Charbel-Jesus Al Daouk Nasr
I’m 22 years old and was born in Lebanon. Though my family has diverse expertise in engineering, graphic design and finance, what I’ve always been most interested in is negotiations and helping people to solve issues. I obtained my bachelor's degree from Notre Dame University–Louaize in Lebanon and was accepted to work full time at the United Nations International Organization for Migration. The Master in International Development at IE University is exactly the degree I was looking to do as it focuses on experience over academia and offers many opportunities to make connections with real industry professionals. I count my time at IE University as one of the most valuable of my life.
“My experience at IE University was nothing less than phenomenal. I always thought that I’d miss home so much, but it seems to me that I found home elsewhere.”
Finding a second home at IE University
At 22 years old, Charbel-Jesus Al Daouk Nasr has already gained plenty of hands-on experience in international organizations and now walks away with a Master in International Development to further his career path.
Born in the northern town of Zgharta, Charbel-Jesus has Venezuelan and Lebanese nationality and has always been interested in negotiations, political debate, public speaking and helping people solve issues. This led him to Notre Dame University–Louaize in Lebanon to do a bachelor's degree in International Affairs & Diplomacy.
While doing his bachelor’s, Charbel-Jesus was accepted as an intern in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants in Lebanon. This spurred him to keep pursuing his goal of working at the United Nations. After many rejections for lack of experience, he was accepted at the UN International Organization for Migration to work in an emergency department, and then moved to the Displacement Tracking Matrix department for data collection and field operations for three years.
Charbel-Jesus managed to juggle a full-time job with a bachelor’s degree, and says the COVID-19 lockdown played a crucial role in allowing him to work and study from home. After graduating with distinction in the Faculty of Law and Political Science, Charbel-Jesus learned that IE University had just launched its new Master in International Development. With its focus on teaching students from all around to tackle the complex challenges associated with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Charbel-Jesus knew this was the degree he wanted to pursue next.
“My experience at IE University was nothing less than phenomenal. I always thought that I’d miss home so much, but it seems to me that I found home elsewhere.”
He says the best part of his IE University experience has been the numerous connections he’s been able to make. He found it very valuable to meet experts in their fields, such as special representatives from the Office of the UN Secretary-General. He counts one of his most important experiences as meeting students and staff from various backgrounds, cultures and regions, because it gave him the privilege to get to know how people from different cultures think and act, and how we can live with each other without conflict.
Charbel-Jesus was the representative for his Master in International Development class and says it gave him a feeling of responsibility that his classmates trust him to fulfill certain criteria, a responsibility he took very seriously.
His favorite course was Result-Based Management, taught by Professor Borja Santos, as it will allow him to take on more UN projects in the future. Charbel-Jesus says that even though the courses together can create an intense schedule, he always finds time to attend extracurricular activities such as joining clubs at IE University, working out, going out with friends, and attending some of the many seminars and talks arranged by IE University.
He says Madrid as a city has been very welcoming to him, particularly because he speaks Spanish. However, his friends who don’t speak Spanish have also found their place here. If anyone were to ask him to guide them through Madrid, he would advise they visit Retiro Park. There, you can have fun with your friends or enjoy some peaceful time alone, and it’s a great place to focus on your work.
Charbel-Jesus says his experience at IE University was nothing less than phenomenal. He always thought he’d really struggle with missing home, but it seems that at IE University he found home elsewhere. He says the friends, connections, special bonds, and experience that he’s developed are more than important to him, it’s become a crucial part of his values and beliefs.
