Neda Keshtkar
My name is Neda Keshtkar. After moving from my native Canada, I loved living in Spain so much that I decided to stay here to study my master's degree. IE University was the perfect place to transition my studies to focus more on politics and international relations. In my free time, I love to ski and hike, something I was able to do a lot growing up!
"Overall I am very happy with my experience at IE University because I am gaining so much more than just an education."
Taking first prize at the Shaping Future Governments Global Universities Challenge
Describing herself as “bold and determined,” and passionate about trying new things and stepping out of her comfort zone, Neda Keshtkar made the move from Vancouver, Canada to Spain in 2022. After a year living in Barcelona, she decided to stay in Spain to continue her studies at IE University. Now a student of the Master in International Relations, Neda says she couldn’t be happier with her decision.
With a bachelor’s from the University of British Columbia under her belt, Neda wanted to transition her career to focus more on politics. She chose IE University to make this change because she knew the opportunities available to her would be unmatched at any other university.
One such opportunity is the Global Government Summit in Dubai. Each year students from various master’s programs at IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs attend the summit not only to listen to speakers and engage with leaders from around the world but to participate in the Shaping Future Governments Global Universities Challenge.
An integral part of the annual summit, the Global Universities Challenge is an innovative competition where students from renowned universities are invited to compete in developing projects aimed at improving the way governments work. Teams of five students are judged by a panel of high-level government officials and professionals from prominent corporations.
This year, Neda and her classmates from IE University were awarded first place for their proposal to create a universal digital rights charter, which the judges said stood out for its innovative design and comprehensive implementation strategy, and demonstrated that Neda and her colleagues showed a deep understanding of global diplomacy.
“I knew that changing my career from science to politics would be tricky and I wanted to make sure I did it in the right environment to foster my growth, which is why I chose IE University.”
Focused on improving human rights in the digital space, the team’s proposal was also commended by the panel for its dedication to addressing the challenges of today's world. According to Neda, the highlight of attending the summit wasn't just “bringing back the trophy to IE University,” but also, having competed against students from other world-leading institutions, the opportunity “to collaborate and compete against some of the greatest minds of our generation and future leaders.” It is no doubt an experience she will never forget.
Such outstanding opportunities are typical of the real-world experiences that students are able to participate in at IE University. Neda’s attention will now turn back to the Applied Research Project. Career-focused and undertaken in groups throughout the duration of the Master in International Relations, this project encourages students to implement the knowledge they have accumulated in their studies to help real companies address real problems. Neda and her peers will work with a partner organization and a faculty advisor over the course of the project, and that guidance is something Neda greatly values.
She says that taking classes taught by professors who work in the field they teach is another part of the master’s program that adds value to her education. She also enjoys attending seminars and masterclasses given by expert panelists who can provide real-life insight into the topics taught in class. So far, her favorite courses on the program have been International Economics and International Law.
Neda has kept herself busy with extracurricular activities, too. As president of the Women in Business Club, she has taken every opportunity to meet students from other master’s programs. Away from academia, on the weekends she enjoys exploring the streets of Madrid with the friends she has met at IE University.
She recommends that any prospective student take the time to enjoy nature in El Retiro park and also to venture outside of Madrid; visiting Toledo or Segovia are perfect day trips from the city. Overall, Neda is extremely happy with her decision to study at IE University. She says that the Master in International Relations has given her much more than just an education, it has given her practical experience, unforgettable opportunities and lifelong friendships!
