IE UNIVERSITY, MADRID

1. Angèle Mathieu
2024
IE MADRID
APPLICATION
Reflect on a personal
accomplishment which has
helped you develop your
understanding of yourself or
the world around you.

2. MY SUMMER CAMPS IN
THE U.S.A
In 2019 and 2022, I made a bold decision to leave abroad during summer driven by my
desire to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Despite being born and raised
in France, my curiosity for the world have always motivated me to explore beyond
familiar territories.
My motivation to pursue a Bachelor at IE University was driven by two transformative
summer camps in the United States. The first, at Kingsley Pines Camp in Maine
(2019), and the second, at Cushing Academy in Massachusetts (2022), served as
pivotal moments in my life. Departing for my first camp at the young age of 12 was an
immense challenge, yet it ended being a highly rewarding experience, marking one of
my most significant personal triumphs.
These immersive experiences underscored the power of stepping outside of my comfort
zone, a lesson that has profoundly shaped my worldview and aspirations.
It showed me I am OPEN MINDED, DETERMINED &
COLLABORATIVE

4. OPEN MINDED
When I first arrived at Kingsley Pines Camp, I found myself as the only French girl among
hundreds of Americans and other international campers. I didn't speak English at the time,
so I had to pick up the basics in just a few days to communicate and make friends.
It was overwhelming at first, especially at 12.
Cultural barriers were tough: communicating in English, understanding different senses of
humor, different sensitivities and of course adapt to various food can be a challenge !
However I quickly adapted and formed strong connections with people from all over the
world, some of whom I still keep in touch with today.
Speaking English with native speakers, meeting people from various continents, and
exploring different cultures was incredibly eye-opening for me. It instilled in me a sense of
open-mindedness and curiosity about the world around me. It encouraged me to embrace
new challenges and opportunities, and to approach unfamiliar situations with a willingness
to learn and grow.
Looking ahead at the opportunity to study at IE Madrid,
I'm excited about the diversity I will encounter there
with more than 130 nationalities represented. IE
University's reputation for producing global citizens who
drive positive change aligns perfectly with my
aspirations.

5. DETERMINED
My two experiences have shown me that I possess determination for two main
reasons:
1. Traveling abroad twice alone for summer holidays at a very young age.
2. Taking actions to improve my level of English to foster more friendships:
• During my second camp at Cushing Academy, I was determined to enhance
my English proficiency and build upon the skills I acquired during my initial
camp experience. I made the decision to attend English classes every morning
throughout the holidays, dedicating four hours each day to language
improvement. By the age of 15, I had achieved a proficient level of English,
enabling me to establish connections with people from various backgrounds.
I am convinced that my multilingual abilities
will enable me to forge lasting connections at
IE and become an effective communicator in
my future international work environment. I
also believe that facing challenges head-on,
such as traveling abroad alone, will serve as a
valuable asset in navigating risks in my
future academic and professional life.

6. Both of my camp experiences were centered around group activities and sports, ranging
from tennis to cooperative games, hut building, olympiads, and treasure hunts.
Engaging in these activities allowed me to discover my aptitude for teamwork and
develop some leadership skills when tackling challenging projects.
I found joy in collaborating with others, particularly during construction projects at the
camps, I witnessed firsthand how innovation and problem-solving can emerge from
teamwork. By joining our resources and expertise, we were able to work more efficiently,
find creative solutions, and push ourselves to excel.
Participating in sports and group projects not only strengthened our bonds but also
enhanced our interpersonal skills. We learned effective communication, conflict
resolution, and the importance of respecting each other's contributions. Whether it was
taking initiative in organizing team strategies during sports matches or leading a group
in completing a construction project, I learned how to inspire and motivate others
towards a common goal.
COLLABORATIVE
These experiences were invaluable in shaping my
character and preparing me for future endeavors. I
am confident that the collaborative skills,
resilience, and leadership qualities I developed will
serve me well in the various group projects offered
by IE Madrid and in my future academic and
professional goals.

7. HOW MY EXPERIENCE IN THE
US HELP ME SUCCEED AT
IE UNIVERSITY, MADRID
It was important for me to describe these two experiences, which have been life-
changing for me as a young person and have given me a head start in several skills I
will use and develop more if I join IE.
I know my two summer camps have helped me grow personally and allowed me to
become open-minded, determined, goal-driven, and collaborative. With more than 130
nationalities represented at IE, frequent group work, and a multitude of top-level and
ambitious students, I am convinced I will be able to use my skills and benefit from the
expertise of other peers.
I believe I have the qualities, and most importantly, the motivation and resilience
needed to pursue business studies. These qualities can only be relevant in the
international background offered by IE University, which I know will provide me with
the tools and mindset to become a responsible, successful, and forward-thinking
entrepreneur of the future.