International Studies

Joovane J Coria

Program: International Studies Abroad (ISA)
Location: Guanajuato, Guanajuato Mexico

During my Senior year at Concordia University I was lucky enough to have the chance to study abroad. I wasn’t too sure of where to go, but after researching I happened to find a program in the city of Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico that catered to my main interest: art. The University of Guanajuato has its own design school and studio art school. I chose to take a break from computers and my major of Graphic Design, so I enrolled in a Printmaking class and Color Photography (with the prerequisite of Black and White Photography completed).

The city of Guanajuato has very strong art roots and it's apparent in its art program. I found it really interesting going to a new school and experiencing a different art program. Guanajuato is the birth city of the Painter/Artist Diego Rivera; I had the opportunity to visit his childhood home that now is a museum and see the original structure and many original Diego Rivera paintings and sketches.

While in Guanajuato, I enrolled in Printmaking I and I learned how to print by cutting a basic image from plastic and a screen print process. Since many believe that screen printing is the oldest form of graphic arts I thought it would be a great chance to start at the basics. I also learned how to develop and process color film and infrared film along with developing prints in my Color Photography class.

I feel that my stay in Mexico not only has impacted my life but my artwork as well. I encourage any student who has the opportunity to study abroad to take it up and pick somewhere new where they can learn and grow from their experience. The classes I was lucky enough to take really allowed me to broaden my horizons.