From Peru to Tyrol: How Brisseth Experiences Her Semester Abroad at MCI

The story of Brisseth, a Peruvian exchange student at the Department of Industrial Engineering & Management

Hi! My name is Brisseth Parina Chaparro, and I am 22 years old from Lima, Peru. Currently, I am doing my exchange here in Innsbruck at MCI through my home university, ESAN University. Winter is my favorite season of the year. My mother tongue is Spanish, but i also speak Englisch and a little bit of German.

How is your overall impression of your study exchange?

I wholeheartedly recommend a study exchange in Austria. I was seeking an experience that would blend cultural heritage with academic growth, and I can confidently say I have achieved both. This journey has been transformative, offering me a deeper understanding of different perspectives and a platform to develop my professional goals.

What was the reason for you to plan a semester abroad?

As the first-generation student in my family, studying in Austria as an exchange student with the support of a scholarship represents a personal milestone. It’s not just about the experience itself but about breaking barriers and proving there are no limits to what we can achieve. I applied for the Ernst Mach Scholarship to eliminate some financial burdens, ensuring this journey wouldn't create stress for me or my family.

Additionally, the exchange was crucial for me, because it provides new ways to analyze and understand the diversity of cultural, economic, and political systems. As I am pursuing a career in project management within retail firms, I aspired to apply these insights to promote sustainable practices in my country.

Lastly, this decision stems from a desire to step out of my comfort zone. Having spent my entire academic life in my hometown, I was accustomed to its system and rhythm. However, I’ve always dreamt of studying abroad since finishing high school, seeking new academic opportunities and perspectives. By overcoming fears and financial concerns through scholarships, I embraced this chance to broaden my industrial engineering knowledge in Austria, a country known for its economic development.

Is Innsbruck a great place for international students?

Innsbruck is an incredible city for international students seeking peace, harmony, and focus for their studies. For me, it’s incredibly fulfilling to attend classes while surrounded by the breathtaking view of snow-covered mountains.

The calmness of the city is remarkable. There’s no noise pollution—drivers here rarely use their horns, creating a serene environment ideal for concentration.

Additionally, Innsbruck offers many opportunities for students, even for those on exchange programs. There’s a semester ticket for public transportation, free access to bicycles, and library services available through simple reservations on apps like Any. So, I can say that Innsbruck is a totally great place for international students.

Why did you choose the MCI?

First, I chose Austria for its world-class educational institutions and innovative spirit. Among them, the MCI stood out as a top education and research institution, making it my first choice. I was particularly drawn to its focus on critical thinking, sustainable development, and the opportunity to collaborate with an international community.

MCI’s international programs are an excellent platform for cultural exchange and academic growth. For instance, I was excited to take courses like Strategic Management and Data Science—essential tools for any project manager, which is a role I am eager to pursue.

Additionally, I was motivated to study at MCI because of its excellent language center. I was eager to learn German from a basic level, and when I discovered that the university offers access to language courses, I knew it would be a valuable opportunity. Learning directly from native speakers is an unparalleled way to refine my language skills and enhance my cultural understanding.

Can you describe a funny intercultural situation?

One memorable moment happened during my first class at MCI. When the professor concluded the lecture and thanked us, I instinctively clapped to show my appreciation. To my surprise, I turned around and saw everyone knocking on their desks instead! I felt a little embarrassed but couldn’t help laughing at the unexpected cultural difference. Later, I learned that this is a traditional way of showing respect in Austria and Germany.

What are the differences between your home university and MCI?

One major difference is the course schedule. In my home university, I can take up to seven courses simultaneously, with classes spread throughout the week. At MCI, I noticed a more concentrated structure—some courses are completed in just one week or through a couple of sessions over two weeks. This schedule allows for more flexibility and focused learning.

Additionally, the grading system differs. At my home university, in general in Peru, scores range from 1 to 20, while in Austria, grades are categorized from 1 (excellent) to 5 (unsatisfactory) based on a 1 to 100 scale. Adapting to these differences has been an interesting challenge.

How did you find the application procedure?

I chose MCI as my first choice because it is a partner university of ESAN, my home institution. The International Office at my university provided invaluable support in completing the necessary academic documents. Additionally, the MCI International Office maintained clear and efficient communication with my university advisor, making the application process smooth and manageable.

My decision was further reinforced by MCI’s reputation as the Entrepreneurial University^® and its compliance with the Ernst Mach Scholarship requirements. While researching student life on the MCI website, I also explored testimonials from past students, which gave me valuable insights and strengthened my confidence in applying.

Would you recommend a semester abroad to other students? And if yes, why?

In general, I highly recommend participating in an abroad semester, and if you can do so in Austria, I will strongly encourage it. Over the past four months of living this exchange experience, I have discovered three key benefits:

• First, a student exchange challenges you to strengthen your versatility and adapt to new environments. Austria is a multicultural country where you interact with both locals and internationals. This teaches you to practice tolerance for diversity, engage with a new language (German), and connect with personalities that are entirely different from those in your native country—in my case, a significant cultural gap compared to Latin America.

• Second, it gives you a holistic perspective on your professional career. If you were planning to focus your career in one specific direction, studying abroad reveals how multidisciplinary and dynamic your field can be. Here, I’ve discovered applications of Industrial Engineering in the energy sector, such as cost control for consumption and supplier quotes for power and energy—undoubtedly a fascinating area.

• Third, it enhances your organizational skills and independence as a student. An academic exchange isn’t just about studying; it’s also about exploring the culture and society. My experience has helped me strengthen my time management skills. Living in Austria, surrounded by the Alps and snow during winter, has made practicing seasonal sports essential. Now, I’m much more disciplined in managing my time, dividing it into three main categories: studying, recording videos for my Instagram account, and engaging in snow sports. Here, I’m achieving a balanced lifestyle that I hadn’t managed to reach in Peru due to staying in my comfort zone.

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Dear Brisseth, thank you very much for the nice interview and the valuable experience you shared with our students. We wish you all the best for the rest of your studies!