Faculty Spotlight: Gour Saraff

Gour Saraff: a professor, an author, and a mentor for life.

 Today we bring TEDx speaker and award-winning Professor, Gour Saraff to the spotlight! He has taught more than 55 subjects in international business, marketing, and finance across the world, and currently teaches at the Schiller Madrid Campus. With a wealth of international business experience - he has founded startups in places such as the US, UK, East Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Spain, and India - and a passion for teaching, Mr. Saraff brings a unique perspective to our students. We sat with him to delve into his background, teaching philosophy, and anecdotes that make him an exceptional professor.

Originating from India, Gour Saraff has an extensive repertoire of subjects he teaches at Schiller, including International Business, Operations Management, Macroeconomics, and various other business classes. Since joining Schiller in 2013, Mr. Saraff has left an indelible mark on our students, nurturing their intellectual growth and preparing them for success in the global business arena.

1. What do you like most about the subject you teach?

I have been privileged to work with corporations and on my own businesses in US, East Europe, Spain, and India. The opportunity to draw on this experience in the subjects that I get to teach is perhaps the most rewarding aspect for my students.

2. What do you like most about teaching at Schiller?

Interacting with a curious and diverse student body that continues to challenge my intellectual capacity.

He recently took a group of students specializing in Sustainability on an enlightening market visit to La Latina, Madrid's most sustainable neighborhood.

3. When you are not teaching, what do you like to do most?

Hike in the mountains surrounding Madrid.

4. Tell us some anecdotes about your teaching experience.

In our last business class, we usually go over personal investment advice that students can make for themselves in creating a diversified strategic stock portfolio. This has become popular, and students are able to apply this knowledge for securing their financial future. Many reconnect over the years to discuss their portfolio and for further advice. It is a great way to send them off and maintain a long-term connection.

5. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?

Most likely an entrepreneur.

6. Do you think students nowadays are different from those 10 years ago?

They are digitally savvy and environmentally conscious.

7. What advice would you give to students?

Find something that you are good at and develop those skills to remain relevant.

8. What is your favorite place to relax?

Hiking in Guadarrama mountains only one hour from Madrid! For longer travel perhaps Kerala, India at any one of the myriad holistic ayurveda centers.

9. Tell us your favorite hangout place at Madrid.

 You will most likely find me meditating with the sangha at Saladana in the city center.

10. What would you tell students from India who may be considering coming to study to Europe or the US with Schiller?

Don’t miss this opportunity to develop. Schiller offers multiple campuses, diversity, and great teachers for your growth.

11. Anything else you want to add?

You will fall in love with Madrid!

In addition to his teaching endeavours, Mr. Saraff has also made notable contributions as the Managing Director of the Europe India Chamber of Commerce SPAIN Chapter. This role demonstrates his commitment to fostering business collaborations and cultural exchange between Europe and India.

He is the author of "Dos cocinas cómplices" a cross cultural adventure on blending Indian spices with Spanish cuisine, "Walking on thin ice" a personal account of doing business in Russia and Ukraine, and "La filosofia delle spezie" a collective collaboration on a culinary journey in Italy. He speaks Speaks English, Spanish, Russian, Hindi, Bengali, and Rajasthani.