International MBA student Lucas Silva shares how studying at IE Business School in Madrid took him beyond his comfort zone and added a new international perspective to his MBA journey at Porto Business School.
What made you decide to do an international exchange as part of your MBA?
Being from Porto, I knew that doing the MBA in my home city meant I was still inside my familiar comfort zone. Even though our cohort at PBS is international, actually packing your bags, adapting to a new city and proving yourself in a different environment is a completely different challenge. I wanted that full immersion, not just to broaden my mindset, but to test myself abroad and start opening doors for a potential career internationally.
Why did you choose IE Business School for your exchange?
Choosing IE Business School for my exchange came down to a few very practical reasons. While our International MBA cohort at Porto Business School is already quite global, being from Porto meant I really wanted the experience of stepping outside my comfort zone and living abroad. Spain was also a market where I could genuinely see myself working after graduation. Spending a term in Madrid felt like the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in the culture, sharpen my Spanish and start building a local network.
What stood out to you most about the academic experience at IE?
Inside the classroom, the academic environment at IE lived up to expectations. The faculty brought an impressive level of real-world executive experience, which kept the lectures anchored in actual business practice rather than pure theory. Beyond regular lectures, IE organized excellent networking and industry events, bringing in leaders from top global companies across various sectors, giving us direct access to speak with them, ask questions and learn from their journeys firsthand.
What was it like living in Madrid?
Outside the classroom, Madrid’s energy made the whole exchange unforgettable. As a passionate sports fan, getting to watch the Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabéu and heading to the Caja Mágica for the Mutua Madrid Open were massive highlights. That excitement carried right into daily life, finishing classes and heading out for tapas and drinks across the city’s lively bars, building great friendships along the way.
What surprised you most about the experience?
What surprised me most, however, was how well PBS had prepared me for the transition. Because IE is ranked among the very best business schools in the world, I went in expecting the coursework to feel intimidating, or on an unreachable tier. In reality, the academic rigor, class expectations and standard of discussion were right on par with what we experience at Porto Business School.
How did the exchange change the way you see your experience at Porto Business School?
More than just giving me an international chapter, the exchange showed me that PBS truly stands toe-to-toe with the world’s top institutions, and it made me appreciate the genuine quality and value for money of the education we get here.
What would you say to a PBS student considering an international exchange?
If you have the opportunity, do not overthink it, just go for it. It is an unmatched chance to build a second network in a new market, make great friends from all over the world and add another top business school to your CV. It takes you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible and living that experience firsthand will give you huge confidence in your profile and career.