Alexa Couttolenc Gutierrez

Born to French and Mexican parents, Alexa Couttolenc Gutierrez sought a diverse academic environment that mirrored her multicultural identity. This search led her to IE University, where she discovered the multidisciplinary Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics. She explains, "IE University was the only university that specifically combined law, philosophy, economics and politics. I didn’t want to study any of those disciplines in isolation, and I wasn’t ready to give up any of them. When I found IE University, it just clicked."

Alexa’s decision to leave the French educational system after high school was driven by her desire for a more dynamic, international community. The Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics program’s interdisciplinary approach allowed her to explore connections between global politics, ethical frameworks and legal systems—a perfect fit for her desire to deepen her understanding of complex societal challenges.

Throughout the program, one of the central elements that Alexa has especially enjoyed is the group work and debates that students take part in regularly at IE University. She says that philosophy discussions, often intense and unpredictable, have honed her ability to articulate ideas under pressure. "Arguing under pressure taught me how to express myself clearly, think fast and stay calm. I actually enjoyed every second of it," she reflects.

IE University’s international environment has also been pivotal to Alexa’s development. Engaging daily with peers from diverse cultural and intellectual backgrounds pushed her to question assumptions and refine her perspectives. "Being part of such a global community has given me the cultural awareness and sensitivity essential for working in international law," she shares.

This exposure proved invaluable during her work in IE University’s legal clinic, where she tackled a project merging environmental law and human rights in Mexico. The experience deepened her conviction that legal solutions must meaningfully respond to real-world challenges.

Alexa credits the innovative curriculum of the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics with preparing her to pivot through the complexities of international law. Unlike traditional law programs, IE University’s curriculum encourages students to interrogate the law’s purpose, not just its mechanics. For Alexa, this meant exploring how legal frameworks intersect with climate policy, economic systems and ethical debates.

Alexa’s participation in the 2025 Jessup International Law Moot Court was another highlight of her educational journey. In her words, "It opened my eyes to what working in international law could look like and really helped me realize that this is the path I want to follow."

The moot court experience reinforced her passion for law, particularly its role in climate-related issues like maritime boundary disputes and statehood challenges posed by rising sea levels. Her research on the legal implications of rising sea levels—sparked by the Jessup Moot Court case—led her to publish an article in the International Policy Review.

Alexa urges incoming students to embrace IE University’s opportunities fearlessly. "Get involved in everything—moot courts, labs, clubs. The more you engage, the more you’ll discover who you are and where you want to go," she advises.