I do not want these two years to end: splitting a Part-time MBA between Kuwait and Berlin

Interview with Tarek Abughaida, Part-time MBA Class of 2027

When you are living and working in Kuwait, Germany might seem very far away. But, for Part-time MBA student Tarek Abughaida, the distance between Kuwait City and ESMT Berlin was not an issue – in fact, being able to exchange ideas between two cultures was part of the appeal.

Read on to discover why Tarek decided to pursue a Part-time MBA at ESMT Berlin, how he balances a career and studies with frequent international travel, and why he describes living across two continents as a “phenomenal experience.”

Hi Tarek, please introduce yourself 

My name is Tarek; I am a 38-year-old Palestinian currently living in Kuwait. I lead the Digital Channels unit at the National Bank of Kuwait and have more than a decade of experience in the banking sector. I am also a Part-time MBA candidate at ESMT Berlin. 

I enjoy meeting people from different cultures and building friendships across countries. After high school, I spent two years living in New Jersey, USA, which strengthened my appreciation for diversity. I love languages and speak Arabic, English, and Italian. 

In my free time, I like volleyball, working out, and outdoor activities and adventures. I love cooking, particularly Italian cuisine, and sharing a meal with people. I am also passionate about tropical places, and my dream is to retire on a tropical island one day. 

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA? 

“ I chose to pursue an MBA to strengthen my strategic, leadership, and analytical skills, gain a broader view of business beyond my functional expertise, and build a stronger, more international career platform.”

I have spent more than a decade in the banking sector, currently leading digital channels. Over the past few years, I started to feel that I had reached a ceiling in my career. In the Kuwaiti market, progression into broader managerial positions can be challenging for non-nationals, and I saw many talented colleagues remain in the same roles for years despite their experience. 

Rather than accepting this as a limit, I decided to invest in my development and gain a competitive advantage. I chose to pursue an MBA to strengthen my strategic, leadership, and analytical skills, gain a broader view of business beyond my functional expertise, and build a stronger, more international career platform. 

The program is a way for me to create new opportunities, increase my competitiveness, and prepare myself for senior leadership roles.  

What drew you to the Part-time MBA specifically? 

I could have pursued an MBA in Kuwait, but I knew I wanted to study in a truly international environment. I did not want to be in a classroom made up of mostly people with similar backgrounds. Instead, I wanted to learn alongside professionals from different countries, cultures, and industries.  

The Part-time MBA at ESMT felt like the perfect fit. It allows me to continue my career while studying, and at the same time, meet people from around the world and exchange experiences, perspectives, and ideas. The blended format especially appealed to me: combining online learning with several in-person residencies in Berlin gives me both flexibility and the chance to immerse myself in a new environment. 

I was drawn to the opportunity to travel to Berlin, build an international network, and grow within a diverse cohort. I believe this mix of work, study, and global exposure will strongly shape my future self and the kind of leader I become. 

Why did you choose ESMT Berlin? 

“ I realized ESMT was exactly what I was searching for: a highly ranked European business school with a strong focus on innovation, technology, and leadership. I was particularly drawn to the international, diverse cohort, which aligns well with my goals and vision.”

I was looking for a top, reputable business school in Europe and started by exploring leading schools such as IE Business School in Madrid and Bologna Business School. I hadn’t heard of ESMT Berlin before, and when I found the school, its dark blue logo, and the slogan “Business as unusual” immediately caught my attention. I told myself that I wanted to be part of this school and no other. 

When I looked deeper, I realized ESMT was exactly what I was searching for: a highly ranked European business school with a strong focus on innovation, technology, and leadership. I was particularly drawn to the international, diverse cohort, which aligns well with my goals and vision. 

During my MBA search, ESMT quickly became my first choice and was the only school I applied to. I am very grateful to be part of such a reputable institution, located in the heart of Berlin and at the center of the strongest economy in Europe. 

You just completed the preparation block of the Part-time MBA. What has been your favorite experience so far? 

My favorite experience so far in Block One was the outdoor activity, when we stepped out of the classroom into the forest for the Building High-Performance Teams course. The experience made me more aware of how I show up in team settings. 

Working closely together, observing behaviors, and exchanging personal feedforward helped me identify patterns in my teamwork style that I had sensed before but never fully acknowledged. Hearing honest reflections sharpened my understanding of both the strengths I rely on and the areas that need more intentional development. 

Next, you will do the foundation block of the Part-time MBA. What are you most looking forward to? 

I am looking forward to building on what I have learned and deep diving into the quantitative part, looking forward to learning more about data and decisions, collaborating better with my study group, and improving our strategies together by learning from our mistakes in Block One and working together to achieve common goals.

I am also looking forward to our residencies, expanding my network, and meeting new people. 

How are your studies helping you with your current role?

“ I have already started applying what I am learning in the program to my role. My reporting skills have changed significantly: I now look at data from a broader, management perspective and present it in a more insightful and interactive way.”

I work at the National Bank of Kuwait, leading the Digital Channels unit in the contact center department. I have already started applying what I am learning in the program to my role. My reporting skills have changed significantly: I now look at data from a broader, management perspective and present it in a more insightful and interactive way, drawing on what I learned in Data Analytics for Managers. 

My leadership style has also evolved thanks to the General Management and Building High-Performance Teams courses. One of my favorite sessions was on “Lollipop Moments.” In one meeting, instead of discussing numbers and performance as usual, I told the team, “I will not discuss numbers today.” I used the time to thank every team member for their dedication, teamwork, and resilience. 

By the end, all 30 staff members, including our manager, were clapping, something that had never happened before. That moment showed me how powerful genuine appreciation can be, and I am committed to creating more of these small “Lollipop Moments” in my daily leadership practice. 

How do you balance the demands of work and study? 

I balance work and study by planning around my shifts. When I work in the evenings, I wake up at 6:30 a.m. to study until around noon, making sure I complete each session within its designated week. I set clear boundaries and avoid work tasks outside my working hours. 

I also use my time driving from home to work and back to listening to audiobooks. During the day, I make space for fitness exercises, which helps me stay in a good mood, reduce stress, and stay focused on my studies.  

What is it like splitting your time between Kuwait and Germany? 

“ Living between two very different cultures has been eye-opening and energizing. I actually don’t want these two years to end – I am genuinely enjoying the frequent travel, the diverse cohort, and the chance to share thoughts and exchange perspectives across countries.”

Honestly, this is a phenomenal experience and something I am very proud of. I enjoy pushing myself, and splitting my time between Kuwait and Germany is exactly that kind of challenge. It often feels like I am living on two continents: every three months, I travel to Berlin twice. 

This rhythm constantly takes me out of my routine and exposes me to new people, ideas, and ways of thinking. Living between two very different cultures has been eye-opening and energizing. I actually do not want these two years to end – I’m genuinely enjoying the frequent travel, the diverse cohort, and the chance to share thoughts and exchange perspectives across countries. 

Do you have any tips for someone thinking about applying to ESMT? 

My tip is “do not hesitate.” If you are serious about growing your knowledge and skills, ESMT is a great place to do it, especially with its strong focus on technology and management. Reflect honestly on why you want an MBA, and how you will balance work and study, and bring that clarity into your application.

Also, do not be intimidated by geography or background, if I can do it flying from Kuwait to Berlin, others can too. Trust your abilities and be ready to work hard. It is an intense but very rewarding journey.  

Feeling inspired by this story? Connect with Tarek on LinkedIn for more internationally minded insight on what it is like to be an MBA student at ESMT Berlin.