How Summer School Helped Me To Grow

Attending LSE Summer School was an incredible boost for both my academic and professional development. I took EC307: Development Economics and EC351: International Economics, which were perfectly aligned with my goals at university, and took opportunities offered at Summer School to increase my professional and interpersonal skills. These, plus other factors, helped me to grow, and today I want to explore how they can help you too.

Soft Skills, Networking & Character Development

Beyond academics, Summer School was a hub for networking and personal growth. Being surrounded by peers from around the world exposed me to diverse perspectives, which greatly enriched the learning experience. It wasn’t just about knowledge, but about developing soft skills - communication, collaboration, and adaptability in a global context.

Exploring the city independently also had a significant impact on my personal growth, enhancing my sense of responsibility and giving me new perspectives on independence. Even as someone who tends to be more introverted, I found that Summer School encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and connect with people from all walks of life. The relationships I built were invaluable, and the experience helped me realise the importance of community in education.

One thing I would highly recommend to anyone attending LSE Summer School is to take advantage of every opportunity to meet new people and build connections, especially through their social and Spark programmes, even if it feels outside your comfort zone.

The friendships and networks you build here can have an incredible influence on your personal and professional growth, well beyond the classroom.

Creating a Supportive Environment

The seminars were one of the highlights of my Summer School experience. These small, close-knit sessions provided a space to engage deeply with the material, clarify any doubts, and discuss concepts more openly. The personalised attention from instructors allowed for a more intimate learning experience, and I found the group dynamics encouraging, fostering collaborative learning.

The structure of these seminars inspired me to adopt a more reflective approach to my studies back at university. The importance of a supportive learning environment became clear to me, and I now try to replicate this framework in study groups, creating space for open discussions and collective problem-solving back home.

Approach to Studies

What made the courses even more impactful was their emphasis on empirical methods. We didn’t just learn economic theories in isolation—we applied them to real-world problems. This gave me a more practical understanding of the subject, and helped sharpen my problem-solving abilities. By working with actual data and case studies, I developed a more critical and evaluative approach to my studies, which has influenced how I approach my economics coursework at university.

This empirical, hands-on approach not only enhanced my academic skills but also gave me tools that are directly transferable to my career goals. It helped me think more critically and approach problems with a more analytical mindset.

Finally, the opportunity to immerse myself fully in a course over just three weeks was something I found particularly rewarding. The pacing felt just right—intensive but manageable—which made the experience both engaging and focused. Completing a challenging course in such a short time, with the support of world-class educators, was incredibly rewarding.

My time at LSE was truly transformative. I left not only with enhanced technical skills but also with personal growth that has since impacted my studies and life. I hope your experience at LSE is just as meaningful, leaving you with valuable knowledge and unforgettable memories! Whether you're tackling the academic rigour or enjoying the vibrant city, the experience will stay with you long after Summer School ends.

 

This blog was written by one of our 2024 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the Summer School experience at LSE.