Welcome to ESADE

I've already had a week of Spanish classes at ESADE so technically it wasn't my first day but today truly marked the start of the MBA. After gathering in the ESADE forum at 9:30 we quickly were introduced to the program(me- for you English folk), ESADE staff and finally to the various students that make up the Class of 2011.

It's cliche to state that an MBA class is diverse but it truly is. 47 countries represented, 33 languages spoken, a cross section of functions and industries from consulting, finance to NGOs and entrepreneurs. I've met a number of fellow classmates over the course of the past week but it really didn't hit me how diverse our group is.

I think what most amazes me is that pretty much everyone speaks at least two languages. I was lamenting to my non-US classmates that our language programs in the States really aren't geared towards truly learning a different language. The language classes start too late in our educational development and aren't stressed enough to promote bilingualism. I thank god that my parents were persistent enough to force me to learn Japanese. 

In any case, couple of interesting facts I learned while watching a slideshow of the each student and their background. To maintain privacy I won't name names but some interesting tidbits: one person graduated university at 19, one person completed the Ironman Triathlon and one person knows 6 languages and is fluent in 4.

A curriculum that we stared today and that I really think sets ESADE apart from the other MBA programs is the Leadership and Development (LEAD) program. To summarize, the LEAD program, through questionnaires, peer evaluation and other methodologies, provides a comprehensive overview of your learning style and tries to assist your development of the leadership skills necessary for the future. To some it sounds and is, a bit too touchy feely. It may be but I feel that there's enough to information provided that allows you to sift through all the data to find and utilize what you feel is necessary and vital for your own development.

To top off the day we got a bunch of "free" stuff, like an ESADE laptop bag, notebook, pen, folder and water bottle. I'll take some pics later for everyone's viewing pleasure. *Now updated with pictures*

Tomorrow is the 2 day team building and career services event offsite at a conference center/hotel in the outskirts of Barcelona. Should be fun. I hope we do those trust games that always end up badly.

A taste of home

If there was one thing that I was a bit worried about in moving to Barcelona, it was the potential lack of proper Japanese food. I heard that a lot of "Japanese" restaurants were actually Chinese owned and run. Hate to say it but you can never ever ever call that Japanese food. It's like calling Taco Bell products authentic Mexican food. Anyways, thanks to a Japanese classmate of mine, I was informed of a Japanese supermarket called Tokyo-Ya or 東京屋 for all you Japanese folks out there.

Went there earlier today and well damn, they had pretty much all of the food items I need to keep myself satisfied. The major downside being that it's fairly pricey. I'm not surprised considering the lack of demand compared to places like Los Angeles and New York and the high international shipping costs.

A taste of home. Now I'm fully settled.

Tokyo - Ya
Carrer de Girona 119
08009 Barcelona, Spain
934 393 040

My Spanish teach played this for us.

Humpday Week 1

Halfway through the first week of Intensive Spanish Course or Curso de Espanol Intensivo. I got placed into the little bit above beginners group, which is probably a good thing since I'm not too keen on learning how to count or conjugating ser and estar again.

The only downside of being this class is the increased amount of "homework". Our teacher has asked us to prepare a 5 minute marketing presentation on a new product, a toothpaste that only requires you to brush once a week. The presentation is going to be in Spanish and will be videorecorded. Que horible. Might as well get those presentation jitters and nervous habits out of the way now before we have to do real presentations for the b-school class.

He is always judging you

Was it absolutely necessary for this to be placed RIGHT next to my bed? I mean...come on..

Domicilio

A handful of pictures of my apartment in Barcelona.

Don't mind the pile of clothes on the couch. I ran out of hangers.They may just stay there for the duration of my stay in this apartment.

As they say on MTV Cribs "This is where the magic happens".

I realize that the coloring of the bedsheets is somewhat questionable. Okay it isn't somewhat questionable, it is very questionable but I figure why drop more money when I'm most likely moving out again in ten months or so.

The dining table, which will be converted into my primary studying area. Easy access to cold beverages, preferably containing alcohol, is a necessity when studying fun subjects such as finance or accounting.

The hallway leading to the bathroom. Now, I completely did not catch this when I was initially checking out the place but I have to go through this hallway to get to my bathroom. It doesn't sound that big of a deal but actually I have a neighbor who lives in a studio apartment. His entrance is the first door on the right. The entrance to the elevator hallway is straight ahead. So, I have to go out of my apartment past his door and then to my bathroom. My guess is that they converted a two bedroom place into one bedroom and a studio. I say this because my apartment has a full kitchen, bedroom and living room and has a door that partitions my apartment with the hallway. Kinda weird. The only downside to this confguration is that it rules out running naked to my bathroom.

I was initially irked that I totally did not realize this was the setup of the apartment but I figured A) I'm only contracted to live here for ten months and B) I really shouldn't whine about anything because I'm living in Europe for two years and C)no one wins when I run around naked.

And finally, my badass key. I felt like I was handed the keys to some treasure chest. I can just imagine a pirate with a parrot on his shoulder swinging this key around yelling "ARGGGHH MATEY"

I have yet to fully explore the neighborhood I live in, Sant Gervasi, but when I do, I'll be posting some more pics.

Oh New York I will miss thee.

The next time I see this it'll be bleak, gray and possibly covered with that white stuff that people don't snort. I don't know do people snort snow? Maybe. Steve-O snorted wasabi before.

The most awesome wunderdog, Duke. He'll be turning 13 while I'm gone. I think I'll bring him back some jamon iberico dog snacks.

Ugh. I hate moving.

The sad thing is that there's another pile of clothing to the left that isn't pictured and another rack of jackets and shirts in the back. I have waaaay to much clothes.

I love technology, but not as much as you, you see

Got the iPhone working with Blogger now so this should facilitate the uploading of random pictures. I believe the majority of my pictures will be of lamps because I love lamp.

Oops

Having dinner with my parents at Yakiniku West and my mom asked "So what time is your flight?" Now all this time I've been thinking that my flight leaves on August 21st. Hell, for the last two months I've been telling everyone that I'm leaving on August 21st.

That simple question led me to check my flight itinerary. Flight leaves August 20th and arrives in Barcelona on August 21st.

Oops.

Post #2

Howdy everyone. It's been close to 9 months since I've started this blog and I really haven't put much thought as to what will encompass the content of my posts. I'm somewhat intrigued by the purpose of blogs. Some people utilize them as a vehicle to express their thoughts and concerns. Some people utilize them as a way to disseminate useful or insightful information. I really don't know what the purpose of this blog is. Maybe I just like hearing the words I type in my head. The loner's way of fulfilling that love of hearing oneself talk. Whatever.

At first I started this blog with the intention of providing some insight for prospective MBA candidates who are looking to obtain information regarding the MBA application process. I sure as heck utilized other blogs to get a feel for the true character of a school.

So maybe I'll start off with some information regarding that. After I get that out of my system the free-for-all that is my subconscious will most likely take over and this blog will probably devolve into the ramblings of a man who's still confused as to what a blog should accomplish.