feel safe here, where I can focus on my academic activities. Plus, my roommates have helped me get to know the city and its main attractions, which has made this experience very rewarding,” said Laura Ehrler, a student in the Master’s in Social Intervention program.
The conditions of the residence halls have also been positively received by visitors, who highlight the comfort, location, and common areas.
“I’m very happy to be here. The building is comfortable and well-located; we’re close to places where we can get food and spend time together in common areas like the kitchen or the terrace, which has a lovely view of the city,” said Nikita Grams, a volunteer teaching German.
Likewise, international students highlighted the academic quality of UIS, as well as the dedication of its faculty and the helpfulness of the staff.
“I was pleasantly surprised. The labs are very well-equipped and have excellent resources for research. My expectations were exceeded, and I’ve also found very friendly people and very enriching classes,” commented Yvanna Guadalupe Jiménez Gaytán, an exchange student from the Autonomous University of Nuevo León.
To complement this internationalization strategy, UIS International Relations implemented the partner program, in which local students, who are also residents, assist their international peers with the adaptation process, administrative procedures, and orientation in the city.
“It’s a very enriching experience, because in addition to providing support, you learn about other cultures and languages. From the moment they arrive in Bucaramanga, we help them with campus tours and administrative procedures, which can be complicated for them at first,” explained Carolina Carvajal, a civil engineering student.
UIS continues to establish itself as an inclusive academic environment open to the world, promoting cultural integration and the exchange of knowledge between domestic and international students.
