We can't wait to meet you and welcome you to our beautiful campus in the heart of Madrid and to the team that will be supporting you throughout your Geneva Business School journey.
Below is the Welcome Week program with everything you can expect during your first week with us. We're expecting to see you on campus, ready to meet your new colleagues on March 2nd!
Don't forget to open all the schedule pages and sign up for the activities!
09:30 - 10:30 WELCOME TO CAMPUS BREAKFAST
Feel free to come to campus from 9:30 for coffee and breakfast to start our Spring 2026 Welcome Week. Pick up your Welcome Pack and Name Tag and start meeting the rest of the new students & staff.
10:30 - 12:00 Welcome Intro, Olympic Team Selection & Student Committee Introduction
Here you will learn more about our mission, vision, ethics code and details to prepare you for success.
During this session you will:
Attend the formal Welcome to the Madrid Campus and introduction to our Academic Team and this week's program.
Attend the Student Experience presentation to learn about campus activities, the Student Council, internships and how we can support you as you settle in to life in Madrid.
You will be divided into teams for the week's Olympic challenge.
You will sign the Student Handbook, photo consent, and verification sheet.
12:00 - 13:30 Olympic Challence Pt. 1 "Get to know your School"
The Olympic Challenge is a fun, three day team competition that will tun throughout Welcome Week. It's goal is simple: help you meet new people, work together, and start building strong connections from day one. You'll be placed in mixed teams, giving you the chance to interact with your new classmates, while enjoying a friendly and energetic atmosphere. Each challenge will have a different theme and set of activities, combining playful competition with a meaningful learning experience.
The first Olympic Challenge, "Get to Know Your School", mixes Geneva Business School trivia with interactive games to help you discover the campus, its history, and the resources available to you, all while having fun and getting involved right from the start.
13:30 - 15:00 Lunch break & Picture time
Mingle over lunch on campus and have your student ID photos taken.
Please remember to dress appropriately (business or business casual is recommended)
15:00 - 16:30 Breaking the Ice - know your fellow Classmates! By Ricardo Jovani
Led by Ricardo Jovani, this dynamic session is designed to help you connect with your fellow classmates in a fun and engaging way. Through interactive activities and group exercises, you’ll have the opportunity to share experiences, discover common interests, and start building meaningful relationships from day one.
A perfect way to break the ice, feel more comfortable in your new environment, and begin creating the network that will support you throughout your time at the school.
10:30 - 11:00 Welcome Coffee and Cookies
Start the day with an informal coffee and cookies in the cafeteria. A relaxed moment to recharge, catch up with classmates, and ease into the day’s activities.
11:00 - 12:30 Academics Q&A Session
Meet members of the Academic Team and get answers to your questions about academic programs, courses, and expectations. This is your opportunity to better understand how your studies are structured and to engage directly with the people who will support you throughout the semester.
12:30 - 13:00 City Life
Citylife focuses on providing information and support to international students. Learn about how to adapt to life in Madrid.
13:00 - 14:30 Lunch Break (Free time)
This time is free for you to explore the area around campus and grab lunch on your own. It’s a great opportunity to discover nearby spots, enjoy the neighborhood, and continue getting to know your classmates in a more informal setting.
14:30 - 16:00 Olympic Challenge Pt.2
The second Olympic session focuses on cultural and intellectual engagement, with challenges inspired by Madrid and Spain. Through activities such as the Metro Maze, city-based trivia, and lateral thinking puzzles, students will put their problem-solving skills and teamwork to the test. This session is designed to help you learn more about your new city while encouraging collaboration, curiosity, and a deeper connection to your surroundings. All in a fun and dynamic way.
Please bring your laptop to school and let's get started!
9:30 - 11:00 Google Workshop (Balbino)
This interactive workshop will introduce you to the essential digital tools you’ll be using throughout your academic journey. Learn how to navigate platforms that will support your classes, collaboration, and daily work at Geneva Business School.
11:00 - 12:00 Life on the Move
Learn about the NIE/TIE (residence card), "empadronamiento,"Facing issues with your NIE, visa, or apartment? Our relocation partners will cover the essentials of relocation services and offer their support to ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Madrid.
12:00 - 13:30 Spanish Workshop - Spanish placement test (Paloma)
This session is dedicated to your Spanish seeding (placement) test. The assessment will help us evaluate your current level and place you in the appropriate Spanish class for the semester. Whether you are a beginner or already have experience with the language, this step ensures you are in the right group to continue developing your skills with confidence.
12:30 - 13:30 Mindfulness Workshop (Alexa)
Led by Alexa, this workshop offers a dedicated space to slow down and reconnect during an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) first week. Through guided exercises and practical techniques, you’ll explore simple tools to manage stress, improve focus, and build emotional awareness.
A valuable session to help you start the semester feeling balanced, present, and ready to take on new challenges with clarity and confidence.
13:30 - 15:00 Lunch Break (Free time)
This time is free for you to explore the area around campus and grab lunch on your own. It’s a great opportunity to discover nearby spots, enjoy the neighborhood, and continue getting to know your classmates in a more informal setting.
15:00 - 16:30 Olympic Challenge Pt. 3
This session focuses on team bonding through a series of engaging physical and cooperative challenges. These activities are designed to encourage collaboration, communication, and trust among teammates.
Through playful competition and shared problem-solving, this session creates a fun and supportive environment where students can strengthen group dynamics, build leadership skills, and continue developing connections with one another.
Use this time to finish setting yourself up in your new city.
10:00 - 18:00 Free Day
Use this time to finnish setting yourself up in your new city. Take care of any practical matters you may need upon arrival. Our team will be available to help you with any general or academic consultations. This is your space to get settled and ask questions at your own pace.
Use this time to get:
Your phone SIM card
Transport card
Banking account
Or any other thing you need to sort out before the official start of the courses.
15:30 - 16:30 Meeting for Asynchronous Students
This dedicated online session is designed for students who are currently navigating visa delays or other circumstances preventing an on-campus start. Hosted by our Academic Manager, Jacobo Dominguez, this meeting will provide a comprehensive review of the academic approach for the upcoming semester and offer essential guidance regarding your future arrival in Madrid. We want to ensure you have all the tools you need to succeed remotely while preparing for a smooth transition to campus life. Join us to get your questions answered and start your journey with confidence, no matter where you are in the world.
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rna-eyvm-jeg
10:00 - 10:30 Olympic Winners
Join us at the campus, where we’ll announce the winners of the Olympic Challenge. The top two teams will receive prizes of descending value (specific prizes to be confirmed). A great moment to celebrate the challenges, teamwork, and shared experiences from Welcome Week. 🎉
10:30 - 15:30 Outside Activity (Toledo visit)
As part of Welcome Week, you’ll take part in an off-campus activity designed to help you explore beyond the classroom and connect with your classmates in a more relaxed setting. We will be visiting Toledo, "The city of three cultures". Toledo is one of Spain’s most historic and picturesque cities. Known for its rich heritage, medieval streets, and unique blend of cultures, Toledo offers the perfect setting to explore, learn, and connect with your classmates outside the classroom.
Please sign up to join the activity on this link. (People not confirming the attendance won´t be able to join).