Ever wondered why some leaders can make a business excel in one country or region, then replicate that success in a totally different market? Or how the most noteworthy professionals always seem to be able to connect with anyone, no matter their industry or culture?
Some say it’s experience, advanced knowledge or innate charm that sets these trailblazers apart. But at IE Business School, we know it all starts with your mindset: informed by where you’ve been, who you learn from and what you want to accomplish.
Our new Global Bachelor in Business Administration takes on this critical role. You’ll build the skills future business leaders need to excel on the world stage, and nurture the global mindset to succeed across industries and cultures. Here, we’re answering all your questions about this unique program.
What is the Global Bachelor in Business Administration?
IE Business School’s new Global Bachelor in Business Administration is quite unlike any other program. Delivered in the heart of Madrid’s financial district, it makes the world your classroom, ensuring you immerse yourself in the rigor of a world-class business program. On top of that, you’ll also enjoy one-of-a-kind, multicultural and international experiences.
With this two-pronged approach, you’ll be able to discover yourself, build your confidence, grow professionally, develop a broad, international perspective and curate a truly international network, all essential for an impactful career wherever you are in the world.
What makes this program “global?”
Some programs might offer an international “flavor,” such as a single trip abroad, providing only surface-level cultural awareness. But the Global Bachelor in Business Administration does things differently. Here, you’ll experience deep immersion in today’s most important business hubs through a learning journey that takes you to four different continents: Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.
How is the program structured?
You might be wondering, “What does this really mean?” Well, the program structure is what makes the four-year Global Bachelor in Business Administration really special.
Essentially, each academic year will take you to a different international hub, with each city offering something unique:
- Year 1 happens in Madrid, one of Europe’s fastest-growing economic centers, where you’ll build a solid foundation, gain regional business insights, start mapping out your career path and develop your impact skills in practical labs and accelerators. You’ll also go on a mandatory trip to Morocco for the chance to further refine your understanding of doing business in Europe and Africa.
- Experience the magic of Dubai in Year 2. By immersing yourself in this global finance and innovation hub, you’ll expand your strategic skill set, strengthen your entrepreneurial spirit and participate in Business Sprints working alongside the region’s most renowned companies. Personalized coaching and networking will support continued career development. An optional trek to Saudi Arabia provides a deeper insight into the region’s unique business ecosystem.
- In Year 3 you’ll find yourself in Singapore, soaking up all that the Southeast Asian business giant has to offer. This will be a valuable chance to understand the Asia-Pacific markets while you get hands-on with the latest technologies. You’ll also cultivate valuable insights into successful product development, deployment and scaling. At the same time, you’ll start building specialist skills through a wide range of electives taken with local and international exchange students. You’ll solve real-world problems in the IE Challenge and explore AI or sustainability and social impact more deeply, with optional trips to China or Vietnam.
- Year 4 offers two possibilities: head back to Madrid to pursue more targeted specializations, an IE Challenges and an internship. There are also optional treks in New York City or Chile for more in-depth explorations of media and communications and innovation, respectively.
3 + 1 track options
Alternatively, you can opt for our 3+1 track, which lets you accelerate your career and academic progress with a master’s degree in management, finance, sustainability or marketing and communications in New York City.
The program’s full-time, in-person format only strengthens your multicultural immersion, laying the groundwork for a thriving, cross-border career. So, with the Global Bachelor in Business Administration, the question isn’t how many experiences you can cram into one short trip. It becomes, how much can you do, see, discover and accomplish in a year?
In Dubai and Singapore, will I mix with local students or learn in separate classes?
The Global Bachelor in Business Administration is all about diversity, so our students integrate with locals from day one. You’ll get involved with each institution’s clubs and student life, expanding your network while also strengthening your connection with IE Alumni around the world. You’ll also meet many exchange students, helping you grow even further in an international environment.
What about the summer?
