Maud Anna van Gorkom
Check out the stories of Maud, Dutch, she is studying a Masters degree in International Business at EAE Business School and she is enjoying life. She is sharing advice, Q&A’s and personal experiences regarding student life in Barcelona.
5 things you need to know about studying in Barcelona and choosing the right Master's degree/University for you
Hi guys! Welcome back to My Barcelona Story! It is a pleasure to have you here for my second blog :).
As you can see in the title of this BRAND-NEW blog, you are about to find out everything you need to know about choosing your master’s with the right University. Of course, I will share my personal experience and all of my thoughts. I will also share with you some of the main reasons why studying in Barcelona is a MUST and things to take into account as a student here.
1. 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! You can not only go to a city which you have always dreamt of living in, you can also improve your self-development, gain more international knowledge and promote yourself internationally. If you dream of working in a multinational company, it is important to develop knowledge with people of different cultures from all around the world. These skills can be elaborated by moving to other countries to work or study.
2. Choose a city you love
First of all, make sure your decision is not only based on the attractiveness of the city. You can make a decision based on several aspects which include: which city suits you the most regarding your future goals, which area do you want to specialise in (which city offers you this chance), what are the skills you want to develop and where can you develop these? However, you definitely have to LOVE the city for its other qualities for example: Is the climate right for you? Are you a beach lover or a city person? Basically, you need to feel at home and comfortable in your new city!
When I did my internship in Barcelona a couple of years ago I was sold right away, but I was definitely missing something. This was the experience of having a student life. A bit of a pity, but I knew for sure that I wanted to go back and experience life as a student in this amazing city. The way I was feeling in Barcelona, was not only magical, but I knew I would gain more international experience there as Barcelona is known for its business schools and business activities. I knew I had to go back again to improve my Spanish skills (international language) and to advance in my business knowledge internationally.
3. Private business school vs Public school
Choose the right university based on your future career.
In Barcelona, there are some differences between private and public business schools. In Barcelona, there are few big private 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
Some examples of public schools are:
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) I could find in Barcelona 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, grades of your bachelor, 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.
Additionally, regarding prices, ESADE is double the price of a one-year course compared to EAE. In the end, for me, the decision was simple, I knew I wanted to go to a private business school regarding the extra benefits and for my future career, all the business schools are adequate but there is significant difference in price!
I would say; JUST DO IT, because living/studying in Barcelona has made my life so much brighter!!!
4. Choose your master based on your personality
It is important to choose the Master’s degree that fits you.
There are so many Master’s out there and they all have so many good and interesting qualities, but you have to take a look which Master’s degree can enhance your knowledge and improve your skills for your future career.
I chose to do the Master’s ‘International Business’ because I wanted to gain more knowledge about different kind of business aspects. From marketing to finance to project management and not only focus on a Marketing or a Sales Master’s. The level of the Master’s Degree in Barcelona compared to Holland is still high, it’s a higher qualification than your bachelor. The difference between a Master’s at the university in Holland compared to Barcelona, is that Barcelona is more focused on group work. Besides the exams you will have, you also work together with group mates from different cultures.
5. Costs
Choose your university based on your gut and future goals, not based on money.
The difference between private and public business schools are very different. Public business schools are way cheaper than private business schools, however you don’t get all the benefits the private schools offer. Prices for private business schools range from €10,000 – €38,000. Some private schools offer some scholarships or, in comparison to public schools, the prices from masters can variate between €2,000 – €4,000.
The Master’s I chose costs a lot of money, but I saved before going on this adventure by working very hard. I know it will be an investment in myself and will help me to gain more knowledge, international experience and will help to prepare me for my future career. So I made my decision based on my future, and not based on the amount of money it would cost me right now.
I have learned that you always have to make your decision based on your gut instinct and the right feeling (if money allows you to). See it as an investment in yourself instead of a cost!
I hope you liked this blog and that it has helped you guys a little bit. I look forward to seeing you in my next blog, which will be about living in Barcelona throughout the COVID-19 pandemic!
Hasta luego!
X – Maud in Barcelona.
january 2022: Update from Maud
Hi guys!
My life in Barcelona has come to an end! I really enjoyed these past 15 months in Barcelona and met so many beautiful people. I am super grateful for my time here in Barcelona and I will never forget the precious moments I made.
I am proud of what I accomplished here in Barcelona, like graduating with an MBA in International Business last July and doing a leadership program whilst working at an international start-up, Barcelona Expat Life. I am in love with the city, the weather, the people, the food, and the culture! But, I am going to start my next adventure and go back to the Netherlands (where I am from).
I am really going to miss Barcelona, but I am super excited to live and work back in Amsterdam and make new memories! I am sure that I will be back soon to enjoy life in Barcelona again for a holiday or to visit some friends. Hasta luego! Ciao, X Maud.
Marjan
14 April 2021 at 09:43You rock, girl!!🤩
lina
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lina
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