Two Big Paths for Going Abroad — and How I Chose Mine

By Sneha Rao

NYU is famous for its global network, and now it’s even required for students to study abroad at least once. When I started at Stern, I didn’t think I’d ever go abroad. But somehow, I ended up doing it not once, but twice. In this post, I’ll break down how I decided to go each time, what each program was like, and what I learned along the way, from NYU Madrid to the IBEX exchange in Copenhagen.

Why I picked NYU Madrid

To be completely honest, I went abroad sophomore fall partly because everyone else was. It felt like a rite of passage, and I figured, why not? But it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

NYU Madrid was a perfect fit academically. The site offers lots of core requirements like Info Tech, Intro to Marketing, and Foundations of Finance. My favorite class was Texts and Ideas with Professor Soto (she’s amazing). Classes abroad tend to be slightly more manageable, which gives you time to actually enjoy living in another country.

If you’re considering an NYU global site, definitely explore the course list; each location has its own mix of Stern-equivalent classes, language programs, and local culture.

**I loved finding cute cafe’s around Spain to get my studying done!**

Should I go my Sophomore Year?

Going abroad sophomore year can be both exciting and overwhelming. I had just adjusted to life in NYC when I packed up for Spain. It felt early, and I’d caution going if you don’t feel ready, by junior year, most people have a stronger footing on campus.

The big consideration here is recruiting. I wasn’t deep into recruiting at the time, but it can be tricky managing time zones for virtual events or interviews. On the other hand, studying abroad tends to have fewer obligations in comparison to be in NY, it gives you a great story for coffee chats and adds a new layer of global experience that people love hearing about.

Bottom line: if you’re organized and willing to plan ahead, sophomore year abroad can be a turning point.

What I Learned from My First Time Abroad

Leaving the U.S. for four months felt scary at first, I’d never been away from home for that long. But I grew so much. I learned how to budget, travel on my own, and navigate new cities (and train stations) in multiple languages.

NYU Madrid is a smaller campus, which gave me that classic “college feel” you don’t always get in the city. It was tight-knit, and because many students were Stern majors, there was a built-in sense of familiarity that made the adjustment easier.

IBEX vs. NYU Madrid — Why I Chose to Go Abroad Again

A couple of moments: Sabrina Concert, Library in Porto, Sports Bar in CPH, and the boats are in Nyhavn.

After coming back from Madrid, I knew I wanted to go abroad again. This time, though, I wanted something different, not just living abroad with other NYU students, but actually studying at a foreign university with students from around the world.

That’s why I chose Copenhagen Business School through IBEX. It offered a true exchange experience, full cultural immersion, and (bonus) pass/fail grading. Many students do Asia for their second time abroad, but for me, Europe still had so much left to explore. By the end, I’d visited 11 countries and only repeated two cities!

What I Did Differently the Second Time

**St. Patty’s Day Ft. my HS Friends + NYU buds**

By my junior spring, I felt like a seasoned traveler. The nerves were still there, but I knew what to expect, and I only knew one person going in. The great thing about going to junior spring is that so many students across schools are abroad at the same time, so it’s easy to meet up with people when planning trips!

This time, I focused more on living abroad rather than constantly traveling. During my time in Madrid, I was hopping on planes every weekend; in Copenhagen, I made a conscious effort to spend more weekends exploring the city I was in. That balance made the experience even more meaningful and something I would recommend at whatever site you choose to study abroad in.

What CBS Academics Were Like

Me & Seb (Another Stern Student) going to class for once lol (go to class)

Each IBEX school is different, but at Copenhagen Business School (CBS), the academics are structured around final exams that often count for 100% of your grade. Attendance isn’t mandatory, but I’d definitely recommend going to class to stay engaged.

CBS uses a quarter-style system, so some courses start or end at different times. That can affect your internship timeline, for example, one of my finals was in late May, so I didn’t return to New York until May 31st.

Professors are approachable and passionate, and while Danish students tend to be a bit reserved, they’re very friendly once you start talking to them.

The Real Exchange Experience

The biggest difference with IBEX is that everyone comes from a different university. It truly feels like an international melting pot. I met people from Australia, Dubai, Canada, the U.S., and beyond.

CBS has several dorms just for exchange students, so it honestly felt like freshman year again (in the best way). There’s a three-week orientation program before classes start, packed with events that make it super easy to meet people. My dorm had around 100 students, and we built a little community that felt like family.

By the end of the semester, I’d made lifelong friends and experienced what it really means to live abroad, not just travel abroad.

Final Thoughts

**My empty dorm ft. my aussie bestie <3**

If you’re deciding between an NYU global site and an exchange program like IBEX, the key question is: what kind of growth are you looking for?

NYU sites give you structure and comfort. You’re still in the NYU system, with familiar teaching styles and professors.
Exchange programs push you into full cultural immersion with a new school, new systems, and new people.

Both experiences shaped me in completely different ways, and I wouldn’t trade either for anything. If you have the chance, do both. Each one teaches you something new, about the world, and about yourself.