Head of the Training Unit, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Santiago , Head of the Training Unit at Complutense University of Madrid, participated in the Live My Life exchange program to gain new perspectives on staff training and development. With over 20 years of experience in the field, he saw this as a unique opportunity to compare methodologies and share best practices with colleagues at the University of Bologna.
Santiago’s motivation for joining Live My Life stemmed from a conversation with his colleague Alessandra Vino, whom he met in Bologna last year. “She suggested it would be a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas on staff training, and she was absolutely right,” he shared.
At Complutense, Santiago and his team are responsible for designing and organizing training initiatives for approximately 4,000 university staff members. “In Spain, university training systems are quite similar across institutions, but looking beyond our borders offers fresh insights,” he explained. “In Bologna, I was able to compare strategies and discover different approaches to staff development, particularly in an international context.”
One of the most interesting aspects of the exchange was understanding how universities in different countries structure their training programs. “We all have the same goal—supporting professional growth—but the way we achieve it varies. I found it fascinating to see how Bologna integrates training into a broader institutional framework.”
Reflecting on the experience, Santiago was enthusiastic about its impact on his work. “This exchange reaffirmed the importance of international collaboration in professional training,” he said. “I have already shared many insights with my colleagues, and I’m certain that next year we will see a surge of interest from Complutense staff in joining Live My Life.”
One of the challenges he highlighted was language proficiency. “At Complutense, many staff members hesitate to participate in international exchanges because they feel their English skills aren’t strong enough. However, my experience in Bologna showed me that with the right support, language barriers can be overcome. I felt comfortable throughout the exchange, and that’s something I want to encourage others to experience as well.”
Beyond the professional benefits, Santiago embraced the cultural aspect of the exchange. “Bologna is an extraordinary city, full of history and academic tradition. Walking through the university buildings, seeing their incredible architecture, and experiencing the daily life of staff and students was truly inspiring.”
He also immersed himself in Italian traditions, from adjusting to local coffee habits—“I quickly learned that cappuccino after lunch is not the norm!”—to enjoying the regional cuisine. “The food was amazing, and the warm hospitality I experienced made me feel right at home.”
For Santiago, Live My Life was a rewarding experience that extended beyond professional development. “Sharing ideas and best practices with colleagues from different countries is incredibly valuable. It allows us to reflect on our own methods, refine our strategies, and build meaningful collaborations.”
His key message to colleagues considering the program? “Don’t hesitate! It’s a fantastic opportunity, both professionally and personally. I’m looking forward to seeing more people from Complutense join in the future.”