Engineering Management student shares his exchange experience in Canada

Rodrigo Barrientos spent a summer at the University of Victoria, Canada where he combined academic training in business with an experience of personal and cultural growth.

“Welcome everyone. Who is ready to make their mark on the world?” These were the words spoken at my first summer class at the University of Victoria in Canada. At that moment, I realized I had made the right decision because this summer was much more than just a study trip: it was a life experience that helped me grow as a person and understand how things work outside our country.

For two weeks, I lived that reality at the University of Victoria and it was, without exaggeration, one of the most transformative experiences of my life. In addition to immersing myself in the world of business and business management, it was a profound journey of personal growth that opened my mind to new ways of making an impact on the world.

From an academic point of view, I had the opportunity to take courses in Financial Management and Planning and Control. The courses were not simply lessons, but conversations, practices and experiences that challenged us to think globally, using realistic examples at an international level. The practical methodology immersed us fully in the Canadian business ecosystem. I will never forget the visits to businesses and the conferences with guest speakers that the professors organized, as they allowed us to see up close how businesses operate in such a dynamic environment.

Every day was a new adventure, a constant invitation to step outside my comfort zone, discover a new place, enjoy a new experience and gain a new perspective. However, what really made the difference was the human quality and teaching style of the professors. They were true professionals with extensive experience and international backgrounds. Their anecdotes not only enriched the content but also demonstrated how business and business management are a universal language that can open doors for us anywhere in the world. Each class was a window into learning that cannot be found in a simple textbook.

What I will take with me forever, beyond what I learned in class, is the opportunity to have been in such a culturally diverse country. Life on campus allowed me to interact with an incredible network of students from all corners of the globe. Everyone I met was always friendly, open and willing to help, which made this experience even more special.

Looking back, this summer was a comprehensive journey of growth, learning and self-discovery. I learned valuable lessons about the business world, but I also gained something even more important: I understood the importance of resilience, adaptability and curiosity as fundamental pillars for personal and professional growth.

Canada taught me to embrace diversity, to dare to explore the unknown and, above all, to open my mind to understand how the world works beyond our borders. It is an experience I recommend to anyone who not only wants to learn about international business but also seeks to experience a summer full of adventures, friendships and memories that will forever transform the way they look at life.

*Contributed by Rodrigo Barrientos Montes de Oca, 5th semester student in Engineering Management.