Paola from El Salvador
Meet Paola Rodriguez
1.Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Paola; I am from El Salvador, a country from Central America. I come from an American school, and I am currently studying Psychology.
2. Why UNAV
I chose UNAV, first because it is in Spain, I really like the idea of living in Europe, especially because it is in Spain because of the language, it is easier. Also because of the type of human formation and values that they promote, I think it is very important for a person studying psychology to have teachers and classes that line up to the values that they were raised with.
3. What were your expectations when coming?
I didn’t really have any expectations when I first came here. However, I am really happy with my classes and with my teachers, I think it is really nice of them and it is really important for them to be as open as they are to students and to helping them with anything that we may need. Well, my biggest expectation was being in Pamplona and the university, people told be it was the best school, that they loved it, and it was really nice to come here and confirm it myself. I had never been in Pamplona.
4. What do you wish you had known before coming?
I would have liked to know that the process to get out the NIE was going to be so complicated. Fortunately I came with enough time, to experiment what to do and when to do it. But, I would advise International Relations to update the process that they have on the website because some things are not accurate.
5. What has impacted you the most since arriving?
I think the two biggest impacts or changes have been the language and the weather. First the language because as I said before I came from an American school, so having my classes in Spanish is a huge difference and at first it was a challenge to get used to the accents and the different teachers, but with time it has improved and everything is better. Additionally the weather, because I never expected it to be this cold. But thankfully the people I live with have been really nice and have helped me see what I have to wear or what I have to buy and how to wear it, so it is getting better.
6. What was your major setback when applying?
I think the application process is fairly easy, however probably the hardest part was the VISA, but this is something I did in my country so it didn’t involve anything the university gave me.
7. What are three tips for a newcomer?
I would tell first year students to first, take advantage of the study skills that are given to you in high school, because you will definitely use them in college. Second, be open to meeting new people from everywhere around the world, I think that is one of the greatest advantages that this university gives students and it's something that you really have to take advantage of. And third be open to learning, be open to learning from your teachers and be open to learning from your peers.
8. What are some outside sources that have helped you in your classes?
Probably the study skills, I learned in highschool, are the best tools I brought with me when I first came here. Also, the books and other outside sources that the teachers recommend are very helpful to understand material. Websites not so much, if you google something you will find plenty information but I think it is better to rely on the material that teachers give you because you always know that is the reliable source.
9. What are some expectations the career had such as the amount of time it consumes, the projects or other things?
You have to read a lot, you have to get used to reading many books specially if you want to know more in the depths about the topics you learn in class. Also you have to be really good note takers, the powerpoints are fairly easy to understand, but you have to know what information is important, so you are not overwhelmed with the information that teachers provide in class. Additionally you have to get used to having long classes, because sometimes it is really hard to stay focused.