Global Perspectives: Claire Curtis’s Transformative Madrid Exchange Experience
Introducing Claire Curtis, a proud member of the Class of 2025/2026, whose overseas experience exemplifies the transformative power of global learning. As part of her journey in the UCLA-NUS EMBA program, Claire participated in the recent Global Network Week exchange program at IE Business School in Madrid. Her experience highlights the value of stepping outside the classroom to gain new perspectives on leadership, cultural understanding, and global business. Through engaging in a dynamic course on “Holistic Leadership,” connecting with diverse international peers, and immersing herself in Madrid’s vibrant culture, Claire gained insights that will undoubtedly influence her personal growth and professional trajectory. Her story underscores the importance of embracing international opportunities to expand horizons and build a truly global network.
It’s an absolute pleasure to share my experience from the recent Global Network Week exchange program at IE Business School in Madrid! As an EMBA student at UCLA and the National University of Singapore, this opportunity was a fantastic way to gain yet another fresh perspective on global business. The trip was truly transformative, and I’m excited to tell you all about it.
Why an Exchange? In Short, A Chance to Expand My Horizons
When I was looking at elective courses, I knew I wanted to do something different. Our EMBA program naturally has a strong focus on North America and the APAC region, so I saw a short exchange in Europe as the perfect opportunity to broaden my cultural understanding and business perspective. Madrid was an ideal choice, offering the chance to immerse myself in a new culture while networking with students from all over the world. But it wasn’t just about the location. The course itself, “Holistic Leadership,” was a major draw. In today’s fast-paced world, where burnout is a very real challenge, the topic felt incredibly relevant. I was excited to explore and learn about a different kind of leadership, one that goes beyond just hitting targets and focuses on well-being and personal growth.
The Advantages of Stepping Outside the Classroom
The benefits of an exchange trip like this are immense, both personally and professionally. Professionally, the networking opportunities are unparalleled. I connected with students from diverse backgrounds and different schools, all of whom brought unique insights and experiences to the table. These are people I’ll stay in touch with long after the program ends, creating a truly global professional network.
On a personal level, the trip was a powerful reminder of the value of shared knowledge. Learning alongside people from all corners of the globe, discussing case studies from different cultural lenses, and simply sharing stories over coffee opened my eyes in so many ways. It was a humbling and incredibly enriching experience.
Madrid, A Week to Remember:
The week in Madrid was a perfect blend of learning, networking, and cultural exploration. Our classroom sessions were dynamic and discussion-based, led by professors from various backgrounds who shared their expertise in holistic leadership. We had a great mix of lectures, engaging group work, and even mindfulness sessions that encouraged us to reflect and look inward.
Outside the classroom, we had plenty of time to explore the vibrant and dynamic city of Madrid. From savoring delicious tapas to live flamenco performances, we were truly immersed in local culture. It was amazing to balance intense classroom discussions with opportunities to relax and connect with my classmates about life in a more casual setting.
The Key Takeaway:
The biggest takeaway from the “Holistic Leadership” course was this: True leadership isn’t just about driving your team to meet targets. It starts with you; your well-being, your mindset, and your ability to influence others through a similar approach. The course taught me that a leader’s health and mindset are directly tied to the success and well-being of their team and the broader organization, and gave me the tools to design a workable framework for me to apply this in my day to day. This was a powerful and incredibly relevant lesson that I’ll carry with me throughout my career.
Advice for Prospective Students
My biggest piece of advice for anyone considering an elective is simple: Don’t choose based solely on the location or the school’s name. While those can be exciting factors, prioritize a course that truly excites you and aligns with your passions or areas of interest. Look for a topic that will genuinely enrich your learning and provide knowledge you might not get in your regular program.
And finally, my biggest piece of advice: network, network, network! I was fortunate enough to make some wonderful friends during that short week. These connections have truly enriched my life and made the entire experience so memorable. The people you meet are just as important as the things you learn, and they can turn a great experience into an unforgettable one.
I hope this gives you a glimpse into the incredible journey I had in Madrid. I can’t recommend the Global Network Week enough! If you have any questions, I’d be happy to share more.
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