Embracing Global Learning: Tec de Monterrey students’ unforgettable semester learning Digital Transformation and AI at ESEI

The digital age demands a new approach to education that transcends borders and fosters a global mindset. In 2022, a Eurostat study claimed that Spain is  the most popular destination for short-term study abroad among European students. Recently, it appears that the country’s popularity and appeal extends to students even outside the EU.

Last October, another batch of students from Tec de Monterrey in Mexico undertook an enriching educational journey as part of the Digital Transformation and AI Programme at ESEI International Business School in Barcelona. This unique programme not only equipped the students with cutting-edge skills in AI, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, Marketing, and Social Media, among others but also broadened their horizons through field trips and company visits across Europe. In this article, we explore their experiences and insights gained from this life-changing semester.

A Global Learning Initiative

ESEI, in collaboration with various international business schools such as Tec de Monterrey, offers an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in different cultures and business environments through what we call  ‘Learning Expeditions’. 

Ignacio Ibarra (Nacho), one of the students, highlighted the value of learning in a country with a diverse community where concepts like AI and cybersecurity take a practical form. “ You end up in a country where it’s completely different and you learn about the culture and the teachers, they teach you something different and I think it’s a really good experience,” he said.

Academic Enrichment

The curriculum at ESEI presented a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and industry exposure. Nacho expressed his keen interest in artificial intelligence, acknowledging its rapid growth and future potential. He appreciated how the programme allowed him to comprehend complex concepts deeply, stating, “The way they teach us here, you can not just know things, but truly understand the concepts behind them.”

Field Trips: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Field trips formed an integral part of the students’ experience, reinforcing classroom learning with real-world applications. The group’s first journey across Europe took them to the Netherlands and Belgium, where they encountered sustainability-centric companies. The trip began in Amsterdam with a deep dive into marketing and branding at The HEINEKEN Company, with a bonus canal boat tour for a cultural experience. At Remeker’s ecological farm, the students learned that amid all the digital innovations, quality and craftsmanship are still crucial to keeping a business at the top of its game to make it sustainable. In Rotterdam, the students explored the world of cybersecurity at Base Cyber Security, attending a masterclass by Maeson Ethard on WiFi vulnerability and data security. The Hague offered insights into data management and digital technologies at Security Delta (HSD). In Belgium, the students witnessed digital transformation in public administration at the Federal Public Service Policy & Support (BOSA), learning about the importance of inclusive digitalisation.

Another student, Desiret Cepeda Paucic (Desi) recalled the enterprise visits, noting, “The most nourishing part of the programme was going to businesses and seeing how they work, especially learning about cybersecurity developments.”

The students’ second expedition led them to Portugal and Madrid, with each company visit offering insights into innovative business practices specifically tailored to tackling contemporary challenges. The students had a front row seat of digital innovation at Innowave, explored sports management with La Liga Business School, and uncovered data science secrets at Nova IMS. The students also had a quick detour to Toledo’s historic streets to round off their adventure. It was definitely a memorable experience of learning and discovery.

Brizeth Alejandra Solano (Brizeth), in particular, was inspired by understanding different ways of working across Europe and envisaging how such methods could be implemented in Mexico. “Elegiste el programa, porque me encantó la opción que tenía de conocer Europa, de viajar a diferentes lugares y también ver lo útil de estos viajes, conocer a diferentes empresas. (I chose the programme because I loved the opportunity it offers of getting to know Europe, traveling to different places, and also seeing the usefulness of these trips, getting to know different companies),” she shared.

Cultural Exchange and Personal Growth

Living abroad, the students not only engaged academically but also immersed themselves in the local culture. Desi shared her day-to-day life in Barcelona, which included exploring landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and immersing in spontaneous activities like walking through Plaza Catalunya. She found living in Barcelona to be a profound experience, both educationally and socially. “ I think I would like to come back to Barcelona because it’s a really pretty city. And you can do everything here, like go to the beach or meet people everywhere. So I think it’s very nice. In the future, I think living here would be even great,” she said.

Mathias Ponce de León’s (Mathias) take on Barcelona was equally enthusiastic. He cited the vibrant mix of beach, mountain, and city life, describing experiences like viewing the city’s skyline from a catamaran as unforgettable. He encouraged other students to seize such opportunities for the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds. “ Barcelona is a very fun city, especially for us, young people. And it’s really beautiful in many aspects. It has beaches, mountains, and the architecture is just phenomenal,” he noted.

The Importance of Learning Expeditions

Studying abroad offers numerous benefits that can be pivotal for personal and professional development. Some of these include:

– Exposure to wide-ranging teaching methods and business practices

– Immersion in diverse cultures encourages adaptability and global thinking

– Networking opportunities with individuals from different backgrounds and industries

– Practical understanding of theoretical knowledge through real-world applications

– Enhanced language and communication skills

– Greater appreciation and understanding of global issues

– Opportunities to discover new interests and career paths

Mathias emphasised how being exposed to real-world businesses that are solving real-world challenges globally has widened their perspective and contributed to paving the path that they might want to take professionally. “One of my most memorable experiences is visiting different cyber security companies, especially the one in the Netherlands since they are quite advanced there. We get to sit with subject matter experts in this area and learn,” he said. 

The bachelor student from Mexico asserted that these international experiences have been very useful as it gave them a glimpse of how different countries in Europe are working on technological aspects like cyber security and other digital transformation initiatives.

Students’ Takeaways

The journey offered the students valuable lessons, from grasping AI’s potential to understanding cybersecurity’s role in businesses. 

One of the presentations on cybersecurity in the Netherlands stood out to Mathias, especially the practical exercise of discovering if personal data had been compromised. Such experiences provided the students with a broader perspective on digital transformation.“He showed us a page where you can check if you’ve ever been hacked or your information stolen. And we found out that most of us have information stolen,” he shared. 

Brizeth, reflecting on her time, emphasised the experiential learning aspect, stating: “Llegar a conocer las formas en que algunos negocios operan y llevar ese conocimiento a México para mejorarlo. (We get to know the ways in which some businesses operate and take that knowledge to Mexico to improve on them.)”

The students from Tec de Monterrey found their semester at ESEI to be a springboard for expanding their perspectives and embracing new opportunities. The blending of academic rigor with real-world exposure paved the path for not only enhancing their educational journey but also preparing them for future challenges in a globalized world. As they return to their home country, they carry forward the ethos of international collaboration and innovation, ready to become instruments of change. 

Are you ready to take a leap and kick-start your study abroad experience? Explore ESEI’s wide array of short course offerings or the available Bachelors and Master’s Programmes! 

Apply now!