The LSE, London School of Economics, offers a highly prestigious program for business students interested in study abroad. Candidates for this year-long study abroad program are nominated by Dolan faculty and staff after the completion of their first year. Students who are nominated must have a minimum GPA of 3.85 GPA in the Dolan School of Business at the point of nomination. Participants also need to maintain the “A” average up until they attend LSE. Once a candidate is nominated, they partake in an informal interview with a small mixed group of Dolan and Global Fairfield advisors. Here, the advisors have an opportunity to personally tell candidates about the program and answer any questions they may have. Part of what makes this program so distinguished is that students are required to commit to an entire year abroad, not a semester.
The academic year would commence in September and end in May, similar to that year at Fairfield. Within that time, students are able to return to their home for the winter holiday if they wish to do so. There is much value in a yearlong excursion. Putting oneself in a new environment forces them to grow and adapt. As this program is quite exclusive, Fairfield does not send many students at one time. Those who do go must be disciplined, independent and open-minded. Students will need to be comfortable getting out of their comfort zone to conquer the quest of finding a community of friends and support. This being said, the course structure differs greatly to that of Fairfield. By the end of the school year, students earn 32 credits. The curriculum is diverse, with some courses lasting a semester while others are for the whole year. At LSE, students’ grades are determined based solely on their final exams. It is impertinent that students allocate enough time and effort to study for exams. Students are expected to be self-starters and adapt to new ways of learning.
LSE provides the opportunity for students to join clubs and extracurriculars to both keep students engaged and help them build a community. LSE hosts a “Speaker Series” where they invite a selection of many successful people in business, such as heads of state and leaders of banks and institutions, to inspire students and give them an opportunity for networking.
Students will rely on public transportation to travel around London and will live in student accommodations across the city. Students who are best fitted for the LSE program are self-motivated and highly organized. These students are required to cope with lots of change while juggling their academics. For the first time in their college career, students are placed outside of the campus bubble and forced to create their own routines as adults. Taking part in