IE University (reviews)

IE University poses itself as a very international community, yet i really don’t find value in such internationality – most of the students are just rich spoilt kids not willing to do absolutely anything apart from partying all night and merely passing their subjects.
Some professors are truly great, and this is one of the factors why I still put “good” in the evaluation. Yet, some professors were quite disappointing – some because of the level of their knowledge, some because of the level of their English… The University still has a lot to work on in its recruitment process.
Student life. University’s Campus Life office is really trying to organize many events, make them interesting, as well as they give you a lot of support if you come up with some idea that you want to implement (for example, organizing some event) – and that’s another factor why University might still be considered “good”. Nevertheless, because of the above-mentioned problem of the absence of engagement from the side of most of the students, most of such initiatives are failing. Problem of the University, or problem of the generation? Well, mostly of the generation, but the University definitely could put some more effort in the admissions process and not admit students just because of their wealth. Unfortunately, rich does not mean intelligent nowadays in most of the cases, and the University definitely has to realize that. I really think that most of the problems would be solved if only they were looking for quality in their future students, not the quantity on their bank accounts.
As pessimistic as this review might seem, I think that IE University represents quite a realistic picture of contemporary life, in which, in order to succeed, you have to show initiative and be as active as possible despite all the surrounding problems. Indeed, if you work hard and want to achieve something, ask for help and guidance in times when you are lost, maintain curiosity in the world around you, keep going and trying regardless of seeing how some rich kids get everything they want with minimum effort, and, finally, try to always see something good in people around you – then you will be definitely rewarded.
Reinventing higher education? Not really. Showing the reality of higher education and life in general as it is nowadays? Definitely.

The university offers amazing and unique degrees, which will certainly advance anyone’s career opportunities. In particular, the various dual degrees offer great curricula and study opportunities. Moreover, IE really is an extremely international university with students from all over the world. Although most are Latin American and European, there are also students from Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, US, Marocco, etc. Furthermore, the class sizes are small such that there is a close relationship with the professors and one can engage in many interesting discussions, and the university focuses on practical matters. Thus, any student will learn more than simply the theory but also how to apply it in the professional field, preparing them extremely well for their later careers. Regarding the professors, there are some absolutely amazing professors – some of the best ones I have ever had the pleasure of teaching me – but also some professors who hardly speak any English, have no knowledge of how to teach in an understandable and organized manner and sometimes might even not have sufficient knowledge regarding the subject matter whatsoever. The mix of high and low quality teachers is certainly a byproduct from having rather unique degrees taught in English in a Spanish-speaking country, thus understandable, yet unacceptable regardless. Nevertheless, overall I am extremely satisfied with the learning experience and feel qualified for my future profession in law. The biggest problem, however, is the subpar student body. Due to Spanish regulations, the university is forced to continuously grow, thus, being forced to accept too many students, which should not be accepted, resulting in many students who are unmotivated, disinterested and underqualified for their university studies. Regardless, there are certainly many highly intelligent, passionate and dedicated students with an extremely international background that cannot be found elsewhere. Overall, I am happy to be studying at this university, but there are still many things that need to be changed. The university itself, however, does seem to be open to hearing from students. Finally, no matter what degree one is studying there is a focus on business matters.

I love the small classes which makes communication between students and teacher much better than other universities with huge classes. Teachers are always open to talk about anything work related and even are willing to help out with personal issues to help with academics.

The collection of so many different cultures and nationalities really expands your mind and personality more than you imagine it would when you hear the word ‘diversity’ being thrown around. Apart from that, the academics are quite good and the opportunities for exchange and internships make the education here quite connected to the real world.

I really like the university environment and the futuristic outlook of all the bachelors, but specially the bachelor in design (which is what im studying). The good thing about IE is that it combines a big Business background into every bachelor, so you get those skills necessary for working in the real world.

I love that it’s international, I like meeting people from all over the world. I like the conferences that the university arranges, and the class schedules are well thought out.

As for my degree, since it’s only existed at IE for two years, I’m still a little hesitant about it and am considering changing to architecture, which is a more developed degree.

Also, some of the modules that we are required to take, like Writing Skills and Presentation Skills, I found completely unnecessary, but that’s just me.

My experience has been good, but with the tuition we pay we shouldn’t have to pay for:
1. So many materials,
2. More university organized day trips should happen (free or extremely low priced) and
3. Teachers should speak proper English.

The way of teaching is different than other universities, as they use a more didactic and creative way of teaching. Also, they are always encouraging students to attend conferences and meeting provided by them so they can expand their horizon and start creating their own network.

My favorite thing about IE University is the international environment. There are over 100 different nationalities on campus, which provides students with the opportunity to learn and embrace other cultures.

The bachelor in design is a great program for students that would like to learn different fields in the area, as well as, social science courses. The program is composed of a diverse range of subjects that enrich us as future designers and complements our education with different subjects to create visuals, products, spaces and/or experience that would have a positive impact in the user’s life by truly understanding the costumers’ needs.

IE University’s strengths lie in the method of learning students are able to abstain through the small class sizes and direct contact with professors. (At least in my experience) most of the university’s professors very credible and experienced professionals. I do think however that the university’s retake process that students go through when they fail a class is not strenuous and rigorous enough, resulting in a general decrease rigour and in quality of work and grades in the university.

The university is also (in my personal opinion) geared towards business—although that is inevitable given it was originally a business school and still is known as such. I do think though that especially the other schools such as the School of Architecture and Design should be treated as such and not as a business institution. For example, I believe that more investment should be made in the softwares and materials that the students require, rather than capitalising on them by overpricing such required materials and having such a big profit margin.

There are several things that I believe the university needs to work on, and some requests/suggestions are heard by the university, and some fall upon deaf ears. Overall I would say that though it has its faults, I am quite satisfied with the learning experience at the university in general.

The program is very strong as it is a perfect combination of design and engineering for Architecture which creates a good balance. Additionally, the professors tend to be professionals who are active and successful in their field which makes the courses more interesting. However, the school tends to be not selective enough that results in a vast difference in students’ knowledge and skill levels, and thus the course pace has to slow down in order for everyone to understand and learn even the most basic facts.