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BBABIR Students travel to Nepal to build Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Skills
A group of 11 Dual bachelor in Business Administration and International Relations students travelled to Nepal to sharpen their physical, mental, and social abilities trekking through the Himalayas, visiting several social projects, and meeting with world-class entrepreneurs and leaders.
This is the first time that second-year BBA-BIR students experienced the Nepal Journey. For 11 days, students trekked through the Himalayas and developed soft skills including leadership, team building, and social awareness.
“Our trip to Nepal showed us how to do a lot with the minimum, live in the present, and try to make the best out of it. Our most basic needs were challenged. Even water was not be taken for granted. Every little drop was precious for us. The Nepalese way of living values the essential things in life, and teaches you the importance of being in tune with the environment.”
María Tahoces, second-year BBA-BIR
During their trip, students reached the Annapurna Base Camp (4130m), the 10th highest mountain in the world. They were guided by Edurne Pasabán, associate professor at IE University, the 21st person and the first woman to conquer all 14 ‘eight-thousander’ peaks in the world. Isabella Miller, a student who attended the trip, described the adventure as “very difficult, but rewarding.” The students witnessed astonishing landscapes, were immersed in the most challenging situations, and pushed their own limits as a cohesive team.
The organizers commented the journey to Nepal successfully achieved the following goals:
- Strengthen leadership skills, self-improvement, and wellness:
The first day, students attended a talk by Sonam Sherpa, founder and president of Thamserku Trekking and Yeti group, whose personal and professional life centers on self-improvement and wellness. The entrepreneur who runs dozens of companies in Nepal emphasized that meaningful impact must come “from the bottom up”, as proximity to the local needs is what allows to efficiently tackle them.
- Learn about different cultures and ways of living:
Students were immersed in a collective culture which is based on strong relationships. They were inspired to build a solid team, with a pronounced sense of responsibility, communication, and moral support. They were guided by Pasabán who pushed them to go beyond their comfort zone, manage the unpredictability of the mountain, and translate that to any life experience.
- Incentivize participation in social & development projects:
Several students said the social projects they visited raised their awareness on major issues and encouraged them to take action. Manuela Camarero mentioned the one that touched them the most was Kailash Home for Children hosting orphans and offering them high level education. IE University students put to action their selfless values, as well as their willingness to drive change, by sponsoring one kid for six years.
Students felt that the trip was rather a journey of discovery, transformation, and involvement. “It was a once in a lifetime experience that changed my perception of the world,” said Tahoces.
