If you are a student from the U.S., or an international student looking for a great college experience in Europe, consider IE University in Segovia, Spain or Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.  Bocconi has traditionally been considered a top European business school, and Milan offers a rich cultural backdrop for your studies. While all that is true, my visit to IE last year impressed me.  IE’s diverse student body, fantastic modern facilities, and dynamic programs have created a real buzz.  The interview is an intricate part of their application and will only become more critical as interest grows.  I have had students apply to both universities in recent years.  They have delighted in the opportunity to acquire a top-notch education while immersing themselves in Italian and Spanish cultures. 

 

What they say about themselves:

IE University

 

IE University:

“To say our student body is dynamic is an understatement. Every year, we welcome students from all corners of the globe, and their diverse aspirations, ambitions, and ideas contribute to our innovative and collaborative environment.
“IE University students have a global mindset and are motivated by their personal and professional goals. And it’s this drive for entrepreneurship and creativity that inspires students to leave a positive impact wherever they go.”

 

Bocconi University:
“Our campus is a lively, multicultural, and safe place near the city center. The dynamic pace of university life pulses through historic and ultra-new spaces alike. And in 2021, we added a new sports center and a campus green. Your university years aren’t only about studying. Bocconi and Milan offer culture, sports, art, and ideas to make your experience here an exciting and essential part of your personal and professional growth. Bocconi helps you get oriented on campus, enhance your abilities, discover new ones, and gain awareness about your lifestyle.”  

Academics
Students at IE University often mention the dynamic and diverse learning environment as a standout aspect of their experience. Professors emphasize practical learning, real-world applications, and the opportunity to collaborate with classmates from around the world. Given its locations in Madrid and Segovia, students can take advantage of the school’s strong connections to industry professionals, which helps them gain valuable insights and networking opportunities. The university focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation, as it encourages students to think creatively and develop a proactive mindset.


Gli studenti dell'Università Bocconi parlano spesso bene della forte reputazione accademica dell'ateneo, in particolare per quanto riguarda gli affari, l'economia e le scienze sociali. La scuola offre un curriculum rigoroso, progettato per fornire agli studenti una solida base teorica e competenze pratiche. Una facoltà coinvolgente, esperta nei rispettivi campi, offre agli studenti la possibilità di partecipare a progetti di ricerca o a stage. La posizione della Bocconi a Milano offre agli studenti l'accesso a un vivace centro economico e culturale.

Posizione
L'Università IE ha due campus principali: uno a Segovia e uno a Madrid. I campus presentano alcune differenze in termini di ubicazione e offerta:

Segovia Campus:

  • Posizione: Located in the historic city of Segovia, about an hour’s drive from Madrid, this campus offers a picturesque and serene environment. You can’t miss the Roman Aqueduct or the Alcázar.
  • Ambientazione del campus: Il campus di Segovia è noto per la sua splendida architettura, che comprende un mix di edifici storici e moderni. Si pensi alla conversione di conventi e monasteri storici.
  • Programmi: Questo campus offre un'ampia gamma di programmi di laurea e post-laurea in vari campi, tra cui economia, relazioni internazionali, legge, architettura, design e altro ancora.
  • Comunità: Le dimensioni ridotte del campus contribuiscono a creare una comunità affiatata in cui studenti e docenti interagiscono più strettamente.

Madrid Campus:

  • Posizione: Situated in the heart of Spain’s capital city, the Madrid campus provides students with access to a bustling urban environment. Students are just a bus/metro ride away from the Puerta del Sol, La Plaza Mayor, or El Retiro park.
  • Ambientazione del campus: The campus facilities in Madrid are modern and well-equipped, offering a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The vertical campus is a unique concept and one of the only settings of its kind in the world.
  • Programmi: Come il campus di Segovia, anche quello di Madrid offre una serie di programmi diversificati con particolare attenzione agli affari, all'innovazione, alle arti, alla comunicazione e alle scienze sociali.
  • Collegamento in rete: Il campus di Madrid beneficia della sua posizione in un importante centro economico e culturale, offrendo agli studenti maggiori opportunità di networking e di stage.

Entrambi i campus offrono un'esperienza unica e la scelta tra i due dipende dalla posizione preferita dallo studente, dall'offerta di programmi, dalle dimensioni del campus e dal tipo di ambiente in cui si trova bene.

Il campus dell'Università Bocconi di Milano è noto per diversi punti di forza:

  • Modern Facilities: Il campus vanta strutture moderne e ben attrezzate, tra cui aule all'avanguardia, centri di ricerca, biblioteche e spazi per lo studio.
  • Central Location: Situated in the heart of Milan, the campus offers easy access to the city’s vibrant business, cultural, and social scenes. This central location provides students with opportunities for internships, networking, and cultural experiences.
  • Global Community: Bocconi is known for its diverse student body and international atmosphere. Students have the chance to interact with peers from all over the world, fostering a rich cross-cultural learning environment.

Final thoughts:


            IE University:

  • New majors announced over the past several months:Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability
  • Preparing the Next Generation of Experts for the Green Industrial Revolution.
  • Bachelor in Fashion Design
  • IE University Behavior Lab: The Behavior Lab is a unique initiative designed to offer students a practical way to apply their knowledge to real business settings.


            Bocconi: 

  • Offers three-year undergraduate courses in Economics which share a common basis in the first three semesters and then distinguish themselves from one another by focusing on either Finance, Social Sciences, or Business Administration.
  • Research Opportunities: The university is actively involved in research, and students have the chance to participate in research projects and gain exposure to cutting-edge academic work.
  • Networking Events: Bocconi frequently hosts events, seminars, and conferences that bring together students, faculty, industry professionals, and thought leaders, creating ample networking opportunities.