At Cenet, we believe in the power of cultural exchange to shape lives, broaden horizons, and build a more compassionate world. Through Cenet’s Magellan Exchange, students embark on transformative academic adventures that take them far beyond the classroom — and into journeys of self-discovery, growth, and global connection.

For Alejandro V., a student from Dakota State University, that journey began with curiosity, courage, and a love for languages and took him from South Dakota to France to Spain.

Born in El Salvador and raised on the U.S. East Coast, Alejandro grew up surrounded by diversity — both on the field and in the classroom. As a student-athlete, he thrived in environments that celebrated teamwork and connection, and his early passion for French sparked a desire to explore francophone countries firsthand. “Being around different cultures and learning French led me to want to go explore francophone countries,” he shared.

Alejandro’s Magellan journey began with a short-term summer program at Rennes School of Business in France — a fast-paced, immersive adventure where every day brought new friendships and discoveries. “During the summer, it was like I was doing a speed run of getting to know people and learning all about them,” he said. “There were strong connections made in little amounts of time.”

Later, during his return to Rennes as a semester-long exchange student, he found a different rhythm — one that blended academics, cultural understanding, and local life. “There was the real taste of living in the city,” he reflected. “I got to know how the locals are and what the dynamic is between students and locals, foreigners and natives.” Through both experiences, Alejandro gained far more than academic credit. He gained a new way of seeing the world — one built on empathy, connection, and adventure.

Alejandro credits Magellan with expanding his worldview and shaping his professional goals. “This experience did exactly what I thought it would do — open up my eyes and mind to possibilities beyond the norm in the United States,” he said. As he began his next global adventure, as an intern in Madrid, Spain, he reflected on his time abroad as a springboard for the global career he envisions — one that he hopes might soon take him to Switzerland and beyond. “Learning from others, building a network, and experiencing things is what I want to do at this age, and with Magellan I was able to multiply my ability to do this.”

Beyond the classroom, Alejandro’s cultural experiences became lifelong memories. One of his most meaningful moments came during a trip to southern Italy, where he visited friends and discovered the warmth of local life. “The people, the food, and the experiences were amazing,”he recalled. “The small town reminded me a lot of El Salvador... and overall, the south of Italy gave me nostalgia. Coming to these conclusions and connections and feeling the closeness with the people is what experiencing other countries is all about.”

His advice to future Magellan participants is simple and full of heart: “Don’t be scared — just do it. There’s no other time in your life where you’ll have this opportunity to travel for an extended period and have a low amount of stress and worries. Don’t overthink it, don’t stress about the cost, don’t hesitate.”

The Magellan Exchange, administered by Cenet, offers university students the opportunity to study abroad for a semester, academic year, or short-term program — all with accessible pricing designed to broaden participation. Students immerse themselves in a new culture, connect with local communities, and develop skills that prepare them for success in an interconnected world.

Students don’t just visit a new country —they live it, learn from it, and grow through it. With Magellan, each experience fosters personal transformation, cultural understanding, and lifelong friendships – all wrapped in the kind of adventure that stays with you.

Learn more about how you can join at www.magellanexchange.org.

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