Michele Pajero (Italy)
LSE-Columbia University Double Degree in International and World History (2020/21)
Why did you choose LSE?
This Dual MA has offered me the great opportunity to benefit from a wonderful immersion in the world of research in International History while living in two great global cities. Like Columbia University, LSE is immersed in an international and dynamic dimension that gives you the opportunity to have great life experiences beyond academia.
What did you do before you started your master’s?
I graduated in International Relations in Pisa (Italy) and did a 4 months traineeship in the Italian Parliament: I worked for the Parliamentary Research Center, in the Parliamentary Committee on International Affairs.
What are you looking forward to doing in your studies?
I would like to get into a PhD program in International History! This Master’s definitively convinced me to get into the academic market. It is going to be tough, but that is the kind of work I would enjoy the most.
What’s it like living in London? Where’s your favourite place to eat/visit?
I live at Sidney Webb, an LSE dorm in Borough, South London. There are many great things to do in town! I love jogging at dawn: the Thames, Westminster and St James park look glorious in the first hours of the morning. When I’m on campus, sometimes I go to Hiba to have a quick meal: this Palestinian/Lebanese restaurant gives me some good Mediterranean vibes I miss so much in London.
Do you have any advice for future LSE master’s students?
If English is not your mother tongue and you have no previous experience in UK higher education as in my case, work hard on your academic English skills before beginning the program. Like the rest of British universities, LSE has its own specific preferences on paper structure and writing style. Take the academic English course while at LSE and make sure with your instructors what their expectations are on writing styles and paper structure. It can save you a lot of time and improve your marks a lot!