Omar El-Hedeiry

Omar El-Hedeiry’s interest in politics began long before university. Throughout high school, he was involved in student leadership and international debate. And when he discovered IE University, its international environment and interdisciplinary approach stood out immediately. His experience in the Bachelor in Political Science has combined academic rigor with hands-on learning and global exposure.  

One of the aspects of the Bachelor in Political Science that stands out to Omar is how it teaches students to think across disciplines. Rather than studying subjects in isolation, students learn how to connect them and apply their knowledge to real-world contexts.  

"My experience in the program has taught me discipline and focus," he explains. "By combining multiple different courses, you learn how to connect all of them and piece everything together in the context of the real world."

This interdisciplinary structure is at the core of the Bachelor in Political Science. The program integrates political science, economics and public administration, while also developing key professional skills such as leadership, communication and policy analysis. Students are encouraged to explore how political decisions shape societies, and how they, in turn, can influence those decisions. 

 For Omar, one of the most impactful moments of his academic journey so far has been the study trip to Athens. The experience brought together history, theory and direct engagement with contemporary political actors. 

"Athens is the birthplace of democracy, filled with rich old and new history that has shaped it into the mother of democracy across the world," he reflects. "We were able to look at how policies from the past led to what we can see in the nation today, helping us form questions and shape policy discussions in our meetings with officials, as well as predict what might happen next."

The trip combined visits to iconic historical sites, including the Acropolis and Delphi, with meetings with policymakers, institutional representatives and experts. This dual perspective allowed students to explore how past political systems continue to shape present-day governance. 

"Given the recent changes the country has been going through, we were able to apply what we had learned in the classroom to actual discussions with ministers, former prime ministers and professors," says Omar.   

In class, students regularly engage with global policy issues, guided by faculty with firsthand experience on the global political stage. As Omar explains, "We debate and analyze many of the world's policies, and through that process, we see how everything works."

However, what really sets IE University apart is the opportunity to take those discussions beyond the classroom. Through initiatives like IEU Labs, simulations and partnerships with global organizations, students gain real-world experience early in their academic journey.   

The Athens trip is a perfect example. Meeting with representatives from institutions such as the European Commission and engaging with political leaders gave students insight into how different sectors work together to govern a country. "It not only allowed us to apply what we had been learning in class to real-life situations," says Omar, "but also gave us an insight into what our studies at IE University can lead to in the future."

For Omar, the value of the Bachelor in Political Science lies in how it prepares students for the future. By combining academic knowledge with practical experience, the program offers a clear pathway from the classroom to careers in policy, international organizations and beyond. 

This approach ensures that learning is not only theoretical but also practical and relevant. Whether through workshops, simulations or direct engagement with professionals, students develop the skills needed to navigate complex global challenges. 

At IE University, political science goes beyond theory to actively shape how students like Omar understand and engage with the world. And our hands-on approach means they’ll graduate ready to become the leaders who shape tomorrow.