Course Spotlight - IR120: Trade, Development and the Environment

We sat down with Nicolò, who took the course IR120: Trade, Development and the Environment in 2023, to find out what he learnt while at LSE and the highlights of his course. 

 

Why did you decide to attend LSE Summer School?

When I was planning my summer, I really wanted to invest my free time in fruitful activities that could help me both academically and professionally. LSE Summer School offered exactly that. So, when my university proposed such an opportunity, I couldn’t let it slip away. Moreover, I really wanted to experience an international class, in order to have as many different points of views as possible.

Why did you choose IR120?

IR120 stood out to me for many different reasons. Firstly, I was focusing my studies on environmental law, and I was longing for a new perspective on this. Secondly, I only had the opportunity to study the topic of trade on the more economic side, so I was really excited to apply a more political analysis to it. Lastly, I was absolutely captivated by the idea of a course that merged different topics together seamlessly.

Tell us about an average day as a student on IR120.

After waking up and having breakfast in Passfield Hall (one of the LSE’s student halls), I walked to LSE’s campus while listening to my favourite podcast. I start my study day by attending the daily classes where my peers and I discussed, guided by the professor, the topics covered in the lecture from the day prior. After class, I always had the time to review the required readings and the case studies of the following lecture. After having a lunch break with my friends, I went to the lecture. At the end of the day, after dinner, I usually explored London’s nightlife at a bar or club with my peers.

What was your favourite part of IR120?

Without a doubt, the use and discussion of case studies was the most amazing part of the course. The professor proposed for each lecture an academic case study which we studied and later discussed. This practice helped us better comprehend the practical implications of theoretical models that we studied during the lessons. Furthermore, it also enhanced our speaking and reasoning skills. Personally, I found this particularly enrichening since it is a teaching method that is almost never used in Italy.

What advice would you give to students considering IR120?

Aside for the usual encouragement to be open to new experiences, I strongly recommend being as curious as you can be. Ask questions. Study the materials. Talk to other students. Explore new horizons. This summer should be about bettering yourself and your professional, academic and social goals.

What are your short-term professional goals, and how does IR120 contribute to these goals?

My main goal in this period of my life is to work in environmental policymaking. Summer School helped me to grasp the implications of environmental protection further, specifically on trade and development. Plus, having studied, even for a short period of time, at LSE, helped me make a stronger network of like-minded people.

Was meeting and talking to other students on your course easy?

I must admit that, even though I am a very outgoing individual, I still had to challenge myself to make more connections with the other students. The different upbringings and cultures sometimes created more difficulties. Nevertheless, once we all broke the ice, we became inseparable. We studied together and we also had so much fun outside of class. So, just be open and connect because this will really enrich your experience.

How did you find the course and teaching experience at LSE?

My LSE experience was extraordinary. The course itself satisfied all my expectations, and even surpassed them. Yet, what really struck me as the best part was the teaching itself. All the professors I had the opportunity to meet were extremely competent and helpful. Overall, I would say that this course was a once in a lifetime opportunity for my academic and professional career.

Did you feel supported by your lecturers?

The lecturers were some of the most knowledgeable professors I have ever met. They were not only extremely engaging in their explanations, but always very clear and precise. Aside from the academic point of view, they were also extremely friendly, helping out with any problem you may have had. They were surely one of the best parts of the Summer School.