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Summer school
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    Upskilling for Academic Excellence

    Your way to academic excellence.
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    duration2 weeks
    languageEnglish
    locationMadrid
    intake15th - 26th of June, 2026
    FormatIn-person
    FOR WHOUndergraduate students & recent graduates

    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 you: structured thinking, argumentation, and persuasive communication. 

    Through a hands on and interactive journey, you will learn to structure your thinking, analyze and deconstruct arguments, sharpen your influencing skills, and examine the biases that shape how ideas are received.

    Take control of your intellectual development and thrive in an AI saturated world.

    WANT TO KNOW MORE?

    WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

    • This program is right for you if…

      …you want to future proof your academic and professional path, seek an extra edge in any academic setting, and want to improve skills that set you apart.

    • Participant profile

      Undergraduate students and young professionals ages 18 to 26 from any academic background who are eager to strengthen critical thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and persuasive communication in the context of emerging technologies.

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    Days to start your best summer

    236days
    :
    23hours
    :
    11minutes

    Focus Areas

    Build the core human capabilities that complement AI, with practical training in four key areas essential for academic excellence.

    • 01.

      Critical Thinking

      Strengthen your ability to evaluate information, frame challenges, and build sound arguments that go beyond fast but generic answers from AI tools.

    • 02.

      Emotional Intelligence

      Develop self awareness and empathy, collaborate effectively, and communicate with impact in teams where human and AI interaction is increasingly common.

    • 03.

      Adaptability

      Learn to manage ambiguity, embrace change, and stay agile in learning and professional environments that evolve quickly.

    • 04.

      Bias and Persuasion

      Recognize cognitive biases in yourself and others, and practice ethical influence and persuasive communication to make your ideas land.

    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:

    • A group of students in a university classroom engaging in discussion with a teacher.

      Week 1:

      • Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • A group of people engaging in a collaborative work session at a modern office space.

      Week 2:

      • Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • A speaker presents on stage at IE University, focusing on a mobile device.

      Last day

      • Dedicated to final presentations and a fun graduation ceremony.

    Unique Value

    Gain a competitive edge by mastering critical thinking and persuasive communication that Gen AI cannot replicate.

    Learning Outcome

    By the end of the program, you will construct stronger arguments, communicate persuasively, think independently, and adapt with confidence in an AI saturated environment.

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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.​

      DISCOVER THE SUMMER CALENDAR

      Take a look to see how you can structure your summer with our various combinations.​

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      Alistair Fildes | IE

      OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY

      Alistair Fildes – Associate Dean at IE University

      • Vice Dean for Behavioral Science, leads IE’s BBSS program
      • PhD in Behavior and Organizational Change
      • Award winning research on public confidence in policing
      • Global behavior change leader across public and private sectors
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      Abstract for Tuition | IE

      TUITION

      *Early bird

      •  Before March 30th

      2 WEEK PROGRAM

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

      CREDIT RECOGNITION

      If you join IE University’s Summer Program for a two week module and opt in to the additional academic deliverable, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement indicating an academic workload equivalence of 3 ECTS credits. 

      Completing two modules with the deliverable corresponds to 6 ECTS, and three modules to 9 ECTS. 

      To qualify for credit recognition, you must fulfill all course requirements and submit the additional deliverable within two weeks of finishing your last module. Recognition of credits is always determined by your home institution.

      THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

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      1. 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.

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      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

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      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.

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      START YOUR APPLICATION

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

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