As the second largest economy in Latin America and a large trading partner to the US, Mexico stands out as a strategic hub for those looking to engage with diverse markets and international business practices.
At IPADE Business School, international experiences are a core part of the MBA program. By cultivating skills in cultural adaptability, global strategic thinking, and cross-cultural communication, students prepare to navigate an increasingly globalized business landscape.
Complementing a deep understanding of the Mexican market with extensive experience of global business practices can make for significant professional growth, preparing you with the expertise to manage diverse teams effectively.
Here are four study abroad experiences you’ll gain during an MBA in Mexico:
1. Study abroad at global business schools
Opting for an MBA program with a study abroad exchange program can help you develop into a more well-rounded business professional.
IPADE MBA students can choose from 75 business schools to spend a mandatory semester abroad. José Eduardo Malo (pictured right), MBA graduate from the class of 2024, experienced this firsthand during his time at London Business School (LBS).
Immersed in a global environment, the exchange connected him with an international network and exposed him to diverse business practices, José says.
“This experience provided me with a unique perspective on global business practices and the exposure to different cultural norms and business etiquettes improved my interpersonal skills and adaptability,” he adds.
One of the significant advantages of studying abroad is the opportunity to experience different yet complementary learning styles.
"It really balanced out my experience at IPADE, which emphasized ethical leadership and practical business problem-solving. LBS's lecture-based approach broadened my view of global business, while IPADE's case study method helped me develop practical skills by diving deep into real-world scenarios."
Company visits were an integral part of José’s exchange, including a trip to the London branch of Coinbase, one of the largest crypto exchanges in the US.
“Observing their innovative business strategies and cutting-edge technology was eye-opening. These visits allowed me to see firsthand how businesses operate in different cultural contexts, enhancing my understanding of global business dynamics,” José explains.
To maximize the networking potential of these events, the number of IPADE students attending each partner business school is kept to a minimum.
“We keep it to one to three students per school. Being so few really encourages them to interact and network beyond their circle,” says Beatriz, international office director at IPADE.
2. Attend study trips to global business hubs
MBA study trips allow you to benefit from the career growth opportunities that a city has to offer in a short amount of time.
At IPADE, immersive 10-day study trips provide a close look at diverse business strategies and industries. In previous years, this has taken students to the likes of Shanghai, Singapore, and Dubai.
While soaking up a new culture, students gain insight into how different businesses operate across industries and network with global industry leaders. As of this year, the student organization committee is tasked with arranging the academic sessions, cultural activities, and visits to more than 10 top companies.
“This responsibility gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned on the MBA into practice, with team building, leadership skills, and decision-making,” says Beatriz.
3. Engage with the local business landscape
Understanding the complexities of international business doesn't always require international travel.
The ‘Doing Business in Mexico’ seminar offers a week-long in-depth experience for more than 100 students from IPADE and partner business schools worldwide, creating ample opportunity for cross-cultural exchange.
Students take part in live case studies focused on Mexican companies and attend conferences led by top executives across various sectors, such as Enrique Javier Beltranena, CEO of Mexico’s largest airline, Volaris.
Visits to major Mexican corporations such as KidZania and Corona are a chance to learn from large-scale business operations in a local context.
“This week not only deepened my understanding of the Mexican business landscape but also allowed me to showcase the rich business potential of my country to international peers,” says José.
Networking remains a core pillar of the week. Mixing local and visiting attendees during case method sessions, students gain insight into different cultural approaches to business.
Throughout the MBA, exchange students from partner schools around the world bring diverse perspectives to the classroom, enriching the discussion of business cases and enhancing the cross-cultural learning experience.
“IPADE students know how to do business in Mexico from the Mexican perspective. By discussing the business cases with visiting students from abroad, they learn how other countries conduct business,” says Beatriz.
4. Immersive international competitions
MBA case competitions can be highly impactful experiential opportunities, giving you a platform to put what you’ve learned into action.
For José, competitions led him to participate in the MBA Soccer Tournament in Austin, Texas, and IPADE – SMU Cox School of Business War Games.
MBA war games are competitions that mimic real-world business challenges, requiring students to make decisions about marketing, finance, operations, and strategy as a team.
“The intense, fast-paced environment of the competition helped me develop my problem-solving and decision-making skills. This event fostered teamwork, leadership, and strategic thinking under pressure,” he says.
By tackling a range of business challenges and collaborating with diverse teams, you can build confidence to lead in an increasingly globalized market. For some students, this can have a powerful impact on their future careers.
“These experiences have sparked an interest in roles that involve global business strategy and operations, as I feel well-prepared to navigate the complexities of international markets,” says José.
Top MBA programs typically offer a wealth of study abroad experiences that go beyond traditional classroom learning. From semester-long exchanges in global cities to competing with students from all over the world, these experiences can help you build the mindset of a global business leader.
