Hello All,
I would like some input. I am from the US and I have just been accepted to UC3M and EADA, and I am now struggling on which school to choose. From my research about UC3M is that their MBA school is the best MBA school amongst public schools in Spain. EADA, a private school, is internationally ranked not only in Europe but globally. There ranking are not that high, but it is clear to see the program is being noticed.
I guess it is financing my MBA which is making this such a hard decision. I have more than enough money to pay for UC3M, and have plenty of money left over to live comfortably in Madrid. For EADA I will have to spend the rest of this summer trying to acquire scholarships and loans just to cover tuition and housing. So, I think my question is if I come back to the US which MBA will benefit me the most? Or, are both just as good and employers will like the fact that I had an international experience and can speak Spanish?

Barcelona or Madrid is another question to ask yourself.

As you probably know, UC3M and EADA are considered the #4 and #5 MBA programs in Spain behind IE, ESADE and IESE. Neither of them, I would argue, have a strong resonance in the US job market. Few European schools do. And how much employers value international experience and language skills totally depends, I suppose. Are you interested in international business?

Yeah I am interested in international business. I probably won't immediately come back to the US. I may stay in Europe for few years after graduating before coming back

Seriously, don't expect that US employers will take seriously any university they have not heard of. UC3M has a HUGE advantage -- the word "University".

I think I´d choose UC3M.. just because I think it is similar in quality to EADA but a much better value... also the university name of UC3M is very well known in Spain, despite the fact the MBA is not so famous. I mean, the average Spanaird has no idea what IE or ESADE is but they probably known UC3M..
I should note that EADA is becoming more known, especially in Barcelona, and I´ve heard is a top notch program. I met an EADA grad who told me it´s a high quality program and she had a good experience. Her only knock was that you don´t get as much international exposure in terms of recruitment as you would at IE/IESE/ESADE (although in recent years it hasn´t been so great anywhere!)

I am an IE student and sometimes I think I should have gone to UC3M... it would have saved me so much money and probably been much more integrated in Spanish society (since IE is totally international and spanish students are a minority in the MBA!)

UC3M is actually well known for it´s ecomoics programs and doctorate in business. In fact, some IE professors have degrees from UC3M... so I think it´s a good choice. However, note that the campus is about 20 mins from Madrid by commuter train, in the city of Getafe.

Anyway, I´d say try for scholarships at both schools.. that might change the whole picture!

Barcelona or Madrid is another question to ask yourself.

As you probably know, UC3M and EADA are considered the #4 and #5 MBA programs in Spain behind IE, ESADE and IESE. Neither of them, I would argue, have a strong resonance in the US job market. Few European schools do. And how much employers value international experience and language skills totally depends, I suppose. Are you interested in international business?

I think you missed a couple of key words: "As you probably know, UC3M and EADA are considered the #4 and #5 MBA programs **IN SPAIN** behind IE, ESADE and IESE. "

It is subjective. IE, ESADe and IESE are the top three and the only three to make the international rankings. (well, EADA is sometimes at the bottom of the rankings.. like in the 90s)

Carlos III ranks very high in economics, but I do not believe the MBA is any rankings. Arguably, there are some other MBA programs in Spain that are regionally respected and could be considered on par with Carlos III... as i said, it´s subjective.

At least in Madrid (where I live) I can say that Carlos III is a well respected institution, and quite a lot of professors from IE have doctorate degrees from there. As for the MBA, I don´t know anyone who has done it.. it´s a relatively young program, I believe, but -- for the price-- seems like a good bet.

That is wonderful Sally, your post really adds value to the discussion.
If my future employer in Singapore asks for references of Carlos III MBA, even if it is not on FT or Economist, I can give him yours or your Madrid friends number so you can explain him, would you mind?

Juan Manuel, feel free to give them my number as well. I can vouch for your collegial and inclusive use of irony.

PS Carlos III probably has five times more alumni in Singapore than EADE. And put together, both can fit in one car on the MRT. It's going to be networking, not the label, that gets you a job there.

Juan Manuel, when are you going to Singapore? Who's your next employer and why would he want to know about Carlos III? I'm quite puzzled. Anyways congratulations on your new job. I hear that Singapore is a great place to be. Hope you'll continue to contribute to this discussion from there.