Interview with Mathilde, Bachelor of International Relations student at IE University in Spain

Often considered one of the best private universities in Spain, IE University has exceptional campuses in Madrid and Segovia. After completing her baccalauréat in France, Mathilde joined IE’s Bachelor of International Relations program in Segovia. She tells us about her university experience, her favorite courses and the dynamic student life she discovered there!

Profile

FIRST NAME : Mathilde

NATIONALITY : French

COURSE NAME : Bachelor of International Relations

UNIVERSITY NAME: IE University, Madrid, Segovia campus

TYPE OF BACCALAUREATE AND RESULT OBTAINED : Baccalauréat (A-levels) with honors, specializing in Mathematics and Economic and Social Sciences (SES)

NAME OF YOUR SCHOOL Institution Saint Dominique in Neuilly-sur-Seine

Study abroad

Why did you decide to study abroad?

I chose to study abroad because I wanted to study International Relations. I started looking at different Bachelors programs offered by universities abroad and quickly discovered the one offered by IE University. I applied at the very beginning of my final year and was able to get an answer early in the year (in October). I chose IE in Spain mainly because of its proximity to France. I was also interested in ESADE in Barcelona and business schools in the Netherlands.

What was the admissions and selection process like?

For IE, applications can be submitted as early as the end of the 1st year. The admission process takes place in several stages. Firstly, you need to prepare an online application, which includes a number of documents including a CV, a personal essay, 2 letters of recommendation and your 2nd, 1st and Terminale school reports. I sent in my application in September and then had to take the IE admission test and the “Kira Assessment”, which consists of answering 2 questions in video form in about a minute, followed by a written question in 5 minutes. Once I’d passed these initial stages, I received an eligibility reply and was invited to attend an admission interview.

How did you prepare for the new school year?

I had to get the>NIE a card required to reside in Spain for more than 90 days. It also allows you to work and find internships in Spain. I recommend obtaining it as soon as possible. As for health insurance, as a European citizen, I was able to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by the social security system. Finally, I also had to take steps to find accommodation close to the university. The two main options were to live in a hall of residence or to find private accommodation.

The admission process and administrative procedures

Did you have to choose your courses in the first year?

In the first half of the first year cours were imposed. I was able to take courses in microeconomics, political theory, political science, the history of international relations up to 1945, as well as Spanish. The courses are quite varied and complementary. I like this diversity of teaching: for example, economics allows me to do applied mathematics, while the political theory course deals more with philosophical themes. In my opinion, it’s this complementarity that makes the Bachelor’s program so rich. I particularly liked the History of International Relations course. We started with the invention of writing and continued through to the end of the Second World War. This enabled me to discover the history of different parts of the world, whereas in high school we had a more European-centric view. I found the teaching of political science very interesting, because we saw concepts that I hadn’t studied before. In the second semester, we still have compulsory courses, but we can also choose a few electives. We have a compulsory Humanities course, which we can choose from a range of different courses. I opted for a course entitled “Images, Art and Power”. I really liked the possibility of taking a course that mixed politics with artistic and creative themes. Labs” are also offered during our Bachelor’s degree. These are optional weekly courses during which we have to carry out projects for companies.

Did you find it difficult to adapt to the education system?

I was worried about the language barrier. At the beginning of the semester, I had a few difficulties because all the courses were in English and covered new concepts. Then there were the different accents of the teachers and the compulsory readings every week. However, I quickly got used to being taught in English and I no longer find it difficult to follow my lessons.

Do you have a lot of work to do?

It’s a new way of working. We have fewer lessons than in high school, but a lot of personal work, including compulsory readings of texts for each course every week. I still manage to play sports and enjoy student life to the full. However, I think it’s important to get into a good rhythm right from the start of the semester, and to study between classes so as not to fall behind. The university provides plenty of space to work, including a library, classrooms and individual study rooms.

How many hours of lessons do you have a week?

It depends on the week, but I generally have between 20 and 25 hours of lessons each week.

Student life on campus

What’s student life like at IE University?

I’m on the IE University campus in Segovia. As part of my Bachelor’s program, I’ll be studying for two years on this campus and then on the Madrid campus for my final two years. The Segovia campus is smaller, which makes it easier to meet new people and always bump into familiar faces. I’ll also have the same class throughout my first two years.

There’s a great atmosphere on campus, and nn our first year, we can have a “mentor”, a second- or third-year student who helps us when we arrive on campus and facilitates our integration.

Which residence are you staying in? and make it easier for us to fit in.

I live in a residence fifteen minutes’ walk from the campus. I found it on the university website.
Il y a aussi une résidence sur le campus où les étudiant·e·s peuvent prendre leurs repas dans la cafétéria.
Il y a un vrai esprit de communauté qui se crée car nous sommes toujours entourés des mêmes personnes.

What’s life like on campus?

There are a lot of associations, which makes it easy to create student groups. My goal when I arrived at IE University was to join a sports team. So I joined the basketball club and take part in training twice a week. There’s a great atmosphere and I get to meet other students outside class. I’ve also joined the dance club, which offers different classes every week.

What are your favorite things about IE University and what would you like to see improved?

I really liked the fact that as soon as we arrived at the university, we were taken care of by the professors and students. I like the fact that the Segovia campus offers a real student community spirit and the opportunity to quickly get to know all the other students, especially compared to the Madrid campus. In terms of areas for improvement, I’d say that some of the teaching is very theoretical, and that group projects or more fun activities might be interesting.

Into the future

What are your plans for the future?

After my Bachelor’s degree, I’d like to do a Master’s in International Relations. I then plan to work for an international organization like the United Nations, but I’m also very interested in humanitarian work and sports journalism.

What advice and recommendations would you give to a French student interested in joining IE University?

Even though it can be difficult to stay away from your family, studying abroad is an incredible and truly enriching experience that allows you to meet new people! I really recommend not hesitating to try out new sports and join associations to make the most of this opportunity!

If, like Mathilde, you would like to join IE University or a university in Spain, don’t hesitate to >Contact us to discuss your project!