Written by Luca Divenosa, from Italy
International MBA Student, Class of 2025
First impression
From the very first moment in the International MBA at Porto Business School, I felt right at home. The welcoming environment, the support from my cohort and the excellence of the faculty created an immediate sense of belonging, which is especially meaningful when settling into a new country.
One moment truly marked the beginning of this journey. The welcome drinks reception set the tone for what was to come. It gave me the chance to meet colleagues, connect with the school team and fully experience the PBS environment from day one.
Community
Leaving my support network behind was, admittedly, one of the biggest challenges. Even as someone outgoing, the uncertainty of starting from scratch in a new place naturally brought some apprehension.
Those concerns disappeared immediately. I met people with whom I connected instantly, and I am confident that some of these relationships will become long-lasting friendships.
The voluntary activity where our cohort helped refresh a retirement community was a powerful moment for me. It showed just how many genuinely caring people I have around me — individuals ready to roll up their sleeves and contribute with purpose. That hands-on experience reinforced that everyone here at PBS is committed not only to learning, but also to building meaningful, lasting relationships.
Learning
Every module so far has exceeded my expectations. After each class, I leave with new knowledge and insights, which was exactly what I hoped for when joining the International MBA in Portugal.
One class had a particularly strong impact. The session on Communicating with Impact, led by Kim Arazi, offered clear, practical tools for improving everyday communication and personal presence. The transformation across the cohort was noticeable immediately. It was a truly valuable learning moment and a great example of the hands-on learning approach at Porto Business School. Absolutely brilliant!
Beyond the classroom and settling into Porto
Porto is a magnificent city, and what truly elevates it are the Portuenses (Porto’s citizens). Locals are approachable, friendly and always willing to help, which makes adapting to life here feel natural.
PBS also managed the academic onboarding exceptionally well. The progressive introduction to the modules made it easy to adapt, and the support provided by the school has been remarkable. Once you learn the rhythm and structure, everything flows efficiently and smoothly, and I am confident this positive experience will continue to grow over time. It makes the transition to studying and living in Porto as an international student incredibly smooth.
Impact and advice
After just one month in the International MBA program at Porto Business School, I can confidently say that joining was the right decision. In a very short space of time, I already feel I’ve improved significantly from a personal and professional standpoint, and the pace of learning continues to accelerate. My connection with the school and with my colleagues becomes stronger every day.
For anyone considering studying in Portugal and exploring MBA programs in Europe, my answer is simple. I found PBS to be the best choice I’ve made in the recent past. I’ve found a professional, well-organized, and truly game-changing institution in PBS. So, don’t waste any more time—get your application immediately.
