“Barcelona has everything it needs to become the main European hub for study abroad” by Jorge Rojas
Originally from Mexico City, Jorge Rojas lived in Germany and England before moving to Barcelona ten months ago. In 2000, he founded his company, Education & Travel Group, together with his brother Sergio Rojas. The aim of the company is to create opportunities for students to study abroad so they can contribute to Mexican development on their return. In 2008, together with the Oxford International Group in London, he created BEO World and Oxford Education Lit, which are now leaders in education abroad.
Why did you choose Barcelona?
Barcelona has it all: a perfect climate, the beach, numerous sporting opportunities, history, and above all outstanding gastronomy. Barcelona is small in comparison with Mexico City, but it has everything one might expect from a major metropolis. Having said that, it was actually the high degree of security and excellent education for my children that finally decided me.
Barcelona has all it needs to become the main Europe hub for international students. It is very attractive as a potential future European ‘Silicon Valley’, but I am totally convinced that so many international students dream of studying here as it is such a great place for school exchanges and university study at every level. Barcelona could generate considerable income from international students, as is already the case in the UK.
What do you see as the city’s strengths?
There are great connections with all other cities in Europe, and increasingly with the rest of the world. It is also really safe. And getting around Barcelona is very easy, by car, bicycle, or on foot.
The large number of cultural activities and international events means that Barcelona attracts visitors from all around the world.
What still needs to be improved?
Security in tourist areas like Las Ramblas is a priority, as at times one can feel a little unsafe. And the cleanliness of the whole of the center should be improved as it puts the city’s public image at risk.
Work should also be done on the perception of Barcelona. Most people see Barcelona only as a tourist destination, while it should also be seen as a major hub for international education and investment in all types of industry. Above all, the city needs to make sure that it never goes out of fashion.
What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?
I dream of a Barcelona that is full of international students, a trilingual Barcelona (Spanish, Catalan and English) in which students have numerous opportunities to flourish.
I hope to do everything possible to ensure that Barcelona continues to be attractive. That may sound easy, but it requires a lot of effort.
Where do you feel most at home? Is there anything that you miss?
I definitely feel at home in Barcelona. This is where my children will grow up, where I can go to some of the best concerts and sporting events, and where I will continue to pursue my professional career. In a globalized world, it is very easy to keep in touch with family and lifelong friends, and there will always be a pretext to visit Barcelona.
If you are an expatriate living in the city and want to help improve Barcelona to attract more high-impact talent, you can complete the survey here: https://barcelonaglobal.civi-go.net/en/6th_international_talent_monitor
