Isabelle Gegunde: From Costa Rica to BizLife at FIU Business

At Propella, we are proud to share stories that inspire and show how international education opens doors to life-changing opportunities. Today, we highlight the achievement of Isabelle Gegunde, one of our Propella Academics students, who was recently selected to join BizLife, the brand-new living-learning community at FIU Business (Florida International University).

What is BizLife?

BizLife is an innovative program designed for first-year business students at FIU. It blends academic learning with residential life, giving students the chance to live, study, and grow together in a dynamic community. BizLife members gain access to leadership activities, mentorship programs, company visits, and specialized workshops that go beyond the classroom experience.

Isabelle, a finance student shaping her future

Currently pursuing a degree in Finance at FIU Business, Isabelle saw BizLife as the perfect opportunity to strengthen her career path:

“I really wanted to gain experience in this area, because I want to have a successful finance and business career. I thought this might help me with that.” – Isabelle Gegunde

Her participation in BizLife reflects both her academic commitment and her professional vision: combining theory with hands-on experiences and networking opportunities that will prepare her for a successful international career.

The impact of living-learning communities

Programs like BizLife are a huge added value for international students like Isabelle. Beyond traditional coursework, they provide:

• Early networking with peers and faculty.
• Leadership opportunities in a collaborative environment.
• Professional preparation through mentorships and workshops.
• Cultural integration, living alongside students from diverse backgrounds.

In today’s competitive job market, joining a program like BizLife can make the difference between simply earning a degree and building a career of impact.

Propella’s role in the journey

At Propella, we guided Isabelle from the very beginning of her academic journey abroad. Our team supported her in selecting universities, preparing her applications, and getting ready to take this major step. Seeing her thrive in a high-level program like BizLife motivates us to continue empowering students who dream of transforming their lives through education.

A message for future students

Isabelle Gegunde’s story proves that studying abroad is much more than sitting in a classroom. It’s about embracing every opportunity your university offers—programs, communities, networks, and experiences that enhance both academic and personal growth.

At Propella, we believe every student deserves an international experience that not only leads to graduation but also builds a foundation for long-term success.

👉 Want to know how we can help you take the next step in your academic and professional journey? Contact us today and discover your opportunities to study abroad.