Originally from Colombia, Stefania has lived in the USA and China, and is now living and working in Switzerland. When the pandemic hit and work was difficult to find, she turned towards postgraduate study as a way to productively pursue her future goals. We chatted to her in the lead up to her semester at Anglia Ruskin University. 

By Lauren Valentine

• Name: Stefania

• Home country: Colombia

• University: Anglia Ruskin University (semester abroad)

• Course: MSc International Business

From Colombia to China, to Switzerland…

“I studied Industrial Engineering at university in Colombia. Whilst I was there, I had the opportunity to go to the USA to learn English, but then I had to return to finish my degree. Once I was finished, I worked for two years before deciding I wanted to learn another language – I wanted to challenge myself! I started to look for opportunities and found something in China. I originally went as an au-pair, but it was completely different to what I’d imagined. I had no time to visit the city or learn Chinese and I felt like an employee rather than a family member. I then worked as a Project Manager building relationships between a Chinese and a Colombian company.

I met the person who’s now my husband whilst I was in China and we were together for a couple of years before he proposed. We decided to move to Switzerland because the quality of life is much better. We arrived a few months before the pandemic hit, which made it really difficult to find a job. I became a cashier because there was nothing in my field. That’s why I took the plunge into my master’s to avoid wasting time.”

International studies for an inspiring career…

“The course is awesome so far. I’m happy to be learning things academically and I like the theories. The research is challenging because I’ve not done much of it before. I’m learning how to do it right though, and I’m making so much progress. I find it amazing! I’m going to ARU because it’s a dual degree programme with my university here, so I’ll be there for a semester.

I chose my subject because I’ve lived in several countries and I’m so passionate about languages and cultures. Matching the experience to my career fits well with my life goals. There’s so much in the programme about diversity and different cultures, which I find really interesting! My dream is to become a speaker in my topic. I’d love to encourage people to take challenges, meet other cultures and learn languages to promote cultural diversity.” 

The magic of travel and pushing personal boundaries…

“Each country has its own magic. When I was in the U.S. I was so young and living away from home for the first time – it was awesome! I had the opportunity to meet new people and get to know how things work in other cultures. It’s mind blowing. That’s what encouraged me to go and do it all again in China. Then China was like another universe. People have stereotypes but once you go, you discover it for real. The communication was challenging, therefore, I had to learn Chinese to get by. Then, everything got better and better. I’m so happy that I got this opportunity because not everybody does. 

When it got difficult, I had the opportunity to go home, but I decided to stay. When I have an objective, I go for it - there’s no way I’m turning back! I think it’s important to step back and look for far I’ve come, which helps me realise that I’ll lose more by going back than by continuing even though it’s tough. You’ll never be the same as before because you know what you’re capable of - quitting is not an option!”  

Whilst foreign travel remains uncertain, Stefania is very much hoping to come to the UK and experience her semester at ARU in person. Either way, we’re sure it won’t be long until she’s travelling again! Looking to the future, she says: “Right now, we’re happy in Switzerland, but in the future, Singapore might be an exciting option!”