Do you want to study at CUOA, but still have questions about this international experience? Check out the interview with our student Caroline Barbosa.
1. What motivated you to take a course abroad? How did you hear about IBS Americas?
I currently work in Foreign Trade, where a big part of my job involves hosting foreign clients in Brazil. We often communicate in English and Spanish during meetings and events, and through my clients and colleagues, I’ve started to see the world from a broader perspective. We talk about cultures, education, and different ways of thinking, and every dinner or meeting feels like a lesson about life. It’s like I’m living a bit of every place, learning something new with each conversation.
These discussions not only expanded my knowledge but reignited a long-held dream of mine: to live my own adventures abroad—the kinds of getaways that so many people fondly talk about. I knew that one day I’d be the one telling stories, building international friendships, and immersing myself in cultures I’d only heard about before.
Then, one day, while checking my emails, I found one from my university that seemed like it was written just for me. It was an opportunity to take a course abroad, which would not only boost my career but also fulfill my dream of studying overseas and experiencing the world firsthand. At that moment, I felt like my dream was finally within reach.
2. What is your academic background, and what were your expectations for the international program?
I’m studying Economics at UEL, and in October 2024, I got life-changing news: my thesis was accepted by the review board! Now, I can officially consider myself a graduate, a moment that represents years of hard work and learning.
Throughout my academic journey, I’ve had many transformative experiences, but one stood out: I had the chance to study Business Strategy and Marketing Management, a program that far exceeded my expectations in the best way possible.
Although I don’t specialize in Marketing, I dove headfirst into the world of luxury brand management. I learned about the most important KPIs for the ‘triple A’ market, which gave me a completely new perspective. What impressed me the most was how the professors blended theory with real-world examples, using their own professional experiences to bring the content to life.
I left the course not only with new knowledge but also with a much broader understanding of business strategy and the luxury market. It was an invaluable experience that will undoubtedly shape my future career choices.
3. How did you choose the course and university? What factors influenced your decision?
I currently manage an export portfolio for luxury furniture, so the Business Strategy and Marketing Management course was incredibly relevant to my career. It aligned perfectly with my work, especially since our biggest competitors are from Italy. The course was an eye-opener, especially when it came to understanding the tradition and craftsmanship of Italian designs, which are admired worldwide.
Being immersed in that tradition and culture was incredibly enriching, and now I feel even more equipped to share what I’ve learned with my clients. This deeper understanding of the products I represent gives me a competitive edge, allowing me to offer more personalized and informed service.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to broaden my understanding of foreign trade even further. My next goal is to visit the Port of Los Angeles, one of the world’s largest freight hubs, to better understand its logistics. That’s the next step I’m excited to take in my career.
4. What were the main challenges of being in another country, speaking a different language, and working with colleagues from various nationalities?
Thinking and communicating 100% in English is a constant challenge. At first, you might feel like you won’t be able to keep up, but trust me, you can do it! The key is to trust the process, let yourself make mistakes, and learn along the way.
A crucial tip for anyone considering studying abroad, especially with programs like those offered by IBS Americas, is to be honest when taking English tests. I saw some colleagues get discouraged because they didn’t have the necessary language skills, and as a result, they missed out on a lot. Some couldn’t understand even a third of what the professors were saying, which impacted not only their learning but also their ability to interact with other students and enjoy cultural experiences in Italy.
It’s a unique experience, and to make the most of it, you need to be prepared—both linguistically and mentally. The professors are excellent, and the cultural exchange with fellow students is something you’ll carry with you for life.
5. How do you evaluate the quality of teaching, infrastructure and resources offered by the university?
As I mentioned earlier, my experience with the university and professors was excellent. The course helped fill several knowledge gaps that I had noticed in my day-to-day work. After each class, I felt like I was gaining the tools I needed to handle the challenges of my role, particularly in the luxury furniture sector.
The content was so well-aligned with my professional needs that I often found myself applying what I learned almost immediately. This connection between theory and practice was incredibly valuable and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
6. What key skills and lessons did you develop during the course?
Before taking the course, my relationship with marketing was not ideal. I would see the materials our marketing agency produced and knew they needed improvement, but I couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong. It was frustrating for both me and my team because I couldn’t clearly communicate my ideas.
Coming from an economics background, expressing myself in a more creative, visual way was a real challenge. I realized I needed to learn more about marketing to solve this issue, which had become a mess due to my lack of knowledge. Thanks to the classes and my colleagues’ support, I developed both the creative and technical sides of marketing. I learned not just the terminology and methodologies but also how to strategically use marketing for my business. Now, I feel much more confident, and communication with my team flows much better.
I’m sure my marketing team appreciates it too—thank you, IBS! (laughts)!
7. What places did you have the opportunity to visit during your free time?
I traveled to several cities in Italy: Milan, Venice, Vicenza, Florence, Pisa, and Forte dei Marmi.
8. How were the lectures and company visits?
If you ask my colleagues, “Who was that annoying girl asking all the questions?” they’d say, “That was Caroline!” My curiosity made me feel like a kid in a new and exciting world. I remember one visit where the guy couldn’t answer all my questions, so knowing I was Brazilian, he called the company’s Latin American director to talk to me. By coincidence, the director was at their headquarters in Italy.
Our conversation was incredible! He answered all my questions and even asked me to send my resume. “We need people like you, Caroline,” he said, which left me super excited. I mentioned we could discuss a proposal after I graduated. Now, I’m waiting for the next chapter—if I start working for this company, I’ll definitely let everyone know!
9. Did you expand your professional network during the course? Could you share some of your experiences?
Absolutely! I came home with about five new business projects. This opportunity also gave me a lot of visibility in my field—many clients in Brazil now want me to represent them at international trade shows and introduce them to suppliers abroad.
10. How will this international experience impact your career?
Salary increase (laughts)! But seriously, it’s not just about financial gain—it’s about the opportunities and personal growth I’ve gained. I’m excited because I believe I’ll be taking more courses with IBS soon. One of my dreams is to build my business in such a way that I can offer a 100% scholarship to a student.
I want people who haven’t had the same opportunities as me to experience the world differently. And, of course, I want the scholarship to cover not just studies but travel as well! I believe education should be celebrated, and a bit of fun should be part of the learning journey too.
11. What advice would you give to students and professionals considering a course abroad with IBS Americas?
Don’t be afraid to take on this challenge. I know it’s not easy to save money and sacrifice short-term desires for future opportunities. I faced a lot of criticism from family members who said, “You could use that money to buy land or a house.”
To fund my dream of studying in Europe, I took on several side jobs—working as a waitress, barista, bartender, data analyst, designing business models for startups, and even developing apps for small businesses. I did all of this because studying in Europe was my goal. I completely transformed myself to make it happen, and you can too!
Don’t be afraid to fight for your dreams. It’s worth it. Every sacrifice, every challenge brought me closer to my goal and made me stronger. So embrace the journey and believe in what you can achieve!
