Marie Petibon

Originally from France, Marie Petibon took the leap to move to Madrid, Spain to study the Bachelor in Business Administration at IE University. As someone who wanted to gain different perspectives in the academic world, Marie was thrilled to take the opportunity to participate in an international exchange program. This experience, combined with her time studying in Madrid, has prepared her to be a competitive candidate in the professional world.

Thanks to IE University’s partnerships with a variety of leading universities worldwide, Marie was able to travel to the United States in the second semester of her third year. She chose the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country—in order to attend their renowned business school.

Along with learning from the university’s top business professors, Marie hoped that the exchange program would allow her to explore different experiences and academic environments. Her time in the US did that and more; the exposure to new ideas and perspectives broadened her worldview both academically and on a personal level.

Networking is a vital part of the IE Experience, and students who participate in exchange programs are able to take full advantage of its benefits. Marie made new friends, while also enhancing her professional network. The chance to form relationships with students and faculty from the US was an opportunity that Marie knew would help her in her future career for years to come.

Marie admits that leaving the close-knit, supportive community at IE University was the hardest thing about studying abroad. Even though students come from all over the world to study here, they form strong bonds during their time in Madrid. Leaving this environment required some adjustment, but for Marie, her experience abroad and the ability to learn from multiple business programs were well worth it. She was able to step out of her comfort zone in new ways and learn from different academic and professional perspectives, all while in a new and exciting environment.

For Marie, the exchange experience wouldn’t have been the same without the support she received from academic advisors, career counselors, and networking opportunities provided along the way. IE University kept her updated and offered personalized advice to match her interests with the right program.

Marie encourages any student considering participating in an exchange program to take the chance to study abroad and develop skills and experiences that will be valuable in their future careers. Her own experience was so beneficial to her personal, academic and professional growth that she highly recommends that all students take advantage of the opportunities that IE University's exchange program offers.