By Michelle Abou-Raad, MBA2025
When I signed up for an exchange term at IESE, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. How easy would it be to make friends? How well would I be able to integrate into the school community? But the thought of spending three months living in sunny Barcelona was enough to quell these reservations. What I didn’t realize was just how much I would love the experience.
From the moment I arrived, Barcelona charmed me. Wandering through its winding streets, having tapas and sangria at sidewalk restaurants, and buying fresh produce at the local market close to my place became a part of my routine. Beyond the food and scenery, I also got to learn more about Catalan culture. I attended La Mercè, one of Barcelona’s biggest festivals, during which teams of men, women, and children build towering human structures —known as castells—through remarkable strength and teamwork. Watching them steadily climb, form layers, and hold the structure in place while a child climbed to the top, was both nerve-wracking and inspiring—a powerful symbol of trust and collaboration.
Academically, I got to experience a different approach to learning. IESE’s classes are a bit more case-focused than those at LBS, which made for an engaging classroom environment. One of the classes I took was Sustainable Finance, where our professor brought in executives from various Spanish companies to discuss their approaches to sustainability. Spain had made significant progress in implementing sustainability standards, so it was fascinating to hear from these CEOs and founders about the opportunities and challenges they face. It was also a great way to see how different regions implement sustainability standards.
Midway through the term, I had the chance to participate in an International Module (or Global Experience, as we call it at LBS) in Mexico. This was another highlight of my exchange, as it allowed me to learn from professors at IPADE, explore the business landscape of the region, and, of course, immerse myself in the local culture. Being there during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) made the experience even more special. Seeing the streets filled with vibrant altars, marigolds, and candlelit tributes to loved ones was beautiful. And the food! I lost track of all of the different tacos we tried.
Beyond the classes, cultural experiences, and travel, the best part of my exchange was the people. In just three months, I made incredible friendships—both with IESE students and fellow exchange students from all over the world. Whether it was weekend trips, hanging out on terraces, exploring different neighborhoods of Barcelona, or attending various cultural events, these friendships made my time in the city truly special.
At LBS, going on exchange is a valued and integral part of the MBA experience, offering students the chance to broaden their horizons both academically and personally. My exchange term gave me the opportunity to study in a different academic setting while immersing myself in a new city and culture. Looking back, I’m so grateful for the chance to call Barcelona home and to have the chance to join the IESE community. Now, I’m back in London, excited to reconnect with friends, dive back into campus life, and make the most of the final stretch of my MBA journey.