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Summer School
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International Relations

Empowering tomorrow’s rising leaders for global impact

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duration
language
location
intake
format
2 weeks
English
Madrid
5 July - 16 July
In-person

Shape the future, drive meaningful change

The world is at a turning point—global governance, social justice, and sustainability are facing unprecedented challenges. But within this disruption lies an opportunity: the chance to rethink, reshape, and lead in a new era of change. The International Relations program equips you with the tools to analyze power structures, challenge dominant narratives, and navigate uncertainty, helping you clarify your path in public and social impact. Through this immersive preparatory course, you will develop core skills essential for driving meaningful change, no matter your background or experience.

Guided by renowned faculty and experts in international affairs, policy-making, and social innovation, you’ll engage in critical discussions, hands-on learning, and self-reflection, all while connecting with a diverse, like-minded community of future changemakers from different career paths. If you're ready to not just react to global shifts but actively shape them, this is where your journey begins.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Days to start your best summer

235days
:
14hours
:
08minutes

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

  • This program is right for you if…

    …you are eager to challenge the status quo, navigate global uncertainty, and lead change in a world where traditional governance and collaboration are being redefined. If you aspire to be a changemaker who doesn’t just react to global shifts but actively shapes them, this is where your journey begins.

  • Participant profile

    The International Relations module is for undergraduate students and recent graduates (18-26) ready to drive impact. No matter your background, you’ll join a community of peers who share your passion for change.

Focus Areas

Gain the essential skills to navigate global challenges, influence policy, and lead with impact. This program focuses on six key areas that will empower you to think strategically, communicate effectively, and drive meaningful change in diverse international settings.

  • 01.

    Systemic Thinking & Strategic Foresight

    Analyze complex systems, anticipate global trends, and make high-impact, informed decisions.

  • 02.

    Geopolitical Acumen & Cross-Cultural Competence

    Understand global power dynamics and cultural nuances to lead effectively across diverse international settings.

  • 03.

    Policy Innovation & Public Problem-Solving

    Apply analytical and data-driven approaches to evaluate, design, and advocate for policies addressing critical global challenges.

  • 04.

    Communication & Advocacy

    Strengthen public speaking, storytelling, and persuasion skills to mobilize audiences and drive impactful change.

  • 05.

    Ethical & Responsible Decision-Making

    Navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments with integrity, transparency, and principled leadership.

  • 06.

    Negotiation & Conflict Mediation

    Develop skills in negotiation and dispute resolution to foster collaboration and implement sustainable solutions.

Study Plan

Program Structure

This agenda is subject to change.

Is this information helpful?

What You're going to do
2 Weeks | 40 Hours | 3 ECTS
Week 1
    Week 2
      Final Project
        What You're going to do
        2 Weeks | 40 Hours | 3 ECTS
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        CREDIT RECOGNITION

        Earning academic credit at your home institution for joining IE University’s Summer Program is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Many institutions routinely award credit for summer courses, but we highly recommend that you check with your University’s International or Study Abroad Office regarding any specific requirements you might need to fulfill.

        If you join IE University’s Summer Program for at least four weeks (= two two-week modules or with the four-week Entrepreneurship Summer School), you’ll complete an academic workload equivalence of 6 ECTS credits (or 3 US credits). If you spend more time with us, you can earn even more credit equivalence, also spread over consecutive summers. To qualify for credit recognition, you need to fulfill all the course requirements and submit one final essay within two weeks of finishing your last course.

        To make the credit transfer process easier, IE University provides all the necessary documentation and evidence required by your home university’s Study Abroad Office or academic department. Additionally, we actively work to pre-agree credit recognition with key partner universities to ensure a faster and smoother process for you.

        Your First Look at the Program

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        Unique Value

        This hands-on experience equips you with the skills, mindset, and confidence to become a purpose-driven global leader ready to make an impact. Learn from top faculty and industry experts, tackle real-world challenges, and engage in field trips and a leadership trail.

        Learning Outcome

        By the end of this program, you will analyze global trends, navigate complex systems, and influence policy through strategic foresight and data-driven decision-making. Strengthening your advocacy, communication, and leadership abilities, you will be prepared to drive meaningful and sustainable change in public service and beyond.

        Course Overview  

        Typical Day in the International Relations program

        We’ve structured each day to build your leadership toolkit, fostering collaboration, critical thinking and adaptability in the face of real-world challenges. Here’s a glimpse into your day-to-day as a future global leader.

