Alumni Spain Academy: magnet for international talent Every academic year, Spain is the destination chosen by thousands of foreign students to continue their education at universities and schools including EOI, Esade, Esic, IE, Iese and IQS. Five international students recount their experiences studying in the country. Marcos Andrei Robles Rakov social life” and says that, in addition 1 decided to move to Spain to the academic knowledge he has motivated by the desire to acquired, he has learned “to be more develop his international experience flexible, adapt to new situations and in a country with a vibrant culture and value my free time”. He acknowledges no language barriers. The Peruvian that he can see himself living in Spain in student chose to pursue an MBA at ESIC the future,“at least for a while”, and says University because of the professional that his favourite place in the country growth opportunities that come with is Madrid’s Casa de Campo, which he this qualification. Robles is surprised describes as “an oasis of tranquillity by “the ease with which Spaniards make in the middle of the city, perfect for spontaneous plans and their active unwinding”. Shannon Clancy, from the accustomed to more reserved interactions 2 United States, began her love with strangers. She acknowledges that affair with Spain at the age in Spain she has learnt that “you don’t of 16, when she took part in an exchangelive to work, you work to live”, and programme in Torrelavega, Cantabria, admires the balance between personal thanks to a scholarship. As a result of thisand professional life. Her favourite place experience, Clancy decided to pursue a is Suances (Cantabria), where she will degree in International Relations at IEtake her parents when they come to visit University in Madrid, attracted by its her, although she says she is very fond of international atmosphere. The American Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz). In the was pleasantly surprised by how “friendlyshort term, she concludes, she cannot and affectionate” Spanish culture is, beingimagine living anywhere other than Madrid. 112