09/04/2025
Let's zoom in on our students' time in Porto.
What makes IE Business School’s International MBA experience different? Let’s take an inside look at Global Immersion Month, an essential experience for hands-on learning and global connections. This isn’t your standard study abroad trip—it’s an exciting jump from classroom theories into real-world experiences. Read on to discover Porto business insights, program content and why your career can flourish with our help.
Learning through immersion in a European business hub
This edition of Global Immersion Month took place in Porto, a vibrant business hub with a rich cultural heritage. Students enjoyed practical workshops and talks by industry leaders. Topics ranged from wine innovation to smart cities, offering a firsthand look at how industries evolve. Visits to global businesses like SONAE and Natixis gave students insight into Portuguese business strategies and how companies stay ahead in competitive markets.
At Porto Business School, students saw how Portugal fosters entrepreneurship, adaptability and leadership.
For instance, a workshop on real-time business strategy allowed students to test their problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure. These exercises closely mimicked actual boardroom challenges, preparing students for exactly what future employers look for.
In the words of International MBA candidate Ana Couceiro, “The classes were incredibly insightful, the company visits were packed with actionable takeaways, and the activities (from a walking mentorship to a sailing trip and a wine tour) were the perfect balance of learning, fun and bonding.”
Building connections across borders
Networking at IE Business School is about making genuine connections that open doors worldwide. Every activity during Global Immersion Month—from formal events with local executives to casual coffee chats and cultural adventures—offered opportunities to connect with interesting professionals.
Students interacted with faculty and business leaders from Porto Business School’s extensive network. This offered fresh perspectives on European leadership and business styles. Conversations between classmates from diverse backgrounds, including finance, fashion and tech, sparked engaging debates about emerging markets over relaxed lunches by the Douro River.
Whether pitching ideas or brainstorming over dinner, every interaction offered the promise of a new collaboration, mentorship or future job opportunity.
Perhaps that’s why participant Madeline Doering described the Global Immersion Month in Porto as “easily one of the best experiences of the International MBA so far!”
Cultural immersion: history meets modern life
Porto’s cobblestone streets, medieval architecture and iconic riverbanks created an ideal setting that combined rich history with innovative spirit. Students spent their days immersed in lectures and company visits, while the evenings were dedicated to exploring Porto’s lively culture, from wandering the charming Ribeira district to tasting authentic Port wine.
Meeting local entrepreneurs provided meaningful insights into Portuguese business culture. Visits to innovative hubs demonstrated how startups coexist successfully alongside established corporations.
Marianella Alvarez Raygada, who participated in the trip, commented, “It’s a unique opportunity to dive into Portugal’s culture, explore its industries, and connect with its incredible people.”
Cultural immersion went beyond tourism. Our International MBA students discovered firsthand how traditional businesses adapt to modern trends and how centuries-old wine practices evolve for global markets. These experiences helped develop adaptability, resilience and self-awareness—qualities crucial for future global leaders.
Business insights: strategy in action
The highlight of Global Immersion Month is experiencing theory come alive. After weeks of studying cases in Madrid, students saw theories tested in Portugal’s dynamic markets. They observed how retailers adapt to changing consumer demands, how banks like Natixis anticipate financial shifts and how diverse ventures within companies like SONAE align strategically.
Local entrepreneurs openly shared their experiences, from negotiating international deals to planning creative social media strategies. Students learned how effective collaboration between government agencies, private businesses and universities fuels innovation, supporting new ventures, funding research and boosting economic growth.
These real-world lessons highlighted the importance of creating cohesive strategies that respect local culture while embracing global opportunities.
Ultimately, Global Immersion Month embodies IE Business School’s mission to combine theory and practice in dynamic settings. This aim boosts employability and nurtures bold, innovative leaders. Students returned home better equipped to make strategic decisions, manage stakeholders and navigate cultural nuances.
A rewarding leap of faith
Stepping out of your comfort zone can be intimidating. But Porto showed that real growth happens when you’re open to the unknown. The resilience, adaptability and leadership skills that students gained on this trip will help drive their future success. That could mean in starting new ventures, working in global corporations or launching social-impact initiatives.
Want to boost your profile? Global Immersion Month in Porto shows how an International MBA at IE Business School gives you much more than classroom learning. It’s your opportunity to grow, explore and continuously redefine global leadership.
Benjamin is the editor of Uncover IE. His writing is featured in the LAMDA Verse and Prose Anthology Vol. 19, The Primer and Moonflake Press. Benjamin provided translation for “FalseStuff: La Muerte de las Musas”, winner of Best Theatre Show at the Max Awards 2024.
Benjamin was shortlisted for the Bristol Old Vic Open Sessions 2016 and the Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize 2023.