In this program, the summer months are another opportunity to gain new skills and grow your experience and network. Through all four years, you can:
-Join a summer challenge, taking on entrepreneurship in Ghana or sustainability in the Amazon.
-Take part in a summer program at the London School of Economics, IE Summer School or Harvard.
-Travel to Africa or the LATAM region for a one-of-a-kind study trip.
-Go corporate with an internship to start gaining industry exposure.
Bachelor in Business Administration vs Global Bachelor in Business Administration: what’s the difference?
As you can probably tell, our Global Bachelor in Business Administration has an intensely international focus. It immerses you in a unique, multi-continent experience with rigorous adaptability training, ideal for globally-minded future leaders.
On the other hand, our Bachelor in Business Administration provides a strong business foundation, focusing on core business skills, practical application and internationally relevant skill-building for a broad career path.
What will I learn in the Global Bachelor in Business Administration?
This program revolves around four core learning modules: Foundations for Global Business, Global Foresight & Regional Intelligence, the Impact Skills Accelerator, and the Career Development Program.
However, you’ll also be able to curate your learning experience. You can choose from career-building specializations, from entrepreneurship to digital business, strategy, product management, sustainability and more.
Will I share classes with students from the Bachelor in Business Administration?
The short answer is no. While the Global Bachelor in Business Administration follows roughly the same academic study plan as the traditional business administration bachelor’s program. Core courses are delivered separately to each cohort. By keeping them as closed, curated groups, we can ensure consistent academic delivery, pacing and learning experience.
However, you’ll have a chance to meet students outside your cohort during clubs, IE Labs, Campus Life activities and official university events.
And later on, if you choose to stay in Madrid for your fourth year, you’ll expand your horizons even further. Instead of rejoining your cohort from Year 1, you’ll take concentrations and electives that allow you to share classes with students from the Bachelor in Business Administration and other undergrad programs.
Are my professors from IE Business School, or are they local to each region?
This program’s diversity doesn’t end with the student body. Classes are taught by a mix of IE Business School faculty and local professors from each international campus. Our own academic staff and Talent & Careers team travel to teach select courses and lead bootcamps, ensuring that the curriculum, teaching quality and academic standards are consistent across all locations. But their know-how is complemented by local or partner professors who contribute valuable insights into the regional business environment, culture and economic landscape.
Here’s what your class schedule could look like:
- When in Madrid, your classes will be taught by IE Business School professors.
- In Dubai and Singapore, classes are delivered mainly by local faculty, experts in their respective regional markets.
So, you’ll benefit from both perspectives: the global academic expertise of IE Business School and the on-the-ground knowledge provided by local faculty. Together, they create a truly international and well-rounded learning experience.
After completing the Global Bachelor in Business Administration, what certificates and degree will I receive?
You’ll graduate with a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA), which is a fully recognized, internationally accredited undergraduate business degree granted by IE University. However, after your compulsory rotations in Dubai and Singapore, you’ll receive two additional academic certificates formally recognizing each academic year completed at our partners in these regions: the American University in Dubai and Singapore Management University.
You’ll also take several non-credit modules throughout the program, but receive separate IE University certificates from these, including the following:
- Impact Skills Accelerator Certificate
- Global Foresight & Regional Intelligence Certificate
- Global Career Development Accelerator Certificate
These additional certificates will boost your career and serve as proof of your comprehensive skill set.
Who should apply?
Are you ambitious, globally curious, aiming for leadership roles across borders, cultures and industries? And seeking global exposure to a truly international living and learning experience from day one? If this sounds like you, the Global Bachelor in Business Administration is the perfect choice.
Your worldwide business journey starts here
Whether you want to lead multinational enterprises or shape cross-border strategies, adaptability is your most vital resource. And it’s precisely what you get in the Global Bachelor in Business Administration, where learning is just as international as the experiences you gain along the way.
Want to learn more? Check out the program website and discover how to apply and connect with peers from all over the world.
