Daad Abou Dib
My name is Daad, and I come from Lebanon. I consider myself a simple person, yet I’m constantly looking for new adventures. This led me to IE University and moving to a country where I didn’t know anyone or even speak the language. When you come from the Middle East, you’ve lived and seen conflicts up close and personal, and it’s bound to impact your professional choices. Personally, I’ve always wanted to have a career that could leave a big impact in my community and the legal field, pushing for improvements that make a difference.
"The world has so many opportunities that you don’t even know about, so you’ll eventually find a place where you belong, even if you don’t know where that is at the moment."
From Lebanon to IE University: a student’s story
Daad Abou Dib’s journey to the LL.M in International Legal Studies at IE University was a transformative one. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in law in 2023, the Lebanese native found herself questioning the next steps for her career. Having always dreamed of taking the Beirut Bar entrance exam, she came to the realization that this goal no longer aligned with her aspirations.
"This realization confused me even more because I had no idea what to do next," she admits. The uncertainty led her to explore various master’s degree opportunities, but it was the program at IE University that truly captured her passion.
The decision to step outside her limits stemmed from Daad’s desire for a fresh experience. Many students in Lebanon gravitate toward higher education in France due to the shared language and comparable systems, but Daad wanted something different. She was drawn to IE University’s innovative approach to legal education and the challenge of realizing her potential in an unfamiliar environment.
A pivotal experience for adventure-seeking Daad was Legal Immersion Week, which saw her visit major international institutions such as the United Nations in Geneva and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Witnessing how these organizations operate on a global scale offered new insights into international law and diplomacy. The visit to the WTO was especially memorable, with Daad explaining how it gave her a deeper understanding of global trade and policy: "It was life-changing," she says.
One of Daad’s core beliefs is that the world is full of unknown opportunities—and her experience is a shining example of how escaping your comfort zone can lead to a sense of belonging. Her advice to prospective students is to never limit yourself and to embrace the challenges of an interconnected world as she has at IE University.
Daad’s IE Experience has exceeded her expectations in many ways. Despite initially not knowing anyone, she quickly found a supportive community that was always ready to help. Those networking opportunities have been invaluable, allowing her to connect with influential figures in international law.
What stands out most to Daad is the level of creativity and initiative the university encourages. This sense of empowerment has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey, and she’s excited to see where it takes her next as she continues building her impactful, global legal career.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR LEGAL EDUCATION
TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR LEGAL EDUCATION