Understanding Spain: Business & Culture
- Take part in tours and lectures from 2 - 3 businesses daily on various topics critical to business operations in Spain.
- Learn about the government of Spain, the political parties, and how they affect business while visiting La Moncloa and Parliament of Catalonia (government headquarters).
- Visit historic sites such as La Sagrada Família, Park Guell Palace, Cathedral of Barcelona, Arc de Triomf, Madrid Royal Palace, Temple of Debod and the Plaza Mayor to better understand the rich history of Spain.
- Earn 3 hours of academic credit which can be applied to your major and as a 3-hour IDR credit.
The Understanding Spain: Business and Culture winter break study abroad program is tentatively scheduled to run from January 6 – 17, 2025.
Spain is at the heart of a global trade network, a member of the EU, and operates in several areas of economic activity such as shipbuilding, automotive, textile, medical technology and chemicals. While in Spain, students will explore the distinctions between cultures and countries in managing a business, including organizational design, internal cultures, human resources, diversity, managing change, employee motivation, ethics, social responsibility, government involvement and gain a better overall understanding of doing business in Spain.
Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of the Autonomous Community of Cataluña in northeastern Spain, is one of the most prosperous and dynamic cities in Europe today. Students are encouraged to explore the cultural riches that this modern, western European city offers such as concerts, museums, theaters, and outstanding architecture. Areas such as the Barri Gòtic and L’Eixample are filled with examples of history and architecture ranging from ancient to modern times.
Madrid
Madrid is the capital of Spain and located in the center of the country. With a population of slightly over 3 million, there truly is something for everyone. Madrid, and all of Spain, has a rich history dating back to centuries, which is reflected in art museums and churches. There is also an upbeat, modern influence in hip bars and restaurants and the world famous soccer team, Real Madrid. Take time to explore all aspects of Madrid and get to know madrileños who can show off their great city.
All students will enroll in one of the following courses for three credit hours:
- MGMT 500: Special Topics in Management: Spain Business and Culture (approved elective for the Management & Leadership major)
- IBUS 500: Understanding Spain: Business and Culture (approved School of Business elective)
Through participation in this course, students will:
- Critique each company to determine their business model and the specific opportunities their company is solving.
- Understand how governments are involved in the basic functions of business decision making.
- Evaluate each company’s social responsibility/ethical culture, where possible, and interpret how this affects their business relationships.
- Determine the differences in Spain versus the United States surrounding diversity, organizational structures, employee motivation and job design.
- Develop a deep understanding of the history and summarize how this impacts business in Spain
Participants will stay in centrally located, double or triple occupancy hotels in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain. Breakfast will be provided daily.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
This program targets students who are majoring or minoring in management and leadership or international business. Open to students from accredited U.S. colleges or universities who have a minimum 2.5 GPA and will have completed one semester of college-level coursework in advance of participation.
Program Cost for Management & Leadership in Spain
Business School Scholarship
Business students are eligible for School of Business scholarships to participate in this program. Students who have not previously received study abroad scholarships from the Business School will have priority for scholarship awards. For more information, application instructions, and submission details, please see the Global Business Studies' website.
For More Information Contact:
Jana Fitchett, Program Director Lecturer, Management and Leadership, Entrepreneurship jfitchet@ku.edu
Jana Fitchett focuses on the provision of interactive learning by discussing success stories from business founders and managers, utilizing case studies to encourage realistic hands-on training and transforming the classroom into a virtual company laboratory for future managers and entrepreneurs. She has led KU School of Business study abroad programs to Israel and Panama for many years and has regularly taught for the CIMBA Italy program in Paderno del Grappa, Italy.
The program in Spain will be co-led by Erin Whitehurst, Lecturer in the KU School of Business.