Little did Cristina Búrdalo imagine that, just weeks after travelling to Peru to complete the second semester of year four of her Bachelor’s Degree in Law at the University of Piura, she would have to return to Barcelona due to COVID-19. And even less so that she would return with a grant to study English at a North American university.

The story began a few months ago, when Búrdalo decided to finish her degree abroad. According to the student, “It’s one of the best opportunities we have in terms of what you learn both academically and on a personal level, and it’s a great way to round off our education”.

A few weeks after arriving in the Andean country, the student was awarded a grant to study an online English course at Missouri State University (USA), after taking part in a seminar on online learning during pandemics. “As English is a key tool in my field of study, this opportunity will enable me to improve my language skills and cement my plans for the future”, Búrdalo explains. The student also remarks that, in the future, she would like to “join an international organisation that works to protect human rights”. She therefore defines this grant as a “wonderful opportunity in all respects, both professionally and personally”.

Unfortunately, the coronavirus crisis erupted shortly after her arrival and eventually made its way to Peru. “I initially decided to stay in Lima. But when the situation became worse, I contacted the Spanish embassy in Peru and decided to come back. It was a bittersweet feeling, because, despite returning to Barcelona, I was forced to interrupt an experience that had only just begun”, explains the Law student. Burdaló also adds that, during the health crisis, she felt very much supported by the International Relations Service at UIC Barcelona.

Despite the abrupt end, Cristina Burdaló encourages all students to take advantage of the opportunity the University offers: “International mobility enables you to develop and improve your language skills, get to know other university systems and gain an enriching global perspective of the country, which can be seen every day in the professional world”. In her case, despite the adverse situation, she was able to come away with positive experiences. As well as a grant to study at Missouri State University.