Taking first step
I am an industrial engineer from Peru, and when I turned 30, I made a decision that would completely change my life: to pursue an International MBA abroad. With that goal in mind, I began searching for business schools in Spain, especially in Barcelona. The city stood out for its technological ecosystem, full of startups where I could get closer to a world that had always attracted me, for its international character, and also for the possibility of continuing to practice my native language.
The decision was not easy. It meant leaving a stable job in my country, stepping out of my comfort zone, and, perhaps most difficult of all, physically distancing myself from my family, who have always been my main source of emotional support. However, I understood that committing to a long-term vision required courage, sacrifice, and a strong conviction that this step would bring me closer to a better future, aligned with my aspirations.
Barcelona is coming!
The time had come. The moment to say “see you soon” finally arrived, and Barcelona welcomed me with open arms and a whole new world to discover. A new continent, a new country, and new customs. Communication was not a problem, nor was transportation: it was a well-connected, dynamic city where the most difficult thing at first was not getting lost among so many possibilities.
It’s time to learn
The big day arrived and EADA opened its classrooms to us with a warm welcome from its representatives and, in particular, from Dean Dr. Jordi Díaz, who gave us a preview of what the program would entail.
Since then, learning has been constant: new concepts, presentations, teamwork, and coordination that reflect the day-to-day reality of a real management environment.
One of the greatest assets of the International MBA is that learning is not limited to the classroom. Throughout the program, we have had the opportunity to visit different companies to learn about how they operate from the inside and understand their challenges from the perspective of those who experience them on a daily basis.
Where are you from?
That was exactly the question we asked ourselves during International Day, an event that perfectly sums up the spirit of all the programs designed to help us learn about each other's cultures. For me, it was particularly meaningful to promote a joint initiative with other fellow Peruvians and see that we were all willing to collaborate.
Experiences like this reinforce the value of cultural diversity and show how, in a truly international environment, collaboration comes naturally when we share the same goal.
Applying what we learned
One of the aspects I value most about the International MBA is the opportunity to work with real companies. Through presentations and projects, we apply the knowledge acquired in class to propose solutions in new environments marked by global trends.
This practical experience strengthens our analytical, communication, and teamwork skills and prepares us to face professional challenges with a strategic and global vision. It also allows us to measure our progress on this long journey of personal and professional development.
Facing the world
My journey from Peru to Barcelona has been, so far, an experience of profound personal and professional growth. The International MBA at EADA is not only providing me with knowledge, but also an international network, a global vision, and the confidence needed to lead in complex environments.
Although the journey has involved sacrifices, each experience confirms that the decision was worth it. This is just the beginning of a new chapter, built on learning, diversity, and the firm conviction that great changes begin with a courageous decision.
Author
Luis Emilio Carlos Cabana
(Perú)
Participant - International MBA 2025-2026