A Puma in Madrid. Research Initiation at the Complutense University of Madrid

THE SELECTION PROCESS
The adventure began during my last semester as a Psychology undergraduate student. I obtained a research initiation scholarship from UNAM’s Office for Cooperation anss Internationalization (DGECI), that gave me the opportunity to carry out a research stay at the Faculty of Social Work (Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy) of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), under the supervision of Virginia Jiménez Rodríguez, PhD.

The scholarship application process was challenging, but the excitement of being selected to go to the UCM enriched my expectations and, with much enthusiasm, I prepared myself to embark on this academic, personal and cultural adventure.

FOREIGN STAY
Getting used, both culturally and personally, to life in a new city was a major challenge because I was alone, with no one I knew, and in another continent. But it was really rewarding. I soon realized that my studies as a psychologist and social worker had prepared me to understand social dynamics and cultural interactions in another context, completely unfamiliar to what I knew.

The academic impact of research activities I undertook with Dr. Jiménez was transcendental for my training, since I was allowed to take part in course end activities, in the application of extraordinary exams, in research in her lines of work, which I find extremely interesting: gender and use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in educational environments. This allowed me to look at social and educational issues from another perspective.

In addition, Dr. Jiménez invited me to participate in the Complutense Summer School held annually at UCM, which taught me important lessons on issues related to children’s learning difficulties and kept me up to date in the area of specific learning disabilities. The classes were taught by highly qualified and specialized teachers in the topics addressed, which motivated me to continue specializing.

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Not only did the scholarship allowed me to study in Madrid but also to visit some European cities. In Spain I had the opportunity to visit Segovia, Toledo and Murcia, where I was warmly welcomed by the locals and where I was able to learn about traditions that are part of Spanish history. In Barcelona I experienced with joy Gaudi’s architecture and the vitality of the Catalan culture. Paris captivated me with its romance and peculiar historical beauty; just to mention a place, the incredible Palace of Versailles completely amazed me. Venice left me breathless with its canals and charm. In Rome and Florence, I immersed myself in the historical roots of Western civilization, appreciating some of the contributions of great artists and thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Galileo, whose marvelous artworks and discoveries left their mark on the cities.

ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL DISCOVERIES
During my travels, I established meaningful intercultural connections with locals and foreigners. These interactions gave me a deep understanding of different cultural perspectives and enriched me personally. I learned to appreciate diversity and to be flexible when thinking about cultural matters.

Time flew fast and my academic experience at UCM and travels in Europe came to an end. I returned to my country full of unforgettable memories, having a new perspective on life and learning. The knowledge I acquired in Psychology and Social Work merged with a broader understanding of the world and its multiple social, educational, gastronomic, and cultural realities.

The international mobility to UCM, thanks to the research initiation scholarship from UNAM’s DGECI, not only allowed me to visit for the first time impressive places in Europe but also to transform my academic and personal perspective. I am now more committed to learning, willing to continue exploring and growing as a professional and as a human being. This voyage taught me that the world is a vast field of opportunities and that knowledge is a powerful tool for change and progress.

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