The age-old debate about the chicken and the egg may remain unresolved, but when it comes to ISASS and SSM Barcelona, the answer is crystal clear: ISASS came first!
Let me take you on a journey that explains how this trailblazing institution laid the foundation for what would later become the vibrant Swiss School of Management Barcelona.
The Birth of ISASS: A Story Rooted in Service
The International School of Applied Social Sciences (ISASS), affectionately known by its acronym, was born in 2019. Its roots can be traced back to the success of a social enterprise called the Barcelona Center for Applied Sciences (BCAS).
BCAS was established to serve the Filipino migrant community in Barcelona—people hungry for knowledge and eager to improve their lives through education. What started as a localized initiative soon began to attract attention from other parts of Europe. Recognizing this growing demand, ISASS was founded to expand educational opportunities beyond Barcelona.
Blending in-person and online learning, ISASS pioneered what is now commonly referred to as “blended learning.” This approach offered the flexibility needed to reach more learners across Europe. Pre-pandemic, online schools were often dismissed as less credible than traditional institutions. However, ISASS entered the academic arena just as the world was forced to embrace virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The timing, while challenging, turned out to be a strategic advantage, as ISASS was already equipped to deliver high-quality online education.
The heart and brain of these two learning institutions is Dr. Elizabeth Soliday-Naui. Dr. Liz, as she is known in the academic community, is a pioneering educator who envisioned an international school where students can learn at their own pace wherever they maybe in the world and in whichever stage they are in their career.
The Turning Point: ISASS Meets SSM
In 2020, a serendipitous meeting between the president of ISASS and Dr. Massimiliano Bracale, president of the Swiss School of Management (SSM), opened a new chapter in this story. Dr. Liz’s credentials and vision left a lasting impression on President Bracale, who offered her the Provost position of SSM.
But Dr. Liz set her sights on something even bigger: bringing the SSM brand to Barcelona. Her vision aligned perfectly with the mission of SSM, and soon enough, SSM Barcelona was born, adding a prestigious European academic institution to the region’s educational landscape.
ISASS: The Heart of It All
Today, ISASS stands as the umbrella organization managing three distinct academic
institutions:
ISASS: Offering diploma courses across the EU region.
BCAS: Continuing its social enterprise mission in the Barcelona province.
Swiss School of Management Barcelona: Providing globally recognized BBA, MBA, and
DBA degrees.
ISASS has become a hub of learning with something for everyone—whether you’re an aspiring
professional seeking a diploma, a local student looking to improve your prospects, or an ambitious leader aiming for an internationally accredited degree.
A Legacy of Growth and Impact
From its humble beginnings as a social enterprise, ISASS has grown into an academic powerhouse, paving the way for SSM Barcelona and empowering learners across Europe. It’s not just about education—it’s about transforming lives and building futures.
So, the next time someone asks, “Which came first, ISASS or SSM Barcelona?” You’ll know the answer. And more importantly, you also know the incredible story behind it. Let’s keep building together.
Noemi Katuin
19-11-2024
