Becoming an IE Student

02/05/2025

Take the leap with a master in Madrid.

4 min read

It can be daunting when you choose to study in a different country. That’s why we’ve decided to share the stories of two Azerbaijani students abroad who prove that moving outside your comfort zone is a great choice.

Read on to see how Chichak Bairamova and Kanan Sujayev are finding their feet with the Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation program—and why IE Business School is your top choice for studying in Spain.

What is Azerbaijan like?

The decision to move away from your homeland isn’t easy. Chichak, who originally did her undergraduate in Baku, still has plenty of affection for her country: “Azerbaijan boasts a remarkably diverse climate for its size, featuring nine out of the world’s 11 climatic zones,” says Chichak.

“From humid subtropical areas to alpine tundra in the Caucasus, this climate diversity supports a wide range of ecosystems—from lush forests to arid landscapes—making it a truly unique part of the world.”

Kanan, who studied an undergraduate degree in architecture in Azerbaijan, agrees that the country is a geographical wonder. “Azerbaijan is home to the world’s highest concentration of active mud volcanoes,” he says. “These unique natural wonders attract both researchers and tourists, offering a truly one-of-a-kind landscape.”

Both take particular pride in the Azerbaijani culture, which holds a special place for hospitality. “We have a saying—Guest is God sent—and it’s truly reflected in how we treat visitors,” says Kanan. With Azerbaijan having so much to offer, the decision to take their studies elsewhere couldn’t be taken lightly.

Why move to Madrid?

So, why did they make the move to become Azerbaijani students abroad in Madrid? And how does that tie into ongoing sustainability projects in Azerbaijan?

For Chichak, it was all about the Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation at IE Business School.

“After working in an energy company focused on green transformation, I realized it was the perfect opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how businesses can integrate sustainability into their operations.”

Kanan tells a similar story. “I’ve always been passionate about sustainable development and business transformation,” he says. “And I felt like this program offered the right balance of business acumen and sustainability focus.”

What’s special about the Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation?

The Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation is unique. Taught with IE Business School’s characteristic “hands-on” methodology, it shows students how to apply sustainability principles to real-world scenarios. “This methodology allowed me to move beyond theoretical knowledge and see how sustainability can be directly integrated into business strategies to drive change,” says Chichak.

Kanan echoes Chichak’s thoughts, with a stand-out factor being the pragmatism of program content: “From case studies to consulting projects with real companies, it gave me a deep understanding of how business and sustainability intersect in the real world,” he shares.

Both value the opportunity to have worked with Amadeus, a leader in travel technology. Chichak’s team tackled the issue of overcrowding in popular tourist destinations, using data-driven insights to explore sustainable tourism solutions. Kanan says the project was a stand-out due its focus on business models.

“It helped me understand the impact of integrating sustainable practices into business models, not just for the environment but for long-term business success as well.”

As for specific modules, Chichak singles out the course on the Triple-Bottom Line taught by Professor Elvira Scarlat. This expanded her perspective on considering financial, environmental, and social factors in business success. “Understanding the finance aspect of sustainability is essential in driving significant change.”

Kanan is also full of praise for Professor Juan Carlos Silva Tamayo’s “Eco-Essentials for Business” course, which focuses practical applications of sustainable business practices: “His approach deepened my understanding of how businesses can align profitability with environmental responsibility.”

Azerbaijan’s focus on sustainability aligns with global trends taught on the Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation. Chichak is enthusiastic to return home with relevant knowledge. “The skills I’m gaining will help me contribute to Azerbaijan’s sustainability efforts, particularly in energy and manufacturing sectors, where emissions and resource use are significant,” says Chichak. “Globally, the tools and frameworks I’ve learned will enable me to drive transformation in businesses by integrating sustainability into their core strategies, which I believe is essential for long-term success.”

Kanan similarly feels he has something unique to contribute upon returning to Azerbaijan: “The program is giving me a toolkit to drive sustainable initiatives, from analyzing data to creating strategies that balance business growth and environmental impact. I’m excited to bring this knowledge back to Azerbaijan and work on projects that can make a real difference.”

Study the Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation

Chichak and Kanan have both experienced significant growth at IE Business School. The program has deepened their understanding of integrating sustainability throughout the value chain, all while shaping their leadership styles. “The program’s international environment has expanded my perspective on leadership,” says Kanan. “I’m learning from classmates with different professional backgrounds and cultures, which is helping me become a more inclusive and strategic leader.”

Their journeys underscore the impactful education at IE Business School. With a commitment to change the future of sustainability, both are flying the flag for Azerbaijani students abroad with pride. As Chichak notes: “Now, I understand that sustainability isn’t just about improving efficiency—it’s about creating systems that not only benefit businesses but also the environment and society as a whole.”

So, think you could follow in their footsteps? Visit the link below and fill in the form to stay in touch.