From the Netherlands to Barcelona: Merle’s Master’s in Marketing and Communication Journey at ESEI
For many international students, studying abroad is about more than earning a degree. It is also about personal growth, building connections, and preparing for a global career. This was the case for Merle, a Dutch graduate of the Master’s in Marketing and Communication at ESEI International Business School, who moved to Barcelona to pursue her studies and gain valuable professional experience.
Why Merle Chose ESEI and Barcelona
After finishing a first master’s in Communication Science in Amsterdam, Merle realised she wasn’t ready to step straight into a full-time job. She explains,
“I just felt like I didn’t really have a clear path. I love to learn and to broaden my knowledge, so I thought, why not continue studying?”
Barcelona quickly became the natural choice. With no ties holding her back, she felt it was the perfect moment to take the leap.
“The city itself – the weather, the food, the people – it just attracted me. I thought, this is the right time to move abroad all by myself.”
ESEI offered the combination of academic excellence and practical learning that she was looking for.
Professional Growth Through an Internship
One of the highlights of Merle’s year was her internship at Rentals United, a software company based in the Sant Antoni neighborhood of Barcelona. She recalls,
“From the start, they made sure I was learning and enjoying the role, but I never really felt like ‘just an intern’. I was treated as part of the team, which made the experience so valuable.”
Her responsibilities began with social media but soon shifted toward email marketing, automation, and CRM workflows using HubSpot. This gave her a chance to expand her skills and contribute to different projects.
“I wouldn’t say I only did social media. I moved more into digital marketing, which was really rewarding.”
Balancing Studies and Work
Like many international students at ESEI, Merle combined her studies with an internship, which at times meant long days.
“There was one day a week where I worked from nine to five and then went straight to uni until nine in the evening. It was heavy, but manageable because it was only once a week,” she explained.
What made the effort worthwhile was the way her classes and internship connected with each other.
“It was super nice that you were learning things in school and then also learning things in the office during my internship. For me, it really related to everything we were learning in class,” she said.
Being able to see theory applied in practice gave her studies a new level of relevance.
“Sometimes it is hard to see the connection when you are just in class looking at a presentation. But then at work they were actually practising everything we learned, and you would see it come to life. For me it was such a cool thing because it was the first time I experienced it in real life.”
Life in Barcelona and Finding Community
Beyond her studies and internship, Merle describes the people she met in Barcelona as the most essential part of her journey.
“At first I was a little scared I wouldn’t find the right people, but it surprised me how many like-minded students I met. Everyone comes here with the same vision and the same goal, and that made my experience so much better.”
The culture of the city also left a strong impression on her.
“In the Netherlands, people are more individual and often indoors, but here everyone is outside, open, and inviting.”
Merle’s Advice for Future Students
For those considering studying abroad, Merle encourages them to take the step without hesitation.
“Don’t be scared. You might feel nervous, but there’s no reason to be afraid. Barcelona is such a welcoming city, and you’ll meet so many people who are also starting fresh abroad.”
Final Thoughts
Merle’s story shows how studying at ESEI International Business School can be a turning point both professionally and personally. Through her internship, she built valuable digital marketing experience, while Barcelona gave her a strong international network and a sense of independence. Her journey demonstrates how the right environment, community, and opportunities can transform a master’s year into a foundation for the future.
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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