Meet Sofia

Hi everyone! I’m Sofia Eversgerd and I am a third-year studying Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. This past Fall, I started my 2-year journey abroad at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas in the ICADE Business School, in Madrid Spain. What drew me to the program IBDD program was the opportunity to study in an international environment. There is an excitement about meeting people from all over the world and learning from different perspectives. Studying in Spain has allowed me to gain real international experience while improving my language skills and adapting to a different academic and cultural environment.

How does this program align with your personal or career goals?

I’m interested in pursuing a career in strategy or marketing, ideally in an international environment. The IBDD program allows me to develop the cross-cultural communication skills and language abilities that are essential for working with clients and teams from different parts of the world. Being able to study business in multiple countries while strengthening my language skills directly supports my goal of working in a global setting.

What is the most challenging part about being an IBDD student?

One of the biggest challenges can be adjusting to the language and cultural differences in the classroom. Taking courses in another language and adapting to a different academic style can sometimes be difficult, but it also pushes you to grow and become more adaptable.

What advice would you give to students considering this program?

My biggest advice would be to commit to the experience fully. There may be moments before leaving when you feel unsure, and there will definitely be challenging moments while living abroad. However, those challenges are part of what makes the program so rewarding. By the end, you will have grown so much personally and professionally, and the experience truly sets you apart. It also gets easier with time as you adjust to your new environment.

Go-to study spot (here or abroad)?

I usually like studying in quiet study rooms at school where I can really focus, but I also enjoy working in coffee shops when I want a change of scenery. Having different environments helps me stay productive and motivated while studying.

What’s your favorite phrase or word in Spanish and why?

One of my favorite Spanish words is “vale.” I love how commonly it’s used in Spain and how versatile it is. It can mean “okay,” “sounds good,” or “got it,” depending on the situation. It’s such a simple word, but it captures the everyday rhythm of conversation in Spain and makes interactions feel more natural and relaxed.

Have you had a chance to use your language skills in a real-world setting?

Yes, I’ve been able to use my language skills in many real-world situations while living abroad. I use Spanish regularly during class presentations, group projects, and student activities, which has helped me become more comfortable communicating in an academic setting. Outside of school, everyday situations like ordering at restaurants or resolving issues with my apartment have also pushed me to use Spanish daily, which has greatly improved my confidence and fluency.