<p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 20px; color: rgb(255, 138, 0);"><i>A transformative journey of cultural immersion, global insights, personal growth, and lifelong connections.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 20px; color: rgb(21, 100, 250);"><br></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 20px; color: rgb(21, 100, 250);">Part I: Entrepreneurship Education</b></p><p><br></p> <p>Global entrepreneurship fuels competition and innovation, offering diverse funding sources and efficient resource allocation for maximum value. It's more than expanding internationally; it's about market interconnectedness, idea exchange, and global collaboration for progress. Our global entrepreneurship study abroad program prepares students for success in the interconnected business landscape. It equips them with the skills, mindset, and knowledge needed to seize opportunities, navigate challenges globally, and understand the entrepreneurial ecosystem <span style="font-size: 18px;">worldwide.</span></p> <p>Warm welcome tapa lunch provided by GBS. In Spain, people love to share tapas while chatting and having fun. The origin of TAPA TAPA was with wishes to create new venues where everybody could share moments like that.</p> <p>Semproniana, where Jordi hosted our welcome lunch, is a charming restaurant that was once a publishing house. Santi Alegre and Ada Parellada have transformed it into a culinary gem. The menu features baked sea bass, hearty black Catalan botifarra sausage, and decadent chocolate delirium tremens. It's a perfect blend of history and innovative cuisine, setting a positive tone for our entire program since that delightful lunch! </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: rgb(255, 138, 0); font-size: 20px;">GBS: A Great Partner</b></p><p>Geneva Business School in Barcelona, Spain, delivers high-quality education in business and finance. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs with a strong focus on international perspectives. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship. Situated in Barcelona, the school provides a vibrant, multicultural environment, enhancing the learning experience. Renowned for its experienced faculty and industry connections, Geneva Business School prepares students for successful global careers with a blend of academic excellence and practical expertise.</p> <p>In the classrooms of Geneva Business School, their values and mission are prominently displayed on the walls. They remind students why they are there, where they are going from there!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 20px; color: rgb(255, 138, 0);">Seminars and classroom activities </b></p><p>Although we have only two weeks of time, our students got to attend seven high quality seminars. </p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">Seminar 1: Introduction to Applied Entrepreneurship</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">Seminar 2: Innovation Basics in Entrepreneurial Context</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">Seminar 3: Identifying Various Opportunities</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">Seminar 4: Utilizing Tangible and Intangible Resources</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">Seminar 5: Responsibilities In A Founder and Team Context</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">Seminar 6: Buyer and Seller in Entrepreneurial Mindset Context</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">Seminar 7: Exploring Risks and Risk Scenarios</span></p> <p>Dr. Elena Emma, the professor for this study abroad program , impressed me with her knowledge, experience, and teaching skills. Her profound impact was felt by every single one of my students in the program!</p><p><br></p> <p>Dr. Emma uses her unique talents to teach the class. She challenged the students by saying, "Welcome to the world of entrepreneurship… be creative, the sky is the limit." She encouraged them, stating, "Life doesn’t come with set instructions, it is okay to fail." She motivated them to "think outside the box."</p> <p>She adopted variety of techniques to teach the students: Lego, painting, video, etc. team work, group activities, were used in her teaching to enhance learning goals.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 20px; color: rgb(21, 100, 250);">Part II Entrepreneurship in Practice </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: rgb(255, 138, 0); font-size: 20px;">Company Visits and Business Models </b></p><p>Barcelona thrives as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship, blending a rich cultural tapestry with a dynamic startup ecosystem. The city fosters innovation through co-working spaces like TechBarcelona, Pier01 and initiatives like ONCE, Barcelona Activa, supporting diverse ventures from tech startups to creative enterprises. Its Mediterranean charm attracts global talent and investors alike. We had great opportunities to visit and learn so many entrepreneurial companies at Barcelona! Students got inspired by their brilliant ideas and passion.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p><br></p> <p>Tech Barcelona is an independent private non-profit association that works to reinforce Barcelona as a model of the international digital and technological ecosystem. They are the gateway and the platform for an active participation in the ecosystem. They create connections and make startups visible. They catalyze innovation within corporations. They promote entrepreneurship. We attract investment. They promote talent and focus and empower the ecosystem.