A month of leadership, culture, and global connections in Porto
IE Business School’s partnership with Porto Business School (PBS) offers a transformative experience for IE’s students, blending academic rigor with real-world insights during the Global Immersion Month in Porto, Portugal. Through this program, students gained an immersive, cross-cultural education tailored to understanding the complexities of global business environments.
The program, structured over four weeks, covered essential themes for today’s professionals, such as resilience, adaptability, productivity, and innovation. Each week featured a distinct focus:
1. Portuguese Economy, Industries, and Culture
In the first week, students explored Portugal’s business landscape, visiting key companies across sectors like textiles and technology, including Metys. Panel discussions with leaders from top brands offered students valuable insights into Portugal’s unique blend of tradition and modernity in business.
2. Adapting to Uncertainty and Change
The second week centered on adaptability in uncertain times, encouraging students to think strategically under shifting market conditions. Interactive sessions included visits to companies like Natixis and UPTEC, coupled with discussions on current topics such as AI in finance, fintech innovation, and global dynamics. Through these experiences, students enhanced their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Health, Wellbeing, and Productivity
Week three emphasized the importance of health and wellbeing in the workplace. Students engaged with Portuguese healthcare and wellness innovators, like Sword Health, gaining insights into the links between employee wellness and productivity. Workshops focused on mindfulness and resilience, helping students build emotional intelligence—a critical asset in any career path.
4. When the Past Meets the Future
In the final week, the program explored Portugal’s future-forward sectors, such as smart cities and tourism, while also visiting UNESCO sites in historic Guimarães. Students investigated how legacy industries evolve with modern technologies, including company visits to Porto Digital and Lameirinho. They also analyzed Portugal’s role in sustainable tourism, offering a blend of cultural immersion and foresight into global business trends.
Additionally, group projects formed a significant component of the immersive program, with students working on industry-focused projects. Each team crafted a detailed market entry strategy for a specific sector in Portugal, such as retail, technology in healthcare, or wine production. These projects challenged students to apply classroom concepts in real-world scenarios, preparing them for international business careers with a well-rounded understanding of risk assessment, market analysis, and strategic planning.
Beyond academics, the Global Immersion Month fostered IE and PBS’s shared mission of internationalization. Networking events with Portuguese companies and alumni broadened students’ global connections, while teamwork on complex projects cultivated intercultural collaboration skills. Through this program, IE and PBS prepared students not only to excel academically but also to adapt and thrive in today’s dynamic global marketplace.
Together, IE Business School and Porto Business School shaped tomorrow’s leaders and made change happen by educating global thinkers with practical and human skills, cultural intelligence, and a strong drive to make meaningful contributions in diverse business environments.
