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IE School of Science & Technology is strengthened by its international outlook. Part of this means giving students of the Master in Computer Science & Business Technology and the Master in Business Analytics & Data Science the chance to enjoy exchange experiences across a network of elite universities.

We caught up with a few of this year’s exchangees to find out the benefits of a term abroad. 

Why choose an exchange program? 

Students have access to exchange experiences in Europe, South America and Asia during their time with us. For Henry Aschke, this meant a term at Singapore Management University; for Simphiwe Ngwenya, Frankfurt School of Management & Finance; and for Max Uebele, Imperial College London. 

Furthermore, the exchange program content fits seamlessly with your studies in Madrid. This provides an opportunity for students to go abroad without excess paperwork or difficulties in recognizing credits. 

“I applied for an exchange program because I’ve always been drawn to the finance industry, specifically banking,” says Simphiwe, who’s graduating from the Master in Business Analytics & Data Science. “Frankfurt, as the financial hub of Europe and home to major institutions like the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, and leading investment and commercial banks, felt like the perfect place to deepen my exposure to global finance.” 

And Henry, who studied the Master in Computer Science & Business Technology, says these exchange experiences spur real personal growth: “If you really want to grow—and I say this as someone who has worked in different countries over multiple years—you have to get out of your comfort zone culturally, academically, and physically. When you get dropped into a completely different place and have to figure out everything on your own—finding an apartment, dealing with visas, fitting into a new environment—while still being successful and handling your responsibilities, that’s where real growth happens.

How to choose a destination for exchange?

There are plenty of different motives when choosing a destination for your exchange. Henry, who’ll start working as a full-time analyst at McKinsey in September, says he spotted a unique cultural opportunity in Asia: “It was a one-time opportunity, really. Usually, if you move jobs, you move somewhere in Europe or the US. So, this was a great opportunity to experience Asia.” 

Simphiwe was equally strategic in selecting the Frankfurt School of Finance Management. This was thanks to its practical curriculum aligning with her career goals in quantitative finance. “They offered modules that integrated data science with real-world financial applications, which is exactly what I was looking for,” says Simphiwe. “I saw it as the ideal place to bridge the gap between theory and industry, and being in the heart of a global financial hub made the experience even more impactful.” 

And the chance to deepen his understanding of specialized algorithms in London was one that Max, who recently graduated from the Dual Degree in Finance and Business Analytics, couldn’t pass up: “Going abroad in the final term was not an easy decision, as IE offers highly attractive electives such as Generative AI and Algorithmic Trading within the MBD. But Imperial College London stood out as one of the world’s most renowned universities, offering the technical lectures I was looking for and located in a global hub for both Finance and Technology—the exact intersection reflected in my dual master’s degree.” 

How did the exchange fit with IE academics? 

At SMU, Henry enrolled in the Master in IT in Business program. This involved several electives across AI, project management and fintech. “It was diverse,” says Henry. “I basically took all tracks. In fact, I directly applied concepts I’d learned from SMU’s AI classes in the IE capstone project we did with Berkshire Hathaway. My teammates were like, where do you know that from?” 

Simphiwe undertook courses in data analytics, machine learning in finance and market risk modelling. This meant applying everything she’d learned at IE School of Science & Technology in a finance-specific context. “I worked with real financial data, developing models to analyze market behavior, evaluate portfolio performance and quantify risk,” says Simphiwe. “The experience allowed me to connect dots between disciplines. This ultimately made my understanding of both data and finance much more integrated.” 

“At Imperial, I expanded on my applied knowledge of various Machine Learning model families and AI by exploring algorithmic approaches within specialized industries, such as energy forecasting and supply chain analytics,” says Max. “This deep dive aligned well with Imperial’s rigorously mathematical and theory-driven approach, which was notably agnostic toward specific programming languages like R—one I had not used before. I was impressed by the academic content, which fits with IE’s strong emphasis on skills like networking, extracurricular involvement and clear communication—skills that reflect a certain entrepreneurial assertiveness. Having learned that at IE before arriving in London empowered me to take initiative and make bold choices.” 

What cultural insights can you gain from an exchange? 

Beyond academics, the exchanges offer the chance to enjoy a meaningful cultural experience. “Tracy, my academic advisor, gave me Starbucks coupons, gift cards, a shirt, a laptop case,” says Henry, reflecting on his arrival at SMU. “It was really nice of them. She made sure I knew where to go.” 

Simphiwe, who arrived in Frankfurt with no contacts, valued the challenge. “Moving to a new city where I didn’t speak the language and didn’t know anyone was challenging. So I got involved in student life by attending a wide range of campus events and engaging with the broader student community. That helped me meet local students and adapt more quickly.” Simphiwe also enjoyed discovering a new country: “I visited cities like Munich, Stuttgart, Heidelberg. Each had its own unique vibe, history and traditions. One of the most special moments for me was experiencing snow for the first time. Coming from a warmer climate, it felt almost surreal—quiet, beautiful, and something I’d always dreamed of.” 

And while Max felt the demand of jumping into the unknown, his time in Madrid set him up for success. “Applying the intercultural skills I had gained over four terms at IE posed an exciting challenge: how far could I get in under three months?” says Max. “Thanks to my time in Madrid, I spoke some Spanish, which helped me quickly connect with Spanish-speaking classmates. As project teams were self-formed, this connection helped me join a great group. Eventually, I was invited by the Spanish cohort to a Master’s in Business Analytics pub quiz team—which we won by telling the best joke. I still have the tiny plastic trophy in my cupboard. Before coming to IE, I would probably not have had the confidence to socialize so quickly—or to tell the winning joke.” 

Advice for students on exchange experiences 

“Do it,” says Henry. “Definitely do it. I would never undo my experience in Singapore because it gave me so many benefits, even though it’s hard to put into words.” Simphiwe also added a practical note. “Start by carefully researching the host school’s modules to ensure they support your academic and professional plans. At the same time, understand the logistics—visa, housing, budgeting. Being well-prepared helps you focus on making the most of the experience.” 

Language learning is also a must. “Around 90% of the population speaks Mandarin or Cantonese,” says Henry. “The language of instruction is English, but Mandarin is so commonly spoken. I learned a little Mandarin while I was there—I could order coffee, say hello, and some funny phrases. It made it easier for me to integrate culturally.” Likewise, Simphiwe pushed herself to understand the culture through language. “I was far from fluent, but it gave me a much deeper appreciation for the language and helped me navigate everyday situations with more confidence.” 

Now, all are seeing lasting career impact from their exchange experiences: “Having another university from Singapore on my CV is a big plus”, says Henry. “Singapore is widely known for AI, and this experience gives me cultural foresight in these environments, which is important.” 

“It significantly influenced my career goals and outlook,” says Simphiwe. “It strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career as a quantitative analyst and showed me the practical impact of combining technical skills with real-world challenges.” 

“My time at Imperial gave me a reality check on the industries I had been considering,” says Max. “The technical understanding I gained—especially of algorithmic thinking and analytical approaches—will certainly help me evaluate business models more effectively in the future. It felt like the final piece of a mosaic I had been assembling throughout nearly two years at IE.”