5 Things I Learnt While Studying BBA in Dubai at SP Jain Global
When I chose SP Jain Global, I knew I was choosing something different.
Many business schools provide the opportunity to study abroad; SP Jain Global gave me the chance to learn across multiple countries, rebuilding my life every few months.
My journey started in Mumbai, continued across Singapore, brought me to Dubai and is now taking me to London.
Dubai became a defining chapter- it had an impact on me, personally and professionally.
Along the way, I made it on the Dean’s List in Semesters 1 and 3, proving to myself that extracurriculars and academics can go hand in hand.
Here are 5 things my BBA journey in Dubai has taught me so far:
- Learning in a Multicultural Classroom changes the way one thinks
The first thing I observed at SP Jain Global was that the world ‘Global’ was not just in the school’s name but a part of one’s everyday life.
My classroom never had like-minded people!
I was surrounded with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Even a simple business case study discussion showed different thought processes and possible solutions.
Over time, I realised how they challenged us to question our own thinking.
On the surface, the top-of-mind course of action seems to be the best. However, the obvious can be obviously wrong when viewed from another perspective.
2. I learnt that business is not a subject- It’s a Way of Thinking
Having grown around a family business, businesses were never unfamiliar to me. What SP Jain Global gave me was a distinct lens to understand what I had been observing for years. Instead of simply looking at a business, I learnt to ask why it does something in a particular way, how different functions collaborate, and what happens when those decisions go in the market.
My classroom experiences in Dubai strengthened this perspective.
We worked on two research projects simultaneously that explored a wide range of industries and topics.
Beyond research, we studied AI as a business disruptive technology, analysed the operations of Tim Hortons and studied the strategic and ethical implications of AI-driven workplace monitoring in our Operations Management course.
What I found interesting was that none of these topics could be analysed through the lens of just one subject, but through a lot of related lenses when interconnected together. This is what business really is!
3. I Learnt to say YES before I felt ready
One thing that stood out throughout this journey was how much learning happened outside the classroom. Every day had new opportunities beyond academics—through clubs, competitions, leadership roles etc.
I soon realised that the best way to make the most of these experiences was to say ‘Yes’—even when I wasn’t entirely sure what I was stepping into.
I nominated myself for the Vice President position at the Dubai campus, with prior experience from Mumbai (Sem 1). Although I wasn’t elected, even after putting my best foot forward, the experience taught me far more than winning ever could. It pushed me to put my ideas out there, connect with people, and analyse that leadership begins with courage to step forward, regardless the outcome.
Outside student leadership, I found myself saying “yes” to opportunities I had never imagined taking.
I joined the Tech Club, never expecting it would eventually lead me to becoming a part of the Newsletter and the Young Minds Podcast teams. As someone who has always been uncomfortable in front of the camera, it was a reminder that confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build by doing.
Diya Podcast Link: https://shorturl.at/C2VwT ; https://shorturl.at/LTlRm
I even participated in various competitions like the Ad Making Competition, Disrupt Business Fest (SP Jain Global, Dubai), and the Business Case Study Challenge (Middlesex University, Dubai).
While not every competition ended with a recognition, but with every experience, I became comfortable with thinking differently and presenting ideas under pressure.
And I think that’s what made all the difference!
4. I Learnt that sometimes you discover Your Direction by Trying Everything
People tell me “Your interests are so clear”, but there was never any one turning point. Instead, it was a series of unrelated experiences that gradually helped me discover my interests.
For me, college was always much more than lectures and exams. It was always a safe space where I could explore, take initiatives, and step into courts I never knew how to play in.
Some experiences introduced me to worlds I knew nothing about.
Visiting GITEX opened my eyes to how fast technology is transforming businesses, while Icons of Porsche showed me incredible lessons in innovation, branding and strategy.
Working behind the scenes with the GLSL (Global Learning & Student Life) team for the Batch mixer, Cultural Events, Cricket Auction and Tournament made me appreciate how every successful event depends on planning, coordination and teamwork that often goes unnoticed.
That quest extended beyond classrooms, through internships as well.
Summer 2025, I worked as a Corporate Finance Intern at Adani Group.
Summer 2026, I gained hands-on experience in my family business.
At first, all these experiences seemed unrelated. Only later did I notice a pattern.
I was discovering things that genuinely excited me and over time, it led me to the same place: finance, technology and business strategy.
It’s all about being welcoming enough to learn from every opportunity until your interests begin to align and reveal themselves.
5. I Learnt That the World Is Much Bigger Than the Life I Once Imagined
The greatest lesson I’ve learnt from the BBA program SP Jain Global is my more evolved mindset and how I perceive things today.
Living and studying across different countries demonstrated how there is rarely only one way of thinking.
Over time, it made me realise how becoming global doesn’t mean changing who you are. Instead, it simply means carrying your own identity while remaining curious enough to understand someone else’s.
Looking back, I’m grateful to every person who challenged me, pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me do my own SWOT analysis.
Each city shaped me differently:
Mumbai taught me independence
Singapore broadened my perspective
Dubai encouraged me to explore, experiment and grow.
If someone asked me what I gained from studying in Dubai, I wouldn’t start with the subjects but the people, the experiences, and the version of myself I became in Dubai.
About the author:
Diya Gupta is our BBA student from the September 2024 intake.
Also read:
My BBA journey was pinkA BBA student’s journey of growth and leadership
