pavlov wrote:
Well for the "Why XXX" question I just said the same thing - international student body, opportunity to learn spanish, quality of life in Spain. I'm really just trying to figure out which is the most prestigious and go there.
do u go to ESADE?
I am going to IESE. I am pretty happy and sure about my choice. I have ESADE in mind as back up but I did not have to go for it as I got through couple of schools which I applied in Round-1! In spite of this, IESE was in my preferred list for numerous reasons and I am choosing it over the other non-Spanish B-school, through which I got through, just because of perfect fit! This though should not have any implication on quality of MBA one can have at ESADE! Whatever I have heard and investigated about ESADE, makes it a very good school.
In case you have just answered the question of "Why MBA?" with positives a Spanish education can bring up then I can understand that you are now a bit confused! The best way out in your case then would be to think about the post MBA goals. You want to go into marketing, consulting, finance or entrepreneurship! You like 100% case study as teaching method or a mix of case study and class room lectures! You want to go to a big class size or a small class size where you get more opportunity to gel with your other class members! How much work experience you have and how essential it is for you to return to job after MBA? Are you a potential career changer? Questions like this will help you choose!
IESE uses case study method for its teaching! ESADE and IE a mix of the class lectures and case studies! IESE is a 2 year (19 months + 3 months of internship) MBA course! ESADE has flexibility depending on your requirement to complete your MBA in 15 or 18 months! IE is a one year course! IESE is a general management course, while IE is a international management course! ESADE too I believe is a general management course! Now all these attributes will help one answer of the questions posed in above paragraph. For me my first preference post MBA was consulting followed by health care, hence case study was preferred way of learning and 2 year MBA provided me with internship opportunity which a career switcher needs! I have other reasons too such as small class, good exchange programs availability, longer time reputation (IESE being the first 2 year MBA in Europe and now having 50 years of consistent existence). All my other school's choice was also similar in line.
Talking to alumni and native Spanish and European population also helps in determining the prestige factor! If you plan to work outside Europe, say in US/Latin America/ Asia/ Africa, you need to also check with your preferred employers whether they hire at the selected school or not!
Ask more questions from yourself and your answers would create a match between you and one of the school! Wish you all the best in whatever you decide