duration2 weeks

languageEnglish

locationMadrid

intake15th - 26th of June, 2026

FormatIn-person

Sharper Thinking and Stronger Persuasion

In a world where Gen AI is becoming the default academic assistant, how do you stand out?

This two-week course helps you cultivate the human strengths that truly differentiate: critical thinking and persuasive communication.

Through a hands-on, interactive journey, you’ll learn to structure your thinking, analyze and deconstruct arguments, and sharpen your influencing skills.

You'll also examine the biases that shape how your ideas are received. Don’t rely on technology to define your thinking.

Take control of your intellectual development and become a Persuasive Thinker.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

This program is right for you if…
… you want to future-proof your career by strengthening the human-centered skills that set you apart in a tech-driven world.
Participant profile
Undergraduate students and young professionals (ages 18–26) from any academic background who are eager to enhance their critical, interpersonal, and leadership skills in the context of emerging technologies.

Days to start your best summer

256days

13hours

30minutes

Focus Areas

Build the core human capabilities that complement AI, with practical training in four key areas essential for navigating the future of work.

01.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Strengthen your ability to evaluate information, frame challenges, and make well-reasoned decisions—especially when AI tools offer fast but generic answers.
02.
Emotional Intelligence & Collaboration
Learn how to navigate group dynamics, communicate with empathy, and lead with self-awareness in teams where human-AI interaction is increasingly common.

03.
Adaptability & Resilience
Develop tools to manage ambiguity, embrace change, and stay agile in a world where technological disruptions—like Gen AI—constantly reshape professional landscapes.
04.
Ethics & Responsible Innovation
Explore the human dimensions of AI: ethical dilemmas, algorithmic bias, and the importance of critical values in the design and deployment of emerging technologies.

Course Overview – Typical Day in the Upskilling for Academic Excellence Program

We’ve structured your day-to-day to sharpen your skills and bring out your best ideas. Designed for an engaging and hands-on experience, here’s what a typical day in the Upskilling for Academic Excellence program looks like:

Week 1:

Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Week 2:

Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Last day

Dedicated to final presentations and a fun graduation ceremony.

Unique Value

Gain a competitive edge by mastering the critical thinking and persuasion skills that AI can’t replicate.

Learning Outcome

By the end of the program, you'll be able to construct stronger arguments, influence more effectively, and think independently in an AI-saturated environment.

Beatriz Bagaces Serrano
Manager - Global Recruitment
ieuniversitysummerschool@ie.edu
Any doubts?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advice on your specific case.
Book a Call
click to WhatsApp

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DISCOVER THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU

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.

TUITION

*Early bird

Before March 30th

2 WEEK PROGRAM

3,500€
*5,900€ Bundle Price (2 weeks + 2 weeks)

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.

THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

A graphic illustration of a woman interacting with a large, symbolic interface, handling documents and folders.

1. Online Application

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

Academic transcripts.
CV (cv template).
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.

A person working on a laptop at a standing desk.

2. Submit your Application

Once you complete all sections you may submit your online application to be evaluated by our team.

*Interviews will be conducted with the IE team to explore entrepreneurship ideas and provide guidance

A stylized illustration of a woman walking confidently with a large checklist and a check mark, symbolizing task completion or approval.

3. Admissions Final Decision

Within 2 weeks of submitting, the Summer School Team will contact you with the final resolution of your Admissions process. Should it be positive, you will be guided through the next steps for your enrollment.