Andrea Secci

Andrea Secci is one of those lucky few who’ve always known what they wanted to do in life: diplomacy. "It's not just an intellectual interest," he explains. "Over time, I came to realize it's a field that resonates with who I am and the way I naturally tend to listen, mediate and look for common ground." That kind of clarity made it easy for him to see through the forest of academic programs to identify the right combination for him. 

You see, Andrea figured out early on that to succeed in the world of diplomacy, he needed to master both law and international relations. "You can't understand diplomacy without understanding the legal frameworks that shape it, and you can't practice law at an international level without grasping the political dynamics behind it," he says. So when he discovered the Dual Degree in Laws & International Relations at IE University, he knew this was where he needed to be. "It felt like a natural fit for me."

That choice continues to prove the right one now that he’s well into his first year of the program. It’s quite unlike any other traditional learning experience out there, he notes. "I wanted to be challenged by different perspectives daily, not just read about them." That’s what he’s found at IE University, where students come from over 160 countries worldwide and represent a broad spectrum of industries, backgrounds and perspectives. "You don't just study international relations; you live them every day, whether it's in a class discussion, group project or casual conversation." That kind of exposure is impossible to replicate in institutions without such a diverse student body. 

The range of experiences is just as varied. Learning is incredibly practical, characterized by hands-on projects, real case studies and opportunities to interact with top legal practitioners. The ability to pursue a competitive dual degree is another part of what makes an IE University education “feel real and forward-looking.” And it doesn’t stop in the classroom. Immersive trips like the recent excursion to Hong Kong and Macau make this dual degree truly transformative for its students.  

Safe to say, visiting Hong Kong shattered all the illusions Andrea had about the country and its relationship to China. It all started with a quote from French philosopher Montesquieu, one of the most prolific thinkers on the theory of separation of powers, which, in turn, has influenced countless constitutions around the world. It was a striking choice in this case, as Hong Kong generally doesn’t have this doctrine formally enshrined in law. However, it made the "One Country, Two Systems" concept more concrete in terms of understanding China’s sovereignty, Hong Kong’s autonomy and how each influences citizens’ freedoms. "That nuance, the tension between formal autonomy and the evolving reality of central influence, was something I simply hadn't grasped before," he admits. 

For Andrea, it was especially interesting to learn that Hong Kong’s legal system is among the most respected in the world, despite its complexities. "It challenged my initial assumptions and showed me that reality is far more layered than I expected," he states. "It’s the kind of insight that stays with you, and one that I could only have gained by being there."

As Hong Kong is one of Beijing’s most successful administrative regions, exploring its financial dynamism and innovation ecosystem was a key part of Andrea’s agenda. Students visited various local courts, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, the Legislative Council Members' Office and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, each providing Andrea with another layer of insight into the intersection between law, politics and economics.  

The nature of classroom sessions at a Hong Kong university highlighted another benefit of such immersive overseas experiences: exposure to different teaching methodologies. "The approach felt more structured and lecture-based, with a stronger emphasis on deep academic rigor and thorough analysis of legal doctrine," he explains.  

By contrast, IE University’s approach is "very discussion-driven, and you're constantly encouraged to share your opinion, challenge ideas and engage in debate, even as a first-year student," says Andrea. "The classroom feels like a conversation. Professors actively push you to think critically and express your perspective, regardless of whether you have the 'right' answer."

It also showed how adaptable he’d become since joining the dual degree, particularly in the way he navigates new environments and engages across cultures. "Whether I was speaking with local students, asking questions during institutional visits, or simply navigating daily life in Hong Kong," he says, "that openness and ease in unfamiliar settings made the whole experience richer."

Perhaps that’s the true value of an immersive international trip like this: it pushes you beyond the comfort of theory and into the complex realities of the real world. "You never stop learning," Andrea reflects. "The more you expose yourself to what is unfamiliar, the better equipped you become […] to one day work in a world that is far more diverse and complex than any single classroom can teach you." What’s more, it connects you to people you might never have met otherwise, establishing the foundations of a career that might span jurisdictions. 

Ultimately, that’s what defines the IE Experience. More than earning a degree, it’s about learning to move confidently across perspectives, cultures and borders. It’s about developing the curiosity, agility and global awareness needed to stand out in an increasingly interconnected world. And for students like Andrea, that journey has already begun.