Thinkers, creators and doers who bring our campus and city to life. Each story reveals what it truly means to learn, grow, and lead in New York City: the greatest classroom on Earth.
In this edition, we meet Sali Alkaabi, a 22-year-old from the United Arab Emirates who is studying a Bachelor of Business Administration.
For Sali, the academic rigor and unique experience at IE New York College plus the city itself represent the perfect combination of ambition, opportunity, hustle and growth.
When Sali arrived at IENYC, she was looking for a challenge.
“I chose IENYC because it offered a unique academic opportunity through the 3+1 program,” she explains. “It allows me to begin my master’s degree while completing my bachelor’s, which not only accelerates my education but immerses me in an environment designed to challenge and elevate my capabilities.”
The timing, she says, was perfect.
“Reaching my fourth year of university made me reflect on how I could make the most of my education. The decision to join IENYC was about stepping into a space that would demand more from me; a place that would foster leadership, initiative, and global thinking.”
While many are drawn to New York City for its energy and endless opportunities, Sali’s motivation was rooted in something deeper: personal and professional transformation.
“I come from a culture that values innovation, global engagement, strong community ties, and ethical responsibility,” she says. “These values have shaped how I approach challenges, collaboration, and leadership.”
At IENYC, the city itself becomes the ultimate sandbox: from the boardrooms of Midtown to the creative studios of SoHo. For Sali, that blend of academic rigor and urban immersion is what makes her experience so powerful.
“Academically, the program pushes me to engage deeply with complex business concepts,” she says. “Personally, it challenges me to adapt to a new learning culture and cultivate resilience in the face of high expectations.”
One of the things Sali loves most about her environment is seeing business come alive around her.
“I realized I was growing when I started noticing how the concepts we learn connect to everyday life. Whether I’m in a supermarket or an airport, I now think about how that space functions; not just as a business, but in terms of its social impact and sustainability. That shift in perspective made me realize how much my understanding has deepened.”
Sali points to IENYC’s real-world connection as one of its greatest strengths.
““Many of our courses bridge theory and practice. Guest speakers and professionals from different industries give us firsthand insight into how business concepts play out in reality,” she says. “Hearing their experiences and challenges adds a layer of depth that makes learning feel truly relevant.”
Through project-based work and team collaboration, she’s learned to manage tight deadlines, navigate diverse perspectives, and solve problems on the fly; skills that define successful leaders in today’s fast-moving markets.
“I’ve become more confident and adaptable,” she adds. “I’ve learned to balance the bigger picture with the finer details, which helps me lead and problem-solve with clarity and purpose.”
For Sali, IE New York College is not just an academic experience. It’s preparation for the kind of impact she wants to create long term.
“Growing up in the UAE shaped my understanding of responsibility, adaptability, and service, particularly the idea that individual success should contribute to broader societal goals,” she says. “My academic background in business strengthened this mindset and led me to pursue graduate studies centered on social impact and sustainability, where strategic thinking is paired with purpose-driven action.”
Studying at IENYC has strengthened her ability to translate ideas into structured, measurable initiatives.
“Through project-based coursework and case-driven discussions, I learned how to evaluate feasibility, identify risks, and define impact metrics early in the design process,” she explains. “This hands-on approach enabled me to design initiatives that scale effectively while maintaining measurable social and sustainability impact.”
Working in an international classroom has also sharpened the way she approaches professional environments.
“At IENYC, I developed strong skills in cross-cultural communication, stakeholder alignment, and structured problem-solving,” she says. “I learned how to quickly understand different perspectives, clarify objectives, and coordinate efforts efficiently while remaining flexible in dynamic environments.”
Looking ahead, her direction is clear.
“I am particularly interested in projects that connect global best practices with local needs, especially those contributing to sustainable development and innovation in the UAE and the region.”
What makes New York City more than a backdrop? Its constant motion: its pace, diversity, and potential for connection. For Sali, it’s been a transformative environment.
“What surprised me most about working and growing in New York is how much success depends not only on skills and hard work but also on building genuine relationships,” she says. “The city’s global environment creates a unique environment where being open to new ideas and connecting authentically is just as important as technical expertise.”
Sometimes, the most valuable lessons happen outside of formal settings.
“I’ve learned that informal conversations often lead to unexpected opportunities,” Sali reflects. “It’s about being present, approachable, and open to learning from everyday interactions.”
From coffee shop chats to subway commutes, the city itself becomes a continuous cycle of discovery. “New York inspires me to think bigger, act decisively, and stay open to new perspectives,” she says. “It’s changed how I approach work, relationships, and even how I see myself.”
Life at IENYC, and in New York, is not for the faint of heart. But for Sali, the challenge is what makes it meaningful.
“I’ve learned that I’m more resilient and adaptable than I realized,” she says. “Facing pressure has taught me to stay calm, focused, and to see challenges as opportunities for growth.”
The program, combined with the city’s energy, has prepared her not just to succeed academically, but to lead with purpose.
“This experience has taught me how to apply what I’ve learned in real-world settings, to work across cultures, and to adapt quickly,” she explains. “It’s preparing me to navigate the future with both competence and perspective.”
Looking ahead, Sali’s ambitions are deeply rooted in impact. “When I picture what’s next, I feel a strong commitment to contribute to the growth and future of my country,” she says.
“My journey at IENYC is about turning knowledge into meaningful, positive change. Education is just the beginning. True impact comes from putting what I’ve learned into action.”
Through Sali’s story, one truth stands out: at IE New York College, learning is not confined to classrooms or academic knowledge. It’s written into every conversation, every challenge, and every opportunity the city presents.
From Abu Dhabi to downtown Manhattan, Sali’s journey embodies the spirit of IENYC: bold, global, and driven by purpose.
Because here, the greatest lessons don’t just happen inside four walls.
They happen on the streets of New York City — the greatest classroom on Earth.
The IENYC Hustle is a continuing series celebrating the people who make IE New York College extraordinary. Stay tuned for more stories of ambition, resilience, and inspiration… straight from the heart of the city that never sleeps.
SHARE THIS POST
