Priscila is a 59-year-old from Rio de Janeiro, with degrees in Economics and Business Administration. She studied at PUC-Rio and Missouri State University in the United States. After years working in Brazil’s financial market, she decided to change her career path and pursued an MBA in Sports Management at the Real Madrid School, part of Universidad Europea de Madrid. During the program, she founded her own company and continued investing in her international career.
Curious about what led Priscila to Spain? Read her full story below:
“I wanted to have an experience in Spain, in Europe, at the biggest club in the world, and in a cosmopolitan city. Yes, I considered the country choice as an opportunity to learn a new language—Spanish—solidify this new language I’d been studying, and I also looked into other countries like England, since I spoke English much better than Spanish at the time.
Gradeup was excellent in showing me options, helping with the selection process, and guiding me through university applications, including essays, language tests, and interviews. Moreover, their network with universities provides access to valuable information and contacts. They make the process easier and are very experienced. I had to rewrite my statement of purpose about three times, for example, and without their guidance, I wouldn’t have known how.
In my financial planning, I had savings set aside for this exchange.
I also studied Economics at PUC-Rio for two years and saw how different educational models can be. Specifically, in my MBA, I interacted with executives from the sports industry. The classes were more practical and less theoretical, focused on case studies and teamwork—after all, nothing is done alone.
The course was important for networking within the industry and among fellow students in sports. Studying abroad exposes you to a new culture, a new way of communicating, and for me, an entirely new industry: sports. The age contrast in the program was remarkable—the average participant age was around 28. This brought both opportunities and challenges. It was a stimulating environment, though forming close friendships wasn’t easy due to the generational gap and the fact that about 90% of the participants were young men, around my daughter’s age.
My overall experience was excellent. I also got to live in a city like Madrid—rich in culture, beauty, and safety. You can walk around, use public transportation, and step completely out of your comfort zone, meeting new people. For one year, I learned all I could at the university of the world’s greatest team, Real Madrid Football Club, and other sports as well. I took two international trips—one to New York (USA) and another to London (UK)—the biggest sports markets in the world.
I took advantage of the study period to travel and explore new places, meet new people, and build new relationships—it was wonderful. As I said, studying abroad is an amazing life experience because you move, you grow—it’s not just about studying, it’s about living fully.
While still in the program, I founded my own company, Fin Sports Advisory, a sports marketing and finance agency, and I’m currently working there. We’re a “sportainment” agency offering marketing and financial services for B2B, B2C, B2-Athlete, and B2-Fan clients. We develop products, negotiate sponsorships, among other activities. “Together we are one” and Full Approach Methodology. www.finsportsadvisory.com
I love working and love new adventures, and I’m very excited about this new phase. I finished my program joyfully—both because of the graduation and the launch of my company. And now, like every new business, it requires a lot of dedication and hard work.
Another challenge, I believe, was truly integrating into Spanish society. Avoiding the tendency to remain only among Brazilian expatriates and genuinely immersing myself in the local culture is a continuous learning process—one that forces you out of your comfort zone. I firmly believe that pursuing the dreams we nurture is essential in life. When we have the chance to make them real, the experience rarely disappoints. Challenges are inevitable, but my journey to Spain perfectly illustrates this pursuit of new experiences at a stage in life where I was free of constraints—my daughter was grown, my parents had passed away, and I was divorced. So, I had the freedom to literally do whatever I wanted—a sense of detachment. Reducing my baggage, leaving behind family and friends, and stepping away from the comfort of the familiar.
I thank the Gradeup team, especially Leonardo Trench, for their guidance! I’m very happy with what I’ve accomplished—and with what’s still ahead. Let’s keep working!”
This is Priscila’s story—a woman who transformed her life and career through international education.
If you also dream of studying abroad, talk to us!