By: Maria Elizabeth Naui
BBA Student, SSM Barcelona
Day 1
7:00 A.M.
I woke up bright and early to catch a morning flight to Milan with three of my classmates: Ilyas, Kristiven, and Fahed. This trip marks the beginning of our 4-day Learning Exchange program in cooperation with SSM Milan and Brescia. Accompanying us was our SSM Academic Dean, Dr. Elizabeth Soliday-Naui (also known as my mom), so punctuality was a must. I’m excited to discover what Milan has in store for me!
11:00 A.M.
We just landed in Milano, and the weather seems on our side. Now, it’s time to head to our hotel to freshen up and recharge!
1:00 P.M.
After a delightful lunch, we made our way to the SSM Milan Campus in the heart of Turati’s commercial district. Similar to our campus in SSM Barcelona, this Business School is strategically located amidst coworking spaces with startup companies, fostering an innovative environment that blends theory with real-world practice. Lisa Marchese, the Dean of SSM Brescia and Milan—a lawyer and professor of Business Ethics—warmly welcomed us and gave us a campus tour. We engaged in lively discussions about our future specializations. I learned that SSM Milan is a hub for fashion, ideal for those interested in Luxury Management.
Day 2
8:00 A.M.
On my second day in northern Italy, I can’t help but admire the charming simplicity and luxury of Italian life. The Italians have elevated simple pleasures like dressing up, enjoying an espresso in a cafe, and strolling in the piazza into an art form, truly embodying la dolce vita! Today’s agenda includes visiting the SSM Brescia Campus. The hour-long train journey from Milan to Brescia felt shorter amidst the breathtaking scenery.
10:00 A.M.
Arriving at the SSM Brescia Campus, I was struck by its unique location within the Santa Giulia-Museo della Città; the museum district recently revitalized with sustainable urban planning. We were warmly welcomed by Mr. Stefano Anzuinelli, the CEO and Chancellor of the School Board at the Swiss School of Management in Brescia & Milan, and Luca Vagge, the Academic Coordinator of SSM Brescia.
During our visit, we met international students enrolled in a Spanish course and enjoyed our role as language assistants for the day. It was inspiring to be surrounded by entrepreneurial peers who want to create businesses that leave a lasting social impact. We learned that some students were preparing for a trip to the Rolex headquarters—an exciting opportunity to study renowned brands up close.
5:00 P.M.
It’s day’s end! We savored a local Brescian specialty drink called Pirlo (Campari, white wine, and soda) before heading back to Milan. Tonight, I enjoyed an Aperol Spritz as an aperitivo while waiting for my Escalopa di Milanesa for dinner. Ciao!
Day 3
11:00 A.M.
Today was a free day. Some of us explored Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (the oldest shopping gallery in Italy). I couldn’t resist seeking out the famed Torino (bull) mosaic and spinning around three times—for good luck. Others admired the majestic Duomo Cathedral at the nearby Piazza di Duomo, capturing Instagram-worthy memories.
Day 4
10:00 A.M.
It was time to wrap up our journey and return to Barcelona. After a hearty brunch, we bid farewell to Milano and Brescia. While the experience was enriching, there’s truly no place like home and the comfort of my own bed. This learning exchange broadened my horizons, reinforcing the idea that education extends beyond classroom walls. Visiting other SSM campuses introduced me to diverse perspectives and made learning exciting.
This four-day adventure blended discovery, cultural immersion, and educational engagement—a true testament to the transformative power of experiential learning.
