I’ve been an IE University student for almost four years now, and I’m excited to be in the final stretch of my Bachelor in Data and Business Analytics. But this milestone has also got me thinking a lot about the future. Let me explain. I appreciate all the world-class experiences available right at my doorstep, but with my last year closing in, I knew I didn’t have much more time to step outside my comfort zone. So, I finally committed myself to going on an international exchange.
Why did you choose to participate in IE University’s international exchange program?
I come from Avilés, a town in the north of Spain. Growing up, I was always interested in learning about different cultures and meeting people from all around the world. Studying at IE University allowed me to do so from the comfort of my home country.
But after hearing stories from my peers, I got more and more curious about how living abroad affected them. And as I approached the end of my program, I knew it was now or never—I had to take the chance and experience it for myself. That’s why I decided to study abroad in Hong Kong.
Tell us more about your Hong Kong experience
When I was considering where to go for my international exchange, spending a semester abroad in Hong Kong sounded appealing. IE University already has partnerships with 200 universities in over 50 countries, so finding the right exchange destination was a breeze. In the end, I chose the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) as my new home—for the semester, at least.
Before this, I had only been abroad once, for a month in high school. I loved the experience, so I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity as well.
What is the most valuable lesson you gained during your international exchange?
What I learned during my semester abroad is that in the end, we’re all people. It’s funny how simple big life lessons can be, but the exchange gave me a chance to meet lots of people with different backgrounds and life stories. The exposure made me realize how lucky I am to be able to experience this diversity every single semester at IE University. I realized that, because of this international setting, I’ve become very adaptable to new cultures. I felt confident enough to get along with local students in Hong Kong, which can be hard due to the language barrier.
How did IE University support you during your semester abroad in Hong Kong?
Compared with other academic institutions, IE University has always emphasized a global mindset. From the Bachelor in Data and Business Analytics study plan to practical extracurriculars, or the fun activities held in Madrid and Segovia every week—studying here guaranteed that I could enjoy a fully international experience.
All this prepared me to make the most of my time in Hong Kong. And when I experienced some struggles during the selection process, IE University’s advisors went out of their way to ensure I was able to join the international exchange program.
What did you miss most about IE University while on exchange?
Traveling abroad was an amazing experience, and I enjoyed learning more about myself and my industry. But I missed IE Tower and just how close it is to the center of Madrid; while at the university in Hong Kong, I stayed pretty far from Central, the city’s business district.
I also missed doing group projects, plus the closeness and comfort we’ve developed in our Bachelor in Data and Business Analytics class.
Any advice for other students who want to take advantage of this opportunity?
My advice to other students thinking about going on an international exchange is simple: challenge yourself and pick a location you would’ve never considered to begin with. In my case, I didn’t know anything about Hong Kong before spending a semester there. What’s more, it made me notice just how much less I knew about East Asia and nearby parts of the world. My goal now is to close that gap so I can pursue my career wherever it leads me—even if it’s to the other side of the world!
Make the world your classroom. IE University’s international exchange program lets you spend a semester at a world-leading educational institution overseas.