BGSU students travelled to Barcelona, Spain, for the third annual global entrepreneurship study abroad program. (supplied photo)
Students connected with international CEOs and local entrepreneurs in Barcelona
Several BGSU students traveled to Barcelona, Spain, to talk with entrepreneurs, tour a manufacturing facility and sit down with the CEO of Nestlé Iberia as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Study Abroad Program at BGSU. The program is made possible through a partnership between the nationally ranked Schmidthorst College of Business and Geneva Business School.
Key Highlights
What: Global Entrepreneurship Study Aborad Program
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Opportunities: Geneva Business School, Nestlé and Alstom
Learning entrepreneurship from global leaders
Students visited Geneva Business School to talk with entrepreneurs and also met with the CEO of Nestlé Iberia and leaders at Alstom, a world leader in rail manufacturing.
Eye-opening cultural and entrepreneurial experience
In addition to enjoying the cultural experience of Spain's food, architecture and residents, students learned the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset and the benefits that come with building relationships.
A lifetime of learning in just two weeks
Cole Fernkorn said he never thought two weeks could teach him so many things about business and life. Katherine Johnson echoed that sentiment, stating that there was not a single moment in the trip that they were not immersed in learning or enjoying the cultural experience.
“Bowling Green has given me so many opportunities I didn’t expect walking into college. You never know where life is going to lead you, but I am so grateful it led me to BGSU.”
KATHERINE JOHNSON
BGSU COMMUNICATION MAJOR
Bowling Green State University senior Katherine Johnson had always wanted to study abroad, but thought it was out of reach.
When she learned she would be traveling to Spain as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Study Abroad Program – a partnership between the Schmidthorst College of Business and the Geneva Business School in Barcelona, Spain – she prepared to embrace the opportunity fully.
“During our time in Barcelona, we spoke with entrepreneurs from Geneva Business School, learned about entrepreneurial mindsets and how having different perspectives and ideas can benefit every aspect of your life,” said Johnson, who is pursuing a degree in communication and a minor in public relations. “There was not a single moment of the trip that we were not immersed in learning or enjoying the cultural experience of food, architecture and talking with locals.”
Johnson and her classmates also had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Jordi Llach, CEO of Nestlé Iberia, an experience she said she’ll never forget.
“We all had this idea of how it would go, and it was completely different,” Johnson said. “Jordi was so down-to-earth, willing to listen and engage with us and provided us with amazing advice. He said, ‘Every decision you make is the right one because it leads you where you are meant to be,’ and I don’t think I’ll ever forget that.”
Senior finance major Cole Fernkorn enjoyed the same life-changing experience.
“I never thought two weeks could teach me so many things about life and help me experience what it’s like to be around like-minded people with an entrepreneurial mindset,” Fernkorn said. “It was the first time in my life that someone didn’t tell me I was crazy for thinking of an idea. Instead, they said, ‘Go for it! That’s a great idea.’”
BGSU offers hundreds of international academic programs in more than 50 countries worldwide during the summer semester and academic year, empowering students to take advantage of opportunities to enhance their classroom education.
While experiencing a new culture, Fernkorn said he developed a different perspective on how to lead others, placing an emphasis on relationships and mentoring. He also enjoyed this year's addition of a community service project.
“An unforgettable part of the trip for me was when I was asked to mentor two homeless individuals during a business start-up, helping them move from ‘Where am I going to sleep tonight?’ to the idea that tomorrow brings new hope,” Fernkorn said. “This was an amazing experience for me as an entrepreneur to help others, and motivated me to want to do more.”
Johnson and Fernkorn also had the opportunity to tour Alstom, a world leader in rail transportation. At the facility, they learned about each step of the manufacturing process, engineering, business regulations and the complexities involved in managing a global supply chain in the transportation industry.
“It was an eye-opening experience to see what it takes to be a highly recognized train manufacturer,” said Fernkorn. “We got to see the different steps that trains go through during the manufacturing process, the testing that is required and the steps and regulations that need to be met before it can be introduced to the public.”
While their trip has ended and their senior year has begun, Johnson and Fernkorn are thankful for the opportunity to study abroad and for their decision to attend BGSU.
“Bowling Green has given me so many opportunities I didn’t expect walking into college,” said Johnson. “BGSU has exceeded my expectations and allowed me to find a home away from home. You never know where life is going to lead you, but I am so grateful it led me to BGSU.”
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Updated: 08/28/2026 12:36PM