</p> <p>ONCE: A social and economic model that is unique in the world This is why, at the ONCE Social Group, we work every day to contribute to improving the opportunities for inclusion and the full autonomy of blind persons and persons with other disabilities in Europe, Latin America and other parts of the world.</p> <p>Accexible is a startup specializing in early-stage detection of mental illness through speech analysis.</p> <p>"By Hours" is a company that offers flexible booking solutions for hourly stays in hotels. It allows customers to book rooms for short periods, providing convenience for travelers needing accommodation for a few hours rather than a full day or night. This concept is particularly popular in urban areas and for business travelers seeking flexibility in their schedules.</p> <p>Thanks to social media, one of my former students, Zachary Hunnel, a BGSU College of Business alum from the class of 2014, now working at HP Barcelona, recognized us on Facebook. Unbelievably, with Zach's help, we were able to connect with Jessica Kipp, another BGSU alum and former College of Business student, who is currently the Senior VP of Supply Chain Markets & Logistics and was visiting Barcelona. Despite the short notice, Jessica arranged a comprehensive company tour for us on a Friday afternoon. I can’t thank Jessica and Zach enough for this incredible opportunity!</p> <p>Jessica Kipp, Senior VP of Supply Chain Markets & Logistics, answering students’ questions.</p> <p>HP's Barcelona campus is dedicated to developing HP's industrial 3D printing portfolio and provides a large-scale factory environment for collaboration with customers and partners on digital manufacturing technologies revolutionizing their industries. The students were fortunate to hear from and ask questions of the following speakers:</p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">- Aleix Muntal, HR Business Partner (Global Supply Chain Markets & Logistics, Global Planning)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">- Ignasi Galceran, 3D Printing Worldwide Operations</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">- Alan Lobban, Large Format Print Engineer</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">- Jessica Kipp, Senior VP of Supply Chain Markets & Logistics</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">- Zach Hunnell, Global Logistics Strategic Development Manager</span></p><p>What an unbelievable experience and a wonderful opportunity to learn about international business, global logistics, and innovation in an international context!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 20px; color: rgb(21, 100, 250);">Part III Entrepreneurship and Culture</b> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(25, 25, 25); font-size: 18px;">Entrepreneurship reflects cultural values, shaping risk tolerance, innovation, and societal acceptance of ventures. Historical contexts define economic landscapes, regulations, and opportunities. Successful entrepreneurs use cultural insights and historical knowledge to innovate, navigate markets, and build ventures aligned with societal norms and economic trends. This program encourages students to explore country culture and history, enriching their business perspectives. </span>Barcelona's culture is rich and diverse, characterized by a strong Catalan identity, lively festivals, and a thriving arts scene. Its bustling markets, tapas bars, and vibrant nightlife reflect the city's dynamic and welcoming spirit.</p><p><br></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: rgb(255, 138, 0); font-size: 20px;">Architecture and Culture </b></p><p>Architecture holds profound importance for culture in Spain, serving as a tangible expression of historical narratives, artistic expression, and societal values. Spanish architecture, from medieval cathedrals to modernist masterpieces like Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, embodies the nation's rich cultural heritage. It not only shapes urban landscapes but also reflects regional identities and influences national pride, tourism, and community identity, fostering a sense of continuity and belonging across generations. Barcelona's architecture is a vibrant blend of Gothic, Modernist, and contemporary styles, prominently featuring Antoni Gaudi's imaginative works like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. The city's streets are lined with elegant, colorful buildings, exemplified by the Gothic Quarter and Example district.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p><br></p> <p>Antoni Gaudi was a renowned Spanish architect known for his distinctive and innovative style, heavily influenced by nature, religion, and modernism. His masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, exemplifies his unique vision with its intricate facades, organic forms, and symbolic sculptures. Under construction since 1882, this basilica combines Gothic and Art Nouveau elements, featuring towering spires, colorful stained glass, and detailed stonework. Gaudi’s work on the Sagrada Familia remains an iconic symbol of his architectural genius and creativity.</p> <p>Park Guell is a public park located in Barcelona, Spain, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi. The park is famous for its colorful mosaic sculptures, organic architectural elements, and panoramic views of the city. Park Guell is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Barcelona's most popular tourist attractions, showcasing Gaudi's distinctive style and creativity.</p> <p>Montserrat, near Barcelona, is a stunning mountain range known for its unique rock formations and the Montserrat Monastery. The monastery houses the revered Black Madonna statue and offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a rich spiritual and cultural experience.</p> <p>The Cathedral of Barcelona, a stunning Gothic masterpiece in the Gothic Quarter, was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Dedicated to Saint Eulalia, it features intricate facades, beautiful chapels, a serene cloister, and panoramic rooftop views.</p> <p>The Palau de la Generalitat is a historic government building located in the heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. It serves as the seat of the Catalan government and is one of the few medieval buildings in Europe still functioning as a government office. It is a bustling area rich in history and culture, featuring medieval architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and a lively atmosphere. The square is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering picturesque views, street performances, and nearby cafes and shops, making it a central point for exploring the Gothic Quarter.Visitors can admire its historical significance and architectural beauty, making it an essential landmark in Barcelona.</p> <p>The National Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) in Barcelona showcases Catalan art and culture from the Romanesque period to the mid-20th century. Housed in the Palau Nacional, it features collections of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, highlighting Catalonia's artistic evolution. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and offers stunning views of Barcelona.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: rgb(255, 138, 0);">Food Culture in Barcelona </b></p><p>Barcelona's cuisine highlights Catalan traditions with dishes like “pa amb tomiquet”, bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled with olive oil. “Escalivada”, features roasted eggplant and peppers, often served with anchovies. “Esqueixada”is a refreshing salad of shredded salt cod, tomatoes, onions, and olives. “Fideui”, similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice, includes seafood and saffron. “Crema Catalana”, a rich custard dessert with a caramelized sugar top, is a sweet staple. These dishes reflect Barcelona's vibrant culinary heritage.</p><p><br></p> <p>In the mall next to the residence hall, you can find all kinds of food!</p> <p>Quality of our lunch at GBS and Meals at the residence hall! You would not expect real food for dinner and breakfast at students residence hall. But the food at GBS and Joseph Manyenet Residence Hall are beyond expectations.</p> <p>Paella is a traditional Spanish dish from Valencia, made with saffron-flavored rice, seafood, chicken, or rabbit. It's cooked in a wide, shallow pan to achieve a crispy bottom layer called "socarrat." Key ingredients include tomatoes, green beans, and seasoned broth. Paella is renowned for its vibrant flavors and is a symbol of Spanish cuisine.</p> <p>La Boqueria Market in Barcelona is a bustling, iconic marketplace located on La Rambla. Established in 1836, it's renowned for its vibrant stalls offering fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local delicacies. The market is a culinary haven, attracting locals and tourists alike with its diverse food offerings, lively atmosphere, and rich history.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 20px; color: rgb(255, 138, 0);">Part IV Teamwork and Final Presentation</b></p><p>There are times when I nearly consider easing the requirements for final presentations. Why push them so hard? I ask myself. In the end, I didn't. They are so smart and have so much potential; they need this push to get the most out of this experience. I'm glad to see them working hard on their projects, collecting data by engaging with people they meet, and doing research late into the night.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 20px; color: rgb(255, 138, 0);">Falcon Spirits visible in Barcelona Spain </b></p><p><br></p> <p>No matter where we go, we leave our footprints! We are proud to be Falcons!Studying abroad isn't just as fun as it sounds. It comes with many challenges: living in a foreign country for the first time, struggling with a new language, adapting to a different culture, working with team members we've just met for this program, sharing rooms with people who have different living habits, and completing a project within two weeks.I often see their excitement, but I also see their frustration. What impresses me the most is how they handle differing opinions professionally, conduct themselves with poise, manage their frustrations while finding solutions, always put on a beautiful smile in public, and work incredibly hard to excel in their tasks. These are the Falcon Spirits, as interpreted by them.</p> <p>Great teamwork! Great partnership! Thanks to Michelle, Jordi, and Elena. Without your help, this program wouldn't have been possible!</p> <p>From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate all the hard work and support from all of you!</p> <p>We are BGSU+ GBS Family </p> <p>Farewell lunch, delicious food draw a perfect conclusion of the problem! We already miss you, Barcelona!</p> <p>Hear our thoughts on the experience…</p>