Yassine Abada

What made you interested in the Bachelor in International Relations at IE University?

I have been interested in politics and global affairs from a very young age. I think I was only eight or nine years old when I first began watching documentaries about history and the events unfolding around the globe. This interest slowly grew into a passion, and I became driven to make the world a better place through diplomacy and reasoned debate. In high school, I studied mainly scientific subjects, but when I graduated I decided to apply the rigor and perseverance that I had learned to a completely different field: international relations.   

Determined to follow my passion, I researched various universities. IE University stood out for its cosmopolitan environment, which I think offers a very enriching experience and opens a lot of doors. I was also drawn by the unique experience of living in Spain. 

What have you enjoyed the most so far about the program?

I believe that we live in a very interesting moment for studying international relations, as the world is evolving at a dizzying pace. Everything we study in class can be observed in the real behavior of nations and international institutions. All of our courses are very useful for understanding the direction that international events are taking.  

Another element I’ve particularly enjoyed is the professors' commitment to their students and subjects. It is really a privilege to have such professors, who are experts in their fields and are so willing to teach us. 

Which courses have you found the most interesting or impactful?

The classes that I really enjoyed so far are Political Science, International Law and International Relations Theory. These courses have been particularly impactful because they’ve helped me build a strong analytical framework to understand how power, institutions and norms shape international affairs.  

As I said, everything that we study is clearly visible in current international relations, so these courses really allow us to grasp the reasons and the objectives behind every action. Eventually, we can use this understanding to build peace and cooperation. 

What skills do you believe are essential for someone pursuing a career in international relations?

I believe that public speaking skills and confidence are very important in this field. Personally, I have never been afraid to speak in front of a crowd, and that has really opened a lot of doors for me. More than just speaking, knowing what you’re speaking about is even more important; that’s why I think reading a lot is crucial. Educating yourself through reading allows you to build a broad knowledge base, which in turn gives you the necessary confidence to speak in public.  

How has IE University helped you grow through experiences beyond the classroom?  

Firstly, I was elected class representative, a role that allowed me to act as a bridge between students and faculty. I was a class representative throughout my middle- and high-school years, so I’m happy to continue with this role here at IE University. 

As a member of the Policy Lab during my first year, I had the opportunity to work with the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Aid. This experience involved concrete projects related to the decline of international humanitarian aid amid the rise of populism. Working with professionals from the UN has been very enriching, and their feedback really helped me understand the expectations in this field. It was great to see how such institutions operate from the inside. 

Are you a member of any clubs?  

Yes, and I have to say, the clubs have really allowed me to enjoy the IE Experience to its fullest. The events they organize have been very enriching. I will start 2026 as an ambassador for the public speaking club, which I’m very excited about.  

Thanks to these organizations, I’ve had the chance to participate in many debate events, including the Model United Nations. After two simulations, I got to represent Russia at the IEUMUN 2025. This experience helped me understand the power of diplomacy and debate in resolving pressing issues. It was an incredible privilege to be part of this event, and I will always cherish the memories that I shared with the people in my committee. This coming April, I will be chairing my first MUN event, which I’m really looking forward to.