The Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) continues to consolidate itself as an institution with international projection. For the first time in its history, a foreign student benefits from a place in the university residences. This is Levin Seidinger, a native of Munich, Germany, who arrives at the UIS for an internship and volunteering, with the objective of learning Spanish and contributing with German clubs and personalized tutoring at the University.
His arrival is possible thanks to the global academic cooperation of the UIS with German universities and the support of the American Field Service (AFS) organization.
For Seidinger, who is fluent in German and English and is passionate about languages, coming to UIS is a dream come true, as he will not only have the opportunity to learn Spanish, but also to support members of the university community in learning German and English.
“I learned about Colombia from an exchange student in my country and, thanks to everything she told me, I was fascinated and eager to get to know it. I have been very happy at UIS; it has a large, modern campus with green areas. The students and staff are very friendly, and I have high expectations for the time I will be here,” said Levin Seidinger.
In addition to his passion for languages, Seidinger is enthusiastic about his stay in the university residences, where after passing the psychological and coexistence tests given by Bienestar Estudiantil he obtained a place, where he shares experiences with other students and immerses himself in the Colombian culture.
“It has been a very rewarding experience. I like it a lot, especially the gym area. When I arrived I had a meeting with my classmates on the terrace, where we interacted and had dinner together. I am very happy to be able to get to know the Colombian culture,” he added.
His arrival has also been well received by the students. Brian Miguel Carvajal Calderón, a Systems Engineering student and Seidinger’s roommate, thanked the university for including foreign students in the residence halls, as this allows them to learn new cultures and languages without leaving the country.
“He is a very kind person. He helps us to reinforce our English and learn German little by little, while perfecting his Spanish. In addition, this experience has allowed me to learn more about the university’s programs and agreements to study abroad or learn other languages,” commented Brian Miguel Carvajal Calderón.
For its part, the UIS Office of External Relations highlighted the importance of this exchange, as it strengthens the teaching of the German language within the university community.
“Since last year we started conversations with AFS, an agency for academic cooperation and volunteerism, which proposed us to receive a volunteer for various extracurricular activities. Currently, we have three German citizens: a lecturer, a language assistant and now Levin, who reinforces and expands the approach of the UIS with German culture. This is a historic step in the internationalization process of the university,” said Liliana del Pilar Castro Molano, director of the UIS Office of External Relations.
Those interested in learning more about these academic exchanges can contact relext@uis.edu.co or call 607 6344000, extension 2055.
