International Exchange Student Spotlight: Ainara Ayarza

Ainara Ayarza is an international exchange student, earning her MBA from EADA Business School in Barcelona, Spain. While visiting the University of Florida, she is studying in the Master of International Business (MIB) program at the Warrington College of Business.

Q: What is your background, and where are you from?

Ayarza: “I am an exchange student at the Warrington College of Business and a Corporate Strategy intern at Quadpack, a global cosmetics packaging manufacturer and provider for beauty brands. Before pursuing my MBA, I previously worked for more than five years in multinational companies from diverse industries, such as Deloitte and Mars (Wrigley). Barcelona is an amazing city with stunning architectural wonders such as Gaudí’s masterpieces, incredible dynamic energy fueled by beautiful beaches, great weather and better food.”

Q: Why did you choose to come to the University of Florida for your exchange program?

Ayarza: “I decided to pursue an MBA to enhance my thought processes and my leadership skills. I felt UF was the right place for my exchange program not only because it is a top ranked university known worldwide but also because it has a multicultural environment. I previously studied in other European countries such as France, the UK and Italy, and I recently participated in an inspiring business innovation immersion program in Singapore with my home university (EADA Business School), so I think UF is the perfect choice to round out my academic experience.”

Q: What do you miss the most from your home country?

Ayarza: “It might sound cliché but what I’m missing the most is my family, friends (some of which are already family) and the food. I can’t complain about the weather at all because it is actually what makes me feel [at] home.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about being here?

Ayarza: “I am surprised by how many activities there are and by the great environment on campus. I also made great friends who were very welcoming, and I will even be spending Thanksgiving with my American friends.”

Q: Tell us a cool fact about yourself.

Ayarza: “I love good coffee so much that I even brought my own French press to the States.”