Reviews of ESADE Business School | Spain

Useful | 5

Brian A

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, United States
Business Studies, Undergraduate, University Agreement

Housing

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: A room exchange

Why?

I chose to live with two Americans, thinking that it would be convenient and the easiest option. Looking back, I regret not living with Spanish-speaking roommates because my Spanish did not improve as much as some of my friends did whose chose to live with native Spanish speakers.

Personal assessment

Cost

Facilities

Location

Cleanliness

Space

Personal comments

The residence hall was ridiculously overpriced - more than twice the price of what I paid at the apartment (including what we spent on food) and for half the size. I saw no reason to live there at first and I know that two people who originally lived there moved out because they were completely unsatisfied with their accomodations.

Useful | 1

mirko m

Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Marketing and Sales Management, Undergraduate, CEMS

Overall

I wish I had known...

i was so stisfied by this experience that i stayed almost two years in this city. So be carefull you could easily fall in love with this city

In my opinion:

Everybody loved it, you will too!

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

4

Culture

4

Costs

2

Activities

4

Campus life

2

Party / people

4

Weather / location

4

Personal recommendation

probably the most famous business school of spain, if you want to find easily a job in spain Esade is the best place to go.

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

3

Traveled

3

Improved language skills

4

Met people from other countries

4

Became more independent

3

Partied a lot

4

Experienced a change in life

4

Advanced my studies & career

3

Final comments

Barcelona is a city where you would like to live. The sun, the beach, the parties, the low cost of the food and drinks, the international people actually living there, the free concerts and other cultural events, the beauty of the city and the youth of its people and so on....

Useful | 1

andy w

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, United States
Financial Management, Undergraduate, University Agreement

Academic

Course recommendations

If you are not a native spanish speaker, it might be a good idea to look for a class or two in english instead of all courses in spanish. Some teachers were hard to understand, especially at first and it would have been nice to have at least one class in english to relax in. Taking courses in spanish is a valuable opportunity however.

My academic experiences

Quality of courses

Variety of courses

Access to resources

Interaction with teachers

Interaction with international students

Interaction with local students

Personal comments

There is heavy emphasis put on the final exam and final projects. I would recommend trying to work on the group projects with native students, as they know the professors and what they expect from you.

My opinion of the university assessment

Exams at end of course

Exams throughout the course

Essays and/or projects at the end of course

Essays and/or projects throughout the course

Overall

Useful | 1

Debbita

Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
Development Studies, Undergraduate, University Agreement

Housing

Type of housing: A cosy Bed & Breakfast place at Passeig de Gracia.

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: With a family

Why?

The experience of living with other students is delightful. Through time, one learns better about the ways and customs of another. However, to have the opportunity to live with a true Spanish family is something I believe to be very enriching as well. It will be a different experience in a different environment. You receive the concerns of a family as well as the fun of being with friends at the same time.

Personal assessment

Cost

Facilities

Location

Cleanliness

Space

Personal comments

The Residence is said to be too expensive, too small and uncomfortable. However, the facilities are modern, efficient and convenient.

Useful | 1

mfletche

University of Texas, Austin, Austin, United States
Marketing and Sales Management, Undergraduate, CEMS

Languages

Language of instruction: Spanish

Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my Spanish

How much did you improve your Spanish?

My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

Some classes were taught in English and nearly all students and staff spoke some English so communication was not a problem at ESADE. In Barcelona, while most people speak Castilian Spanish in addition to Catalan, you will generally overhear conversations in Catalan, see most television in Catalan, and read most signs in Catalan. With a basic knowledge of Spanish or any other romance language, Catalan is quite easy to read. However, you must seek out opportunities to practice "castellano" as you will not just pick it up by osmosis.

Useful | 0