Why did you choose to study in the EU?

My journey in getting my MBA started when I attended an MBA Fair in Makati, Philippines. At that time, I was looking to get a Master’s degree outside the Philippines to get a feel of what it was like to be living in an unfamiliar place. My criteria were: 1) must be a top 10 school globally, 2) offers a 2-year MBA program, 3) must be in a non-English speaking country, and 4) in a location that offers a familiar yet exciting culture.

I ended up applying and getting accepted to my 1st priority, which was IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. I finished my Masters in Business Administration (MBA, bilingual) in 2014.

How was your experience? Highlights?

It was the best 2 years of my life, to say the least. I was on a shoestring budget as I didn’t have any scholarship from any private or public institution, so I had to always make sure that I make ends meet. Despite living on a tight budget, I was able to travel to around 10 EU countries by mastering the art of booking cheap flights! Travelling around Europe is cheap if you know your way around.

But in the end, the highlight of course was when I finished my MBA which gave me a lot of employment opportunities both in the EU and in the Philippines.

Why should others choose EU for higher education?

It’s a leap of faith. If your heart tells you that EU is where you want to be, then follow your dreams and you will never look back.

Why did you choose to study in the EU?

I chose to study in the EU because doing so offered insights into the rich histories and current developments in early childhood education and care I was not yet acquainted with. It was an excellent opportunity to learn more and step out of my comfort zone.

How was your experience? Highlights?

My whole experience was rewarding and very humbling. I’ve gained not just knowledge and life experiences; I have also gained life-long friends from all over the world. Additionally, the experience helped me realize how big the world is, how much more there is to learn, and how little I am in the greater scheme of things.

Why should others choose EU for higher education?

Studying in the EU is something that others should consider because it is truly a wonderful place to be and become. Many, if not most, higher education institutions in the EU value equality and democracy in all aspects of life. This includes the seemingly trivial things—calling professors by name, having opportunities to make your voices heard, having a work/school-life balance. These are some practices that we could bring back to the Philippines in hopes that they would catch on.

My studies at IESE Business School enabled me to interact with peers from different countries and industries. Using the case method allowed us to examine situations from various points of view. Coupled with the guidance of our professors as well as insights from latest research, we could simulate scenarios and deliberate on possible outcomes of business cases. The diversity of backgrounds of the participants contributed to robust discussions. My favorite subjects were international economics, operations management, value creation, marketing communications and human capital. In the end, one of the most important aspects of going to business school is the friendships and spirit of camaraderie formed amongst the participants and professors which could last a lifetime.

The campus of IESE Business School is set within Barcelona, the Catalan city rich in architecture, arts and cultural heritage. Part of the study was to be immersed in city life, via walking tours and sometimes using the signature red bicycles of Barcelona. IESE also has a campus in New York, near Central Park, and we studied a module there. Graduation was at the IESE campus in Madrid, which is set at the majestic Castillan countryside.

I am grateful to my wife for her full support for me to proceed with my business studies. My son was 5 years old and my daughter was one year old when I studied in Europe, so I had to spend some time away from them. It was time and effort spent well, because this was a big step for me to go back to the corporate world equipped with the mindset and skills needed to operate and grow a business.

Why did you choose to study in the EU?

My specialization involves both European languages and anthropology so opting to study in a European
HEI was the most relevant choice since European philosophers contributed greatly to the development
of the humanities as areas of thought.

How was your experience? Highlights?

My experience studying in the EU was life-changing. I had to renegotiate my identity as a Filipina given
such an unfamiliar setting. I was living and studying in Spain which allowed me to deeply reflect upon
the fact that the Philippines was its former colony. This process of introspection empowered me to
redefine my responsibilities as a Filipina in the context of community building both inside and outside of
the Philippines.
Being able to participate in the EU’s tradition of cultural diversity likewise allowed me to embody the
fact that all human beings are essentially the same. The communities I found myself in generously
demonstrated compassion, equality, and kindness notwithstanding my gender and race.

Why should others choose EU for Higher Education?

I feel it’s important to experience a different framework of education outside of that of the Philippines’.
Our educational institution is greatly influenced by American scholarship when the United States
established the system of education in the country during its occupation. Acquiring an education outside
of that system, I feel, provides for a more comprehensive expertise given that the EU has its own
tradition of thought and instruction.

Deciding to take my Executive MBA in IESE Business School (Madrid, Spain) is one of the best things I have ever done. Living in Europe, learning a new language, discovering a new and yet familiar culture, making new friends from different countries, and elevating my learning in one of the world’s best business schools is truly the privilege and the experience of a lifetime.

Studying in Spain was one of the best experiences of my life. I wanted to study abroad to learn a new language, get international exposure, and experience a new culture.

When the time came for me to leave, I found myself so grateful for the ability to speak Spanish, the lifelong friendships made, and the priceless memories.