Elena Giovinazzi

Elena came to IE University as part of an exchange program between IE University and her home university, LUISS Guido Carli University (Rome). At her home university, she has completed her Bachelor in Political Science and International Relations and is currently earning her Master in Policies and Governance in Europe with a major in Economic Governance and Market Regulation.

Despite her young age, Elena had already dabbled in international experiences before coming to IE University. She completed a semester abroad at the University of Mannheim in Germany and also undertook volunteer experience with the European Solidarity Corps for Youth at an association for children living with autism syndrome in Burgos, Spain.

Elena is passionate about Europe and European studies and has therefore dedicated her studies and her future career to this area. In addition to working on her master’s degree, she is also currently serving as a project manager at European People, an organization based in Rome, Italy. There, she orchestrates projects that aim to engage young people in the democratic processes and values of the European Union. Her responsibilities include overseeing over 1,000 pupils and managing projects such as the European Parliament simulation.

Her future as a professional in the European realm looks promising as Elena has such a wealth of experiences to draw on. On top of her other experiences, Elena also carried out an internship at the Ministry of Economy and Finance during the Italian Presidency of the G20 in 2021. And, she is currently a project assistant with Exodus S.r.l., where she acts as a consultant for EU-funded projects in Italy. Elena is a true European polyglot with language skills in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.

The choice to come to IE University for her exchange program was an easy one. Elena was attracted to IE University’s impressive rankings and its innovative approach to teaching. The blended methodology of online and in-person learning as well as the open-forum class discussions, attention to students’ individual needs and ambitions, and world-class professors all promised a quality education during Elena’s semester abroad.

During her time in the Master in International Relations, Elena shares that she felt like an IE University student from day one. The full-immersion approach—exchange students attend all the same courses as their IE University counterparts—meant that Elena was immediately part of the IE Community.

What really stood out for Elena about IE University is the whole experience offered beyond the classroom, including the brand new IE Tower, networking opportunities and a number of events. The countless options have allowed Elena to experience the Master in International Relations to its fullest while also exploring her interests in new ways, including her vibrant campus life and time spent living in Madrid.

Elena also admires IE University’s diversity. She calls it “an amazing university for an exchange experience” because of the way it permits students to network with people from all over the world. This exposure to different study systems and cultures cultivates interpersonal skills. Furthermore, the relationships students nurture at IE University are strong enough to be carried on long after one’s studies are finished.

Although short-lived, Elena’s experience at IE University was intense. Despite having a heavy course load of six classes in a single semester, Elena thrived during her time in Madrid because she was surrounded by an incredible group of new friends. She felt welcomed and integrated from the start, and getting to study in the beautiful buildings of the IE University campus made the experience all the more enjoyable. As Elena says, “time flies by in this amazing setting and with such fine company.” We wish you the best in your future goals, Elena!

“Time flies by in this amazing setting and with such fine company.”