Master's in Barcelona: 5 things you need to know
This blog is written by Maud Anna van Gorkom.
Maud Anna van Gorkom
How to choose the right Master's degree
Studying abroad helps you to make your international dreams come true
Studying abroad is one of the most exciting adventures I have ever been on! It allows you to live in a city you’ve always dreamed of while expanding your self-development, gaining global knowledge, and opening doors to an international career. Immersing yourself in a new culture helps you build essential skills, from cross-cultural communication to adaptability, that are highly valued by multinational employers. If you aspire to work in an international environment, studying abroad is the perfect first step to building that global mindset.
Choose a city you love
First of all, make sure your decision isn’t based solely on how attractive the city is.
There are many other factors to consider for example, which city best aligns with your future goals, what area you want to specialise in (and which city offers the best opportunities for that), and which skills you want to develop and where you can best develop them.
That said, it’s also important to love the city for its lifestyle and atmosphere. Ask yourself: does the climate suit you? Are you more of a beach person or a city person? Ultimately, you need to feel at home and comfortable in your new environment.
When I did my internship in Barcelona a few years ago, I fell in love with the city immediately. However, something was missing – the experience of true student life. It was a bit of a shame, but it made me certain that I wanted to return and experience Barcelona as a student. The feeling I had while living there was not only magical, but I also realised how much international exposure the city offers, especially given its strong reputation for business schools and entrepreneurial activity. I knew I had to come back to improve my Spanish, one of the world’s most important languages, and to expand my international business knowledge.
Private versus Public schools
Choosing the right institution depends on your goals, budget, and preferred learning style.
In Barcelona, there are clear distinctions between private and public business schools.
Private Business Schools
Choosing the right institution depends on your goals, budget, and preferred learning style.
In Barcelona, there are clear distinctions between private and public business schools.
Some examples of private business schools:
- EAE Business School (this is the school I attend)
- Pompeu Fabra University Business School
- ESADE Business School
- IESE Business School
- EADA Business School
- EU Business School
Public Business School
Some examples of public schools are:
- Universitat de Barcelona (UB)
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB)
My personal experience
There is not only a big difference price wise, but a private school also offers more business activities besides studying such as: multiple guest speakers representing multinational companies, helping you to build an international network, they offer interesting internships and most importantly great opportunities in your future business life.
Currently, I am studying International Business at EAE Business School Barcelona. I was researching all of the business schools (private and public), and compared them all to each other. I chose to go to a private business school because of the great opportunities they offered. EAE Business School is well known and even the 2nd best ranked Business School in Spain! The things you need to enroll to this private business school are your personal profile, Bachelor degree grades, working experience, English level and a motivation letter. EAE does not ask for a GMAT, this is an advantage comparing to ESADE, where a GMAT is necessary to enter this Business School.
Ultimately, your choice should depend on the following: affordability and access to professional opportunities. For me, the investment was absolutely worth it.
I would say; JUST DO IT, because living/studying in Barcelona has made my life so much brighter!!!
Choose your Master's based on your personality
Your Master’s degree should reflect who you are and where you want to go.
There are so many Master’s out there and they all have many amazing qualities, but you have to take a look at which Master’s degree can enhance your knowledge and improve your skills for your future career.
I chose to do a Master’s in ‘International Business’ because I wanted to gain more knowledge about different kinds of business aspects from marketing, to finance, to project management. Compared to my studies in the Netherlands, I’ve noticed that Barcelona’s approach is much more interactive and group-based. You don’t just learn from professors, you learn from your classmates’ perspectives too, which is invaluable in today’s multicultural workplaces.
Costs
Choose your university based on your future goals, not based on money (if you can).
Public universities are more budget-friendly, often ranging from €2.000 – €4.000 per Master’s, while private schools can cost anywhere between €10.000 – €38.000.
Yes, private education is expensive, but its also an investment in your future. Many private schools also offer scholarships or payment plans to help students manage the cost.
Before starting my Master’s, I saved diligently, knowing that this would be a long-term investment in myself. The experience, network, and career opportunities I’ve gained in Barcelona have already proven that it was worth every euro. My advice would be to see it as an investment in yourself!
More about Maud Anna van Gorkom
I’m Maud from the Netherlands, and I studied a Master’s in International Business at EAE Business School. Living in Barcelona has been an amazing experience!
On this blog, Ive shared my advice, Q&As, and personal experiences about student life in the city, hoping to inspire anyone considering studying abroad — especially in beautiful Barcelona. Itr’s a journey that can challenge, inspire, and transform you.
After 15 incredible months, my time in Barcelona has come to an end. Ir’m so grateful for everything I experienced here — from graduating with my MBA in January 2022 to completing a leadership programme while working at an international start-up, Barcelona Expat Life. I’ve fallen in love with the city, the weather, the people, the food, and the culture!
Now, it’s time for my next adventure: returning to Amsterdam to live and work, while taking all the lessons and memories from Barcelona with me.
I know I’ll be back soon, but until then — hasta luego!
Marjan
14 April 2021 at 09:43You rock, girl!!🤩
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