Exploring Spain with an MBA Semester Abroad

One of the optional features of the Yale SOM MBA program is the opportunity to study abroad. There are many reasons students choose to take up this opportunity. For me, participating in an exchange during the fall semester of my second year at SOM was not just about ticking a box. It was about expanding my worldview, challenging my thinking, and embracing a new way of learning and living. Business today is global, and I knew I needed first-hand exposure to different markets, cultures, and perspectives to lead effectively. My time at IESE Business School in Barcelona was exactly that—a transformative experience that deepened my strategic thinking while giving me a front-row seat to the nuances of international business. Plus, it brought me one step closer to my goal of exploring every continent!

Picking favorites from my nine courses at IESE is no easy task, but a few truly stood out. In Strategy and Geopolitics with Professor Mike Rosenberg, we explored how politics and power dynamics among different countries shape the design and implementation of business strategies today. The course Behavioral Insights, with Professor Elena Reutskaja, dived deep into the psychology behind decision-making. (Turns out, small nudges can drive surprisingly big changes in behavior!) This course was a great complement to the course How to Design and Run Business Experiments, which I took at SOM with Professor Shane Federick. In Sustainable Finance, Professor Mireia Giné provided a fresh perspective on how financial systems can drive both economic returns and positive social impact, an area that continues to reshape business priorities worldwide.

These courses stood out not just because of their engaging professors and real-world case studies, but also because of the diverse perspectives my classmates brought to the table. They are no longer just my classmates, but friends for life. Conversations in and out of class challenged my thinking and expanding my understanding of business in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Of course, studying abroad is about so much more than just the classroom! Living in Barcelona felt like a dream—stunning architecture, a buzzing cultural scene, and incredible weather made every day an adventure. I hiked to the top of Montserrat, a mountain outside the city, and explored the Museu de Montserrat to see works by Picasso; took a guided tour of the breathtaking Sagrada Familia cathedral; and wandered through the ancient streets of Montjuïc. The city’s energy was simply unmatched.

Being in Europe also meant the opportunity to travel, and I made the most of it. Rome was a history lover’s paradise, with the Colosseum’s grandeur and the awe-inspiring art of Vatican City leaving a lasting impression. A little detour to Pisa to see the famous leaning tower made the experience even better. In Oslo, I discovered that Norway is about more than just the northern lights. I explored the incredible Vigeland Park, the largest sculpture park featuring work by a single artist, and indulged in the best traditional waffles I’ve ever had. Amsterdam, with its charming streets and canals, was the kind of city I could walk through for hours, taking in its beauty at every turn.

Every destination had its own magic, but Barcelona will always have a special place in my heart.

Beyond the travel, what I truly appreciated about IESE was its strong focus on global perspectives, especially its case studies from Africa, South America, and Asia. From geopolitics and behavioral economics to sustainability and cryptocurrency, my learning journey was packed with insights that directly align with my long-term career aspirations. The program added a global worldview to everything I was learning in New Haven.

Here’s to more global learning, new perspectives, and the power of stepping outside your comfort zone!