Carlos is a second-year Bachelor of Laws student in Madrid. He’s from La Paz, Bolivia and has done exchange programs in Germany and USA, but Madrid is his first experience living abroad for a long period of time. Learn more about Carlos and his experience from our interview for Faces of IEU:
About Him
What are your main hobbies and interests?
I’ve always liked sports, and lately I’ve gotten into running and CrossFit. Apart from that, I like reading, making the most out of the time with my family, taking a couple of hours a day to hang out with my friends, and whenever there’s an opportunity, traveling to a new place.
Why did you choose IEU?
When I first started doing applications for universities I was looking for a very diverse environment, where I could study and be around people from other countries and cultures. So the international approach the university offered was one of the main things that caught my attention. Besides that, the law degree closely matched what I was looking for.
As a student here, I really like the dynamic of the classroom, where you get to have a sense of how the world works today and how it will eventually work in the future. Moreover, I’ve come to realize how multicultural and fascinating Spain is as a country, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to experience all of this.
What do you want to do after graduation?
Apart from doing the Master’s to qualify as a lawyer in Spain, I think I will just embrace opportunities as they come. There’s still time before graduation, and anything could happen, so I think it’s more important to enjoy and make the most of my time here, and go forward with an open mind, rather than planning every step of the way.
About his experience at IEU
What’s the most valuable aspect of IEU for you?
I think one of the main and most valuable aspects of IEU is practice. The teaching method combines theory with many real-life cases and extracurricular competitions, and this complements both the academic and professional sides you experience as a student. But, of course, from time to time it can get pretty demanding.
Besides academics, I like how IEU connects people with the same interests through various extracurricular activities like events, seminars, labs, and societies.
How has IEU’s comparative law methodology shaped your perspective on the legal world?
I’d highlight the awareness in each class of the way law is currently undergoing a process of globalization. Teachers are always trying to reference other jurisdictions on how they manage the different topics we’re dealing with. The approach in many subjects is to refer to how the legal world is continuously evolving, and how to be more integrated internationally in certain matters. We’re taught not only to appreciate the need to be prepared as future professionals, but also to have an open mind towards the ways in which law will eventually adapt to these changes.
What opportunities have you taken advantage of during your time at IEU?
I’ve participated in some events and seminars regarding current affairs organized by the university and its clubs and societies. I also enrolled in a language course, and signed up for the Debate Club where I learned a lot about researching and forming an argument, and improved my public speaking skills.
Aside from these opportunities, the best thing was getting to know a lot of amazing, interesting people in class and on campus, from different countries and from other parts of Spain too.
