“Life is a mountain. Your goal is to find your path, not to reach the top” Maxime Legace.
25th in the World Employability Ranking 2020 by Times Higher Education
33th in the European Teaching by World University Rankings 2021
28th Business- Management International Studies by QS Top Universities 2021
12th European Business School by Financial Times 2020
I grew up in two distinctive environments. My grandparents taught me to be kind while respecting everyone, no matter the circumstances. They were the characters who affected my existence the most. I can say that throughout my childhood, the rural environment shaped me. When I arrived in the capital, I saw how the urban regions are inferior compared to the rustic ones. Living in Bucharest educated me to understand how fast time passes and how to seize every opportunity that comes. Only then can I secure my development. No one told me the hardest decision I must make is to choose the degree I want to study. People talk about the importance of attending a University, still nobody specifies that the road is paved with rocks and metal.
I decided to learn abroad when I was in 6th grade. My character made a distinction from the rest, even during my childhood period. At the age of 12, I took part in the Chemistry Olympiads; I wrote novels for literature competitions and I was a street dancer while being preoccupied with the Universities in the United Kingdom. My primary interest used to be Criminology Department, then International Relation, but I ended up not knowing what I should study during the summer of my senior year. I have taken part in many United Nations model conferences, diplomatic events, clashes, debates, volunteering and I am the president of Interact Bucharest Triumph, but this enormous soup of projects not only helped me pursue a career in law but also motivated me to help the society.
Therefore, I applied to nine Universities, five in the United Kingdom, three in The Netherlands and 1 in Spain. I saw the events in the country I desired to study the most. That is why I got my pre-settled statute. During these times, none of those Law degrees sparked any interest so much. I realised I want to learn Law, but why? This question was the hardest one… If you were going to ask me, four months ago, I might not know why I desire to prosper in this domain.
However, I found a program that shapes my personality. I am a curious person, always desiring to find out more about individual life’s spectrum. Choosing the Law and International Relations degree offered by IE University, in Spain, represented the perfect chance for me to deepen my experience across the range of humanities and social studies. The journey was demanding. But Spain is the finest European country in which I can become the best human-rights lawyer.
The process is very holistic, but the worth is prestigious. First, you complete an online application, followed by a Kira interview which is checking your fast judgment and problem-solving skills. The next step is to take one of the entrance tests, such as SAT, ACT or LNAT. Personally, I took the admission test provided by IE University and LNAT, and they are quite reasonable. My advice for you would be to focus on quality always, not quantity. If you do so, you will perform properly in the exam. IE’s approach is original because they concentrate on students, their life, and their achievements. I have never felt just like another applicant because they made me consider myself as part of a whole.
If you do well on these steps, they will ask you to take part in an interview. You should not worry about this action. When I say they want just to meet you and get to identify who you are honestly, I mean it. My interview was so personal and full of life, that I have not perceived myself talking to a person who decides my future, but to a dear friend who wanted to listen to me and give me advice. I regularly had an adviser next to me because IE offers certain counsellors based on the regions. Mrs Andrea Gascon guided me and helped me to understand the Institution better. I received my acceptance at IE University alongside a prestigious scholarship, for which I will always be grateful.
Mrs Arantxa Ollero de la Serna is a very kind person who invests in prospective students so much. She is the one who interviewed me. Besides that, she is the Senior Manager of Global Admissions & Enrollment, while being responsible IE University undergraduate Law School programs from the admissions side. Even if she is in charge of so many activities, Mrs Arantxa made my admission process wonderful. Whenever I face any obstacles, she is there to support me no matter what. I was honoured to schedule a talk with her. She offered me insightful pieces of information, which I consider you should know. At IE University, there are 5 Law programs (Degree in Law, PPLE or Dual Degree in Business Administration and Law, Law and International Relations, PPLE and Data & Business Analysis) which are taught by the best international teachers. What makes this University
indeed different is the practical approach they use and how students develop techniques to think and apply every weapon to bring solutions to life. She developed the comparative methodology into a less theoretical one by aiming to include debates, public speaking, teamwork, and presentations. Why would you not desire to study in this academic institution? To be honest, I have never heard of a College offering legal skills classes, and international moot courts competitions. IE University created a project entitled "Comparative Law in Action" where all the scholarly institutions based on the method used by IE will meet in competition while being part of the Law without Walls (a program that offers leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship skills). But I did not choose to study only Law. From September, my studies will be conducted in the Law and International Relations area. My program will last 5 years, but in the end, I will receive a diploma which will testify to my graduation from both programs. Do you assume studying only one subject will put you down? The answer is no. Mrs Arantxa assured me that the law school, itself, is captivating. Each major has its own ups and downs, but in the end, the University will help you determine the program which fits you the most and each person will guard your back. The staff is beyond admirable and ready to make your academic life the best. The fact that they did not give me a number shocked me. In each email, everyone addressed my name. Mrs Arantxa told me the perspective of the Admission Committee. There is not a student number 1892, but here stays Ghiță who completed his admission process, and he is an entity. He is a person who wants to do something with his life and he chose IE University. A human is not a number, an individual is a living human being who has feelings, aspirations, achievements and problems.
Furthermore, it is well known that the monetary situation of prospective students, during COVID-19 times, decreased. Do not fear! If you are as active as you have been until now and you show your potential, there are 21 scholarships available for you. An award is included as well, a prize which is offered to the undergraduates who demonstrate high capability. As Mr Benjamin Shuffler (Associate Director of Financial Aid for Undergraduates) said, the team will explain the options possible for you. Personally, the pillar of financial help for me was Mr Blas Atencio Navarro. He scheduled meetings with me in order to present my alternatives and helped me so much in this process. When you decide to try for a bursary, you must have a strong extra-school life, good grades, motivation in your area of interest during the presentation of your economic condition. Why do they not mention excellent marks? Of course, my personal advice is to own your last mark over 9.20, but IE focuses on talent. Grades rarely reflect expertise. We are dealing with the academic position in our country, so we cannot say that we are provided with a fair system. Even though we are all disappointed, it does not mean that you should drop out. What our cultural organizations offer, from another angle, is the variety of subjects we study each period. This specification matters a lot when you apply abroad because a Romanian student can keep up with 16-17 courses per week, learning for the semesterly finals while studying for the Baccalaureate exam. In our entire year, we still experience language tests, University’s admissions, volunteering activities, sport competitions, private classes or Olympiads. Thus, the academic record is crucial when you demand a scholarship.
I know some of you may be scared because, in most cases, financial resources represent an obstacle. Mr Benjamin explained particularly the inclusion within the student’s body. A student is integrated into the community under no circumstances, so if you expect to be judged, stop thinking in vain. IE has a mixed profile and there are students from all over the world. The Admission Team is looking for open-minded people who want to embody their cultures. The IE policy states that scholarships are granted before the start of the academic year, so you should work exceptionally tough to get the% you need the most. However, the finance committee is in touch with current scholars and if there is any problem, like an unexpected life event, they will guide you into how you can pay the tuition fee. To maintain the aid, concentrate on your studies, as they are subjected to annual review. Motivation, ambition and hard work will keep you on the good track. This educational institution is supporting you with everything you call for, as long as you are ready to invest in your future.
Why would Mr Benjamin Shuffler advise you to study at IE? Well, as a former master student at this College, he found in IE a community that shaped his personality and helped him to grow. IE University is an institution that is fast-forward thinking, looking to innovate everything and to be one step ahead of the others, just for the benefit of the students. The teaching process is beyond memorising. The faculty creates people who develop the expertise not only in the job they pursue but in life. So, studying at IE University is a kind of win-win situation. You can access the Career Department, which will guide you to find a place to work after or during the University years. As a result, the employment rate is over 96% after graduation. They are very dedicated to their outlook.
I could have not accomplished my journey without the assistance of Ms Marta Albaladejo. She works in the Recruitment Department as an Associate Director. I had the honour to be advised by her in each step I took during my academic adventure. Her primary focus is Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia regions. Ms. Marta’s tasks are helping students and even visiting the countries in which there are humans interested in IE University. The team wants to meet the community while conducting face-to-face consultations, but because of the outbreak, this action could have not been finished this year. Please prepare our country to organise the best welcoming they experienced! Despite what everybody is saying about Generation Z, Ms Marta observed how teens are more engaged yearly, starting from the social and cultural aspects to the impact they create in their nations. This observation should motivate people to invest in their surroundings as, with each project you develop, you strive to improve the quality of life. In addition, IE is different, not only from the actions listed above but since this University is not for everyone. If you are the type who is searching for international experience and you are prepared to face a practical and personal approach, then this is your path. You are granted the right to access a myriad of clubs, labs, internships and a network which hosts 130 nationalities. Ms Albaladejo and my conversation ended up on a hilarious note. For those who are passionate about coffee, IE is your place. For me, coffee is imperative. If I do not drink at least 2, then I am not ready for the day. They guaranteed me that the cafeteria makes the best energiser.
When we talk about qualities mandatory at IE University, the entry requirements are precisely defined. Talent, uniqueness, dedication, possessing a compelling academic record and being open-minded are just a few essentials to be accepted. I admit that being aware of your desire to study for a certain degree is equally important because you include the strength to get what you wish the most. As IE values education, they adopted a liquid learning method. You will not graduate from Zoom University, I promise you. It is a matter of choice, but this scholarly institution is ready to provide you with each tool you need to succeed. I recognise we are so tired of all the online training. The only thing we expect is to close that laptop and relax. IE offers the possibility to learn physically. No more “Sorry teacher, my camera does not work”, “I am experiencing problems with my Internet connection”, “Catalina, why do you sleep during my class?”
IE University owns a partnership with over 160 Universities and maintains a distinguished relationship with the United Nations. This is not all! You are offered the chance to choose where your campus is going to be situated: Madrid or Segovia. Madrid is prodigious and will welcome you in the skyscraper, while Segovia is small, but has a rich past. I will study in Segovia starting in September because I aim to take each step carefully and live in a tight community until I accommodate myself. In the Segovia campus, history surrounds you, as it is an ancient city, while in Madrid you spend your time with Picasso at the Reina Sofia Museum. Spain is a beautiful country and symbolises one of the most delightful global nations. People are kind, open and ready to help you with everything. They have Latin ancestors, as Romanians have, and they are as passionate about parties as we are. At IE you will find the best student’s experience. Even though you focus on learning, you will have incredible nightlife. I am aware of your interest in this domain, because I value it as well, ups. Do not worry, you will relax and enjoy yourself in this amazing environment. If your generation is not so into fun, I guarantee you the class of 2025-2026 is going to change that!
From another perspective, studying in Spain is different for a Romanian Student. Most of our teenagers go to other countries, but I think they should reevaluate their options. Europe offers a wide range of opportunities and we can choose each country we want. I wanted a fresh start, within a community in which I inaugurate a fresh beginning. I acknowledge my challenging journey, yet I have realized it is beneficial.
In conclusion, I would have never expected myself to go to Spain and love IE University so much. Sometimes life takes you in a direction you never saw yourself going. Despite that, it turns out to be the best road you have ever taken.