From the Netherlands to Barcelona: Building Confidence and New Skills Abroad
For Dionique from the Netherlands, moving to Barcelona to study at ESEI International Business School was more than just an academic step. It was a journey of personal growth, filled with opportunities to develop new skills, gain confidence, and discover strengths that will shape her future career and life.
After completing her bachelor’s degree, Dionique chose ESEI for her master’s in International Relations and International Business. She was drawn to the programme because of her strong values of honesty and justice, and her passion for making a positive impact around the world.
“I really want to do something with this passion and power that I know I can give,” she explains. “If I’m in the right place, I can give my all, and I would love to do that.”
Finding Confidence in Public Speaking
At ESEI, students learn by “doing” through project based learning. Instead of traditional exams, they work in teams and present projects. For Dionique, this approach became a turning point.
“In the beginning I was nervous before presentations. But then people told me, ‘You are always so much fun to listen to. Doesn’t matter what you’re saying, people are always listening to you.’ That was a confirmation I didn’t even know I needed,” she says.
Now, she feels completely comfortable speaking in front of groups.
“I actually get excited when I get the chance to present. I know for a fact that being in front of people is one of the second biggest fears people have. But for me, it gives me energy. It makes me hyped and excited.”
Her confidence also translates into handling mistakes and improvising on the spot:
“If I make a slip of the tongue, I can just joke about it or rephrase the sentence. I feel completely comfortable in front of people now.”
Learning to Communicate Across Cultures
Life in Barcelona gave Dionique invaluable lessons in cross-cultural communication. Working with classmates from all over the world, she learned to adapt, listen, and collaborate with people from different perspectives.
“You cannot expect everyone to think or act the same way. Working with people from different cultures showed me how to find common ground and really connect with others,” she says.
Her lessons extended beyond the classroom. Dionique also worked as a bike tour guide, interacting with tourists from many countries. “Guiding groups through the city taught me to explain things clearly, adjust my communication on the spot, and really understand where people were coming from,” she explains.
She also noticed that some of the most meaningful lessons came from everyday interactions. “I met people from all over, and each person challenged me to think differently and communicate clearly. It showed me the importance of patience, listening, and really trying to understand where someone else is coming from,” Dionique reflects.
Developing Leadership Skills
Dionique’s leadership skills grew naturally through teamwork and hands-on experiences. She learned how to take initiative while also ensuring others felt included.
“I realised that when I spoke up, people listened. I could give direction, and that made me feel confident in myself. Leadership isn’t just about taking charge; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued,” she explains.
Her experience reinforced that leadership involves both responsibility and empathy. “You have to communicate clearly and be responsible, but also make sure everyone feels part of the process,” Dionique says.
Dreaming Big and Believing in Herself
Perhaps the most important lesson Barcelona gave Dionique was perspective.
“In Barcelona I realised the sky’s the limit. But even if I don’t reach that sky, I’m still enough and still valuable. That was such an important realisation,” she reflects.
Dionique now has the confidence to go for any opportunity she finds and says she won’t reject herself: “I’m not going to reject myself before someone else does. If I’m not good enough, I will be rejected—but I won’t stop myself from trying,” she says.
She is now continuing her studies in Copenhagen, completing a second master’s in Institutions and Political Economy, while exploring opportunities at international organisations, the United Nations, and the World Health Organization. She hopes to find a role that allows her to combine cultural exchange, public speaking, and meaningful impact.
Advice for Future Students
Reflecting on her experience, Dionique shares advice for anyone considering studying abroad:
- Step out of your comfort zone. “Being uncomfortable means something is changing inside you. That’s how you grow,” she says.
- Be open to other perspectives. Working with people from different cultures will teach you as much as the classroom.
- Trust the process. Challenges will come, but everything works out with time and patience. “Just breathe in, breathe out, and it’s going to be fine,” she advises.
Conclusion
For Dionique, Barcelona was the place where she built confidence, gained valuable skills, and discovered her ability to lead and connect with others. Guided by her strong values and her desire to make a positive impact globally, her time at ESEI gave her both the tools and the mindset to pursue ambitious goals and thrive in an international career.
Explore ESEI’s Programmes
👉If you’re considering starting your own journey in Barcelona, explore ESEI’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and see how we can support you as you settle into life here.
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