I grew up in Paris, France, but came to Madrid to study at IE University. Despite being far from my family, I feel right at home studying here. The students and faculty really are a tight-knit community.
Even though studying at IE University is an international experience in itself with such a diverse student body, I knew I wanted to learn about business from a different point of view and make connections in the United States. I think the exchange experience as a whole not only gave me new memories and friendships, but also skills and knowledge that will be valuable in my future career.
How did IE University help you in aligning an exchange with your greater goals for the future?
IE University is committed to helping students align their academic and professional goals with their greater life goals. When deciding which exchange program I wanted to go on, they supported me in many different ways. This included helping me identify exchange programs that would benefit both my academic goals and future career goals. I received guidance from both academic advisors and career counselors so that in the end, I made an informed choice about which program was the best fit for me personally.
What are your thoughts on the application process? Did IE University prepare you for the journey you were about to embark on?
IE University provides comprehensive support to all students considering participating in an exchange program. From giving me information about exchange opportunities, to helping me identify the programs that would best meet my needs and interests, I felt supported during the entire process. Applying to schools outside of Europe can be confusing for someone not familiar with the system, so I am glad I also had help during the application process. IE University also holds events and pre-departure orientations for students who are planning to go on an exchange. This is a great way to prepare for your time abroad and also to connect with fellow IE University students who are embarking on the same journey as you.
How do you think IE University’s exchange program helps shape students’ professional futures? Do you think it also shapes them on a personal level?
The exchange program can be extremely beneficial for students’ professional futures. Through experiencing different academic environments and learning from new voices, they can gain a better understanding of how business is approached in different parts of the world. This is one of the reasons I chose to study at UNC-Chapel Hill, because they are known for their business school. I wanted to learn about business from a different point of view to make myself a well-rounded professional in the future.
I think that the program also helps shape students on a personal level. Participating in an exchange program is not only an academic experience but also a personal one. It takes a lot of courage to step out of your comfort zone and study in a new place. But the experience is definitely worth it. I strengthened my professional network, challenged myself with new experiences, and gained exposure to new ideas and perspectives.
Do you have any advice for students considering participating in IE University’s exchange program?
Participating in an exchange program through IE University can provide students with a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. By immersing themselves in new cultures and academic environments, students can develop skills that will be valuable in their future careers. I encourage any student thinking about participating in an exchange program to do so, and to take advantage of all the resources available to them when choosing the right program for their needs.