        Week 1:

        Monday to Friday: 

        • 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. I Classes 
        • Afternoon: optional extracurricular activities.
        A student is writing on a whiteboard while another student sits and observes in a classroom.

        Week 2

        Monday to Thursday:

        • 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Classes.
        • Afternoon: optional extracurricular activities | Grit & Resilience Leadership Trial

        Friday:

        • The last day is dedicated to final presentations and later, a fun graduation ceremony.
        A group of students attentively participating in a classroom setting with laptops.
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        Collaboration with Impact Hub

        As part of the International Relations Summer Program at IE University, students will have the opportunity to learn from the success stories of Impact Hub, a global network driving social and environmental change. With locations in over 100 cities, Impact Hub brings together changemakers, startups, and organizations dedicated to creating innovative solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges.

        Through inspiring case studies and discussions with impact-driven entrepreneurs and leaders, students will gain valuable insights into what it takes to drive meaningful change. This experience will provide a firsthand look at real-world social innovation, equipping students with the knowledge and inspiration to shape their own path as future changemakers.

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        Meet UN Tourism

        As part of the collaboration with the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) – the UN agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism – students will visit its headquarters in Madrid and attend an exclusive masterclass with Executive Director Natalia Bayona.

        This unique experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at how global governance shapes the future of tourism and development, connecting classroom learning with real-world impact.

        Our Faculty

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        OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY

        Alberto Cremonesi - Academic Director and professor, IE University.

        • Alberto has over 20 years of global experience in sustainability strategy design and implementation, social impact, impact measurement, ESG and innovation management.
        • A highly creative individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a bias towards action, Alberto is an entrepreneur at heart.
        Meet your professor

        MEET OUR FACULTY

        Student Experience

        Inside the Experience

        • A person is writing on a whiteboard filled with ideas related to ethics in politics and democracy.
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        • A group of professionals sitting around a table during a meeting.
        • A group of people engaged in conversation in a modern office setting.
        • A woman is explaining ideas on a whiteboard while others observe in a collaborative environment.
        • Two people are discussing and brainstorming in front of a whiteboard filled with colorful sticky notes.
        • A group of three people engaged in a discussion over coffee.
        • Students are engaged in a virtual reality learning environment in a classroom.

        Admissions

        Our admissions process is simple and designed to understand your motivation and goals. Apply online and receive a decision within approximately two weeks.

        We recommend applying early, as places are limited.

        Abstract for Tuition | IE

        TUITION

        €4,500

        Program + Accommodation (Limited availability)
        The complete summer experience

        • With Accomodation:

          • 1 Program (2 weeks): €4,500
          • 2 Programs (4 weeks): €7,500
          • 3 Programs (6 weeks): €11,500

        • Without Accomodation:

          • 1 Program (2 weeks): €3,500
          • 2 Programs (4 weeks): €5,900
          • 3 Programs (6 weeks): €8,500

        THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

        1
        Online Application
        2
        Submit your Application
        3
        Admissions Final Decision

        Online Application

        You will need to complete the online application with the following documents:

        1. Academic transcripts.
        2. CV (cv template).
        3. Video Assessment: in this section you will complete two live video questions on general knowledge topics.

        *You must complete all sections of the application in order to submit it.

        1/3

        START YOUR APPLICATION

        Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!

        Apply now

        Check out our calendar

        FIND YOUR IDEAL PROGRAM

        With flexible programs, you can mix and match the topics that interest you the most, giving you a taste of your future degree or career. Each program lasts two weeks and you can combine up to three programs to create a very personal learning journey.​

          From Summer to Your Future at IE.

          Step Into Your Master’s Journey

            FAQ's

            • No prior experience is required. The program is designed to introduce key concepts in an accessible way, making it suitable for students from any academic background.

              Is this information helpful?

            • Yes, this program is ideal if you’re curious about geopolitics, global challenges, and how decisions shape societies. It helps you explore these topics while understanding their real-world impact.

              Is this information helpful?

            • It focuses on real-world impact, combining geopolitics with leadership, innovation, and problem-solving to prepare you for today’s global challenges.

              Is this information helpful?

            • Absolutely. The program is designed for students who want to understand global challenges and become agents of change in areas like policy, sustainability, and international development.

              Is this information helpful?

            • Yes, engaging with global issues and demonstrating interest in geopolitics and impact-driven careers can strengthen your academic profile.

              Is this information helpful?

            Register Your interest
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