After leaving Emanuel, Dimitri Mavroleon (OE2013-2018) went on to study Business Administration and International Relations in Madrid. Here, he tells us about how positive the experience of studying abroad has been for him.
What are some of the highlights or your best memories of your time at Emanuel?
I often have good recollections of my time at Emanuel. My best memories are organising inter-year football matches on a sunny lunch break.
Did any teachers influence you?
Mr. Nilsson was a charismatic and engaging teacher during my time at Emanuel. He taught me history for four straight years – helping me get through GCSEs and A-levels, whilst getting me off the rugby team! His classroom debates and banter would be the highlights of my week.
Which subjects did you study at A level?
I studied Spanish, Economics and History. I also wrote an EPQ on how the Mexican drug cartels are influencing religion in the country.
What motivated you to study abroad?
An important incentive was finding highly regarded academic institutions abroad and having the chance to learn a new language. Additionally, from a young age, I always knew I would leave the UK. My motivation had always been to experience new cultures and to leave my comfort zone. When I finished my A-levels, I quickly disappeared on a gap year and out of London!
How was the process of applying to university in Spain?
It was surprisingly easy. At my university, IE Madrid, they have their own entrance exam. If you pass these, there are two interviews. That’s pretty much it!
In addition, when applying to other European universities, such as the University of Amsterdam, I had to do an exam based on the degree I was applying for, and material provided by them. The top 200 results secure a place.
Each university has their own process; it seemed to me that UCAS was a more difficult procedure.
Can you tell us about the experience of studying abroad? What have been the biggest challenges as well as the positives?
Arriving somewhere new, knowing no one and abiding by a different culture can always be daunting – although, that’s part of the challenge.
You need to have gumption. Being outgoing, vigorous and keeping yourself busy is the way forward. University is a place where many people are in similar shoes to you. By keeping active, you will always settle in easily.
In terms of the language, I had done Spanish A level but living in a country is a different story. The steepness of the language learning curve depends on how much you apply yourself. Most international universities are taught in English – like mine. It’s possible to manage without actually learning the language, although it is a wasted opportunity. I have friends who have learnt the language from scratch within a year of being here, and others who need me to handle all their bureaucratic procedures and help with their Spanish homework.
What skills and experience have you gained by studying abroad?
Apart from mastering how to eat a croqueta in one bite without crying from the pain of the heat, I have become a more resourceful, confident, and completely independent person. Arriving somewhere new (by yourself) forces you to adapt your habits and to fight for what you want.
What advice would you give to anybody considering studying abroad?
Do it! Leaving your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a new culture is not only gratifying, but extremely fun. Dip your toes into new waters. You lose nothing by investigating. If you don’t like the place during the university visit, then it’s just a short holiday!
What do you hope to do when you leave university?
I still don’t know. I am studying two broad degrees (Business Administration and International Relations), trying to find out what I want to do in life. However, I do know that I will be living somewhere completely new. I want to take advantage of being young and the freedom that comes with that.
Do you stay in touch with friends from Emanuel?
I still stay in touch with Emanuel friends, especially with the ones who take up my offer of free accommodation in Madrid.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’m a big cinephile and cook. In addition, I take advantage of the great weather in Madrid by often playing tennis and hiking in the outskirts of the city. The Spanish nightlife seems to take up a lot of my time too
Mrs Van Es (Development and Alumni Manager)