The Higher Education Review

Spain's higher education system stands out for its excellent teaching quality in business schools. Additionally, the cost of living and studying in Spain is more affordable than in other European countries. Pursuing an MBA at public institutions like IME Business School is notably cheaper than comparable centers in Spain and across Europe.

The country's open and friendly atmosphere, fostering the coexistence of diverse cultures, makes it an appealing destination for international students. Salamanca, renowned for its university, the oldest and one of the most prestigious in Spain, attracts over 10,000 international students annually. Notably, Salamanca is considered the prime location for learning Spanish, the second most used language in business, with a substantial native speakers' community.

IME Business School was established to meet the educational needs of students, aiming to equip them with the skills necessary to embark on their professional careers. The institution places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the business world, focusing on three crucial aspects: the programs offered, the teaching methodology, and the teaching team.

The master's programs include the MBA, providing students with a comprehensive company overview and the opportunity for specialization in areas such as human resources, finance, marketing, and foreign trade. The MBA DEA caters to those aspiring to a career in the agri-business sector, while the Global MBA prepares students for international career development.

The teaching methodology involves the adoption of the Case Methodology developed at Harvard, presenting practical case studies to enhance managerial skills and decision-making abilities.

Notably, the teaching team comprises 90 percent current company managers, offering students real-world experience and knowledge gained through years of professional practice. “I think the most unique aspect of our courses is that they are eminently practical putting at end to the traditional education methods in which the students have passive role.

The way we approach our classes, with small groups of no more than 25

students per class, allows them to be the protagonists and to learn from their own ideas as well as from those of their peers.

The teachers will challenge the students to question their own ideas, will present them with unexpected problems and they will create and spaced for debate, an environment truly similar to the one they will find in the company world”, speaks Julio Pindado, IME Business School Chairman.

Excellence in Education & Support
As the business school affiliated with the University of Salamanca, emphasis on teaching quality is paramount. While the majority of the faculty hails from the business sector, a team of university professors, responsible for coordinating subjects, developing content, and ensuring its verification, is also integral.

This team provides comprehensive support to students, addressing both content-related queries and task completion. Prior to the commencement of each master’s course, an orientation session is conducted for all faculty members, acquainting them with the master's methodology and showcasing advanced teaching techniques.

”The belief at IME Business School is that forging partnerships with companies is essential to equip students with the skills & knowledge crucial for their professional journeys”

In terms of facilities, the school boasts modern, comfortable classrooms equipped with computers, projectors, sound systems, and all necessary amenities. Additionally, students have access to the comprehensive services offered by the University of Salamanca campus, including meeting rooms, libraries, cafeterias, as well as sports and leisure facilities.

The institution is dedicated to ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education. To facilitate this, the Guarantee Scholarships initiative has been established, targeting profiles with high employability.

These scholarships cover a percentage of master's degree tuition fees, ranging from 25 to 100 percent. Annually, a formal call for applications is announced, providing students with a three-month window to apply. The admissions committee decides on scholarship recipients based on predefined criteria.

Additionally, organized visits to local and diverse sector companies provide students with in-depth knowledge of production processes and organizational structures, fostering interaction with employees for a holistic understanding.

Throughout the course, various events, including networking activities, sports events, and the Company Day, bring together the IME community, comprising students, teachers, employers, and alumni.

Vision for Quality Education & Industry Relevance
The belief at IME Business School is that forging partnerships with companies is essential to equip students with the skills and knowledge crucial for their professional journeys.

To ensure alignment with industry needs and the evolving business landscape, active involvement of companies in training is a cornerstone. As highlighted earlier, 90 percent of the faculty comprises active company managers. The programs also present opportunities for specialization in specific areas such as agri-food quality, foreign trade, digital marketing, operations, and finance, among others.

"These specialized subjects undergo continuous updates based on the feedback and requirements conveyed by our network of partners. This dynamic process ensures that students complete their training armed with the knowledge sought by employers.

Moreover, our robust collaborations with various companies enable us to engage in recruitment activities, providing insights into the specific attributes companies seek in their managers. This knowledge guides our educational approach, aligning it with the expectations of the industry", shares Julio.

Looking ahead, the school aspires to expand its footprint by increasing the available slots for each academic year while steadfastly maintaining a commitment to quality. The strategic vision includes international growth, reaching more countries, and establishing collaborative networks with universities worldwide to facilitate student exchanges. Additionally, the institution will persist in its tradition of introducing new master's degrees and programs that address the evolving training needs of students and markets.

“One of the main points to highlight about our school is the great work we have been doing since we started our activity in 2008 in terms of inserting talent in companies.

We are truly proud of being able to say that some our former students are currently occupying responsibility positions such as export managers, finance manager, human resources manager and CEOs, inter alia”, signs off Julio Pindado.