Student review [#18798] for International Relations
at IE University

IE University provides almost everything a student desires from a university; it is well located in the business centre of Madrid, has impressive business connections, offers a range of scholarships to make it accessible for all, and integrates technology to complement its teaching. In fact, I personally very much prefer the IE method of teaching which places the student at the centre of the learning experiences. I personally get a lot more out of class when it requires participation, fosters dialogues between students and encourages debates than merely from a lecture and note-taking. The classroom size is also not too big, meaning the professor is able to interact with students on a one-on-one basis, if necessary. Moreover, the absence of student residences can be a curse and a boon. While sometimes inconvenient to have to search for housing, and have to cook meals after a long day, it provides a way to prepare for what life will look like after university anyways.

That being said, the university does sometimes fall short in terms of its academic rigour and overall content delivery. Because courses are planned out from the start, students have very little flexibility in determining their own academic path. As a result, I have found myself not enjoying certain courses, but having to do them regardless. Moreover, I believe that the university does not demand enough from its students to foster an environment that facilitates some form of academic diligence. As a result, the classroom is often dominated by a few voices which limits very much the potential to share an array of thoughts. Moreover, academic work is often not as challenging nor rewarding and can sometimes even be underwhelming. Finally, the university also occasionally attempts to add, as part of the curriculum, classes that are experimental. However, so far in my experience these have never really materialised the output that was intended and can seem like a waste of time.

All in all, IE University is certainly not perfect, but it does empower the student to make the most of the experience. While academically it can feel lax, at times, this provides the student with the opportunity to dedicate time to one’s passions and interests. In other words, one has more flexibility with their time and can choose to leverage how they want. Regardless of the criticisms, I have started to find a balance between university and advancing my own interests, all while enjoying the city of Madrid; an experience I am not sure I would accomplish in a different university.