It is incredible that this effort of planning this type of exchange for years becomes a reality thanks to Architect-US. I have my visa approved, I am about to buy my ticket to New York, and I am about to begin an experience at the hands of StudioMDA that will push my professional life to the limit. In this first blog, I will tell you how I did it, how it felt and what I did to get to where I am.
All this started in mid-2023, after obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Architecture. I wanted to be part of an exchange like this and learn from the best American firms. That’s when I sent an email to Architect-US explaining my dream. Sonia, Georgiana and Patricia, with their highly trained and qualified team, helped me achieve it. Looking back, I feel that it is a process in which you have to be patient because the interview with the employer of your dreams can come at any time. In my case, I had three interviews, in which the last one I got selected by StudioMDA and its great team of architects with whom I connected instantly, and whose interview was quite comfortable and fluid. This is where you realize that the failures in the previous interviews were not by chance, because I think I found the PERFECT American firm for me, given that my professional life and the company’s aspirations are compatible. Now I am a week away from meeting them in person, and they already have several activities prepared for me. I feel grateful.
I have participated in 2 work and travel programs in 2019 and 2021, and I realized that the United States had a lot to offer my passion, which is architecture. Making the decision to do this program for 12 months (in my case because I am an Intern) is not easy at all. Saying goodbye to family, friends, and not walking through the same streets already fills me with melancholy. But, at the same time, it is incredible to receive so much love, attention and good wishes on this adventure. It will be an important year for me, and I will take advantage of every day to enjoy the American dream.
In the next few days I will be in New York. I have already visited this city, but not in my wildest dreams was I going to think that this time I would set foot there as a professional, and be part of a great architectural firm. I am pleased that every effort I have made in the past has an impact on my life now. I thank my parents, brothers and family who have always been there. And to the help of the great team at Architect-US for being the last link to complete this dream. I will continue telling you about this adventure in the next episodes of the blog.
