A summer to remember

University of London (UOL) students Andrew Lee, Khairul Hafiz, Ruchira Nikam, Vishakha Raj and Suh Jungmin – all studying at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) – were part of a 60-strong group of SIM-UOL students who thronged the LSE campus in London for three weeks and more over the summer of 2022. In fact, 25 students spent six weeks (two sessions) and four spent nine weeks (three sessions).

The icing on the cake was LSE’s announcement that they would allow named credit transfer and half credit transfer, much to the delight of students.

How did you decide on the course of study at the LSE Summer School?

Andrew: LSE’s Department of Finance is ranked among the most prestigious in the world in the recent Research Excellence Framework. I wanted to build real-world skills and gain exposure to critical issues and state-of-the-art thinking on topics such as risk management, hedge funds, and real estate investment trusts, all of which was covered in my course of study, FM230 Alternative Investments. 

Jungmin: After being restricted to quarantine and online classes during the pandemic, I wanted to spend the summer break in a productive way by attending courses at the LSE. I chose two courses – MG106 Strategic Management and MG103 Consumer Behaviour: Behavioural Fundamentals for Marketing and Management – modules which can help me establish my own business in the future.

Khairul: I have always been enthralled by the intricacies of global affairs and the dynamics of destitution. I read IR201 – Power Shift: The Decline of the West and The Crisis of the Liberal International Order. The module had an intriguing composition of content which prompted my decision to attend the LSE Summer School.

Ruchira: I searched LSE’s curriculum and learned that the LSE Summer School is conducted in a very interactive seminar-style manner, something that took my fancy. My interest in marketing theories led me to choose MG101 Marketing and I was excited to learn more about real world case studies from LSE. 

Vishakha: My interest in the field of finance and valuations motivated me to apply for FM250 Finance and AC215 Business Analysis and Valuation. These courses are central to my Accounting and Finance degree structure.

What was your academic experience like?

Andrew: The faculty who taught me are experts in their fields. They were approachable and open to any questions we had on the subject. The lessons are well planned and the teaching at LSE enabled me to view the world from a global perspective. Being exposed to different perspectives means that I won’t have a carbon copy approach to resolving problems.

Jungmin: I feel that the lecturers endeavoured to convert the classroom into a simulated workplace environment by having students conduct presentations and discussions. With each session I was able to self-evaluate and become a better version of myself. 

Khairul: LSE employs a learning system, Moodle. The platform accommodates activities such as quizzes, communication tools, resources such as audio and video recordings, lecture slides and reading lists. Students are encouraged to engage in open discussions through contributing to the forums. As Moodle forum posts are only available to the Member Institution, student commentators are expected to discuss passionately, honestly, yet controversially – distinct to LSE’s culture of critical thinking.  

Ruchira: Each three-hour marketing lesson was rich in content. The course even taught statistics, which came as a surprise to me. Every student was given a chance to speak up and express opinions on the various case study questions related to companies such as Starbucks, Burberry and Ford. I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion sessions and beyond-the-classroom topics.

Vishakha: I personally enjoyed the classroom as it was beneficial for peer learning, clearing of doubts, and application of lecture knowledge. Quizzes conducted via Menti-meter made lessons even more interesting. The LSE library should get a special mention for the academic support it provides through the collection of course books, academic readings and rich knowledge collection.

How has the experience at LSE shaped you or your future?

Andrew: My perspectives on issues like world hunger, climate change and public policies have been widened. The LSE Summer School contributed to my long-term educational and career goals of further studies beyond a bachelor’s degree. Being able to build networks and learn from an international cohort provides a competitive advantage as a job candidate. 

Jungmin: The LSE Summer School was a great opportunity to experience campus and city life in London. I developed my communication skills with foreign friends and gained self-confidence. The management and marketing insights I’ve learned during the summer school will help me establish my future business. I am keen to continue my postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, especially at the LSE.

Khairul: The LSE Summer School is especially successful in equipping students with both soft and hard skills. Students are figuratively conscripted into developing a can-do attitude in all aspects. Instinctively stepping out of their comfort zones, the LSE Summer School programme supported students in the acquisition of both intellectual advancement and social/emotional development. Due to the nature of the Summer School it fostered independence, while powering through the rigorous curriculum advanced our resilience. Everyone developed markedly improved communication skills.

Ruchira: The experience of living independently for three weeks has made me more self- aware. I have obtained confidence to speak up among strangers and work together with people from all walks of life. I will be able to carry this experience with me wherever I go and as I step into the world of business in the future. 

Vishakha: I’ve developed multi-tasking abilities, having put in effort to meet the level of academic commitment and hard work LSE expects of me. More than ever, I am now more motivated to attend LSE for a full-time master’s.

Any advice for others?

Andrew: My advice for students aiming for LSE Summer School scholarship is to achieve good grades, actively take part in extracurricular or student interest groups and most importantly contribute back to the society.

Jungmin: To keep up with the tempo of the LSE Summer School class, do constant revision and observe good time management. Be involved in coursework including essays, group presentations and discussions.

Khairul: Not just any applicant can enrol in the LSE Summer School as it is a top-tier, internationally renowned university. But if you do, you will be in very good company. Do also take the opportunity to grow, learn and experience a foreign culture. Assimilating yourself within the experience will guarantee a comprehensive development of self.

Ruchira: Make use of all the opportunities that are given to you, be it social activities, classes, workshops, as well as the chance to explore London. Manage your attention so that you can make the most of your time at LSE. It is a luxury to study at LSE and you should always be proud to step onto the campus. 

Vishakha: Believe in yourselves. Gather the courage to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Try out the LSE Summer School ambassador programme as it will provide you with the opportunity to network with global citizens, contribute to the LSE student life and mentor incoming summer school students. 

Find out more about the LSE Summer School.