CUNEF Universidad brings together 30 international partners in Madrid for two days of networking and global collaboration

CUNEF Universidad hosted its International Partners' Day on 14 and 15 September at its Almansa Campus in Madrid. The event welcomed 30 representatives from institutions within its international network, which currently comprises 160 universities across 35 countries.The gathering provided an opportunity to build new connections, strengthen existing partnerships and take part in a range of exclusive activities, including presentations and sessions led by faculty members and the International Office team of CUNEF Universidad reúne en Madrid a 30 de sus socios internacionales en dos días de networking y colaboración global, as well as cultural experiences across Madrid.

The event brought together both long-standing partners of CUNEF Universidad, such as ICHEC, and newly incorporated institutions, including the University of Galway. Representatives from other continents also attended, including the Director of International Relations at the University of South Carolina (USA), the Global Learning Outbound Semester Programs Manager at the University of Melbourne (Australia), and the Director of International Relations at UCEMA (Argentina).

Participants enjoyed a comprehensive programme that combined networking opportunities with academic and professional discussions. They attended presentations delivered by CUNEF Universidad experts, including Manuel Balmaseda, who gave a masterclass on economics, and José Luis Salmerón and André Portela, who discussed innovation in Artificial Intelligence. 

Guests also took part in panel discussions featuring leading executives and industry experts from Spain. One session, focused on alumni entrepreneurship, included Jorge Fesser, CEO and Founder of MONO Madrid; Elena Betés, CEO of Emooti; and Álvaro Falcones, CEO of TaxDown.ai. A second panel explored job placement opportunities in Spain and featured Olivia Ferreira, Head of Early Careers and Employer Branding at L'Oréal; Felicitas Escobar, Recruitment and Employer Branding Professional at L'Oréal; Claudia Sandia Zerpa, Head of Global Early Talent Projects at Santander Group; and Marina Castruccio Alonso, Regional HR Business Partner EMEA at MAPFRE.

As part of the cultural programme, international partners visited several iconic locations in Madrid, including the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the Mahou Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum.

CUNEF Universidad and Madrid: Highly attractive destinations

International partners highlighted the strong demand among their students, particularly from universities in Latin America, Europe and the United States, to study at CUNEF Universidad, as well as the appeal of Madrid as a destination. They emphasised the University's academic excellence and its specialisation in banking and finance, alongside opportunities in STEM disciplines, mathematics and data science. Madrid's quality of life and rich cultural offering were also cited as major attractions.

Many partners used the occasion to meet students from their own institutions currently studying at CUNEF Universidad. These students expressed high levels of satisfaction with their exchange experience and the opportunities available both inside and outside the classroom. During the first months of the 2026-2027 academic year, CUNEF Universidad is hosting more than 300 incoming students and expects to welcome a similar number during the second semester.

Partners also praised the close relationship they maintain with the University, highlighting the support provided by the International Relations team, which helps ensure that administrative and bureaucratic procedures run smoothly and efficiently. Through its continually expanding network of partner universities, CUNEF Universidad seeks to broaden academic and professional opportunities for its students while attracting international talent to its classrooms.