Two weeks in Spain for the Global Immersion Experience | Photo essay by UBC Sauder employees Maria Pollock and Alina Yukhymets
Maria: It was a fun-filled scene as the students danced on the streets of Madrid outside the Conde Nast Newsroom with Vogue as their backdrop. They were not only letting loose but also celebrating their GIE journey.
Alina: Dr. Lisa Cavanaugh, Faculty Lead for GIE Spain and Associate Professor, Marketing and Behavioural Science Division, worked hard to source both our site visits to Conde Naste and Google, and she supported the students’ consulting projects from start to finish. She also worked hard to teach students the choreography to “Vogue” by Madonna. The energy was contagious, and it was a reminder that dancing and adventure go hand in hand.
Maria: One of the highlights for the entire UBC Sauder team during the GIE trip was dining at the beloved local spot, Honest Greens. This trip was a reminder that food can really bring people together. Sharing meals was an opportunity for not only the staff to bond with the cohort but also for the students to bond with each other.
Alina: The cooking class we had in Madrid was so enjoyable. Thankfully it didn’t require too much culinary expertise, but it was fun to roll up our sleeves, chop, stir, and laugh together. It was a casual and fun way for everyone to connect. Whether they were at an organized dinner or they were walking around to find the local favourites, the GIE trip provided the perfect opportunity for people to form meaningful connections and forge friendships that extended beyond the trip itself.
Maria: It was my first time on GIE and I was lucky to attend with the all-star GIE lead herself, Alina (this was her 10th GIE!). Working with Alina for months leading up to the trip, I gained a great appreciation for how much coordination goes into supporting students to prepare for the four destinations.
Alina: Finally arriving in Madrid was a great reminder of the positive impact this trip has on students. We felt a deep sense of accomplishment knowing that our efforts in executing this GIE trip had paid off. Seeing the students have so much fun engaging in the content both in and out of the classroom was extremely rewarding. We were also fortunate to have strong support from the team at our host school, IE Madrid. They worked hard to make sure everything was arranged with a great attention to detail and to the highest quality.
Maria: The site visits to various companies were another highlight, as they provided our students with invaluable insights into the Spanish work culture. Our visit to Google stood out as it showcased the uniqueness of their Madrid office in comparison to other global branches. It was fascinating to learn about the value that the Spanish place on personally connecting with clients face-to-face.
Alina: As part of this course, students worked on consulting projects for local companies. These site visits provided an additional layer to their learning and enabled students to gain firsthand knowledge of diverse work environments.
Maria: Segovia was definitely a highlight of our GIE trip and it left a lasting impression. The students had the opportunity to experience a lively lecture housed in the Convent of Santa Cruz la Real, a national heritage site. Susanna, a faculty member from our host IE Madrid, had storytelling skills that were engaging and immersive. It really transported us through the history of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.
Alina: After the lecture, we were treated to a special lunch at a family-owned restaurant, followed by a walking tour of the town. Surrounded by rich history, stunning architecture, incredible local cuisine, and gracious hosts, we truly felt immersed in the culture of Spain. Segovia was unforgettable.
Maria: I took this photo from my hotel room which was situated perfectly along the Gran Via (a main tourist and shopping street in Madrid). Being in the heart of the city meant that we could discover a blend of international brands while also exploring charming local shops and cuisine. From solo shopping adventures along Gran Via to group celebrations in lively karaoke spots (to celebrate a student’s birthday!), we relished our central position and the abundance of activities at our doorstep.
Alina: Even going beyond our comfortable hotel bubble, our students seized every opportunity available to them. They attended a thrilling football game and embarked on weekend adventures to the captivating city of Toledo, brimming with its rich Arab, Jewish, and Christian history. As we soaked in these activities, we couldn't help but feel immensely fortunate to have all these amazing experiences so easily accessible to us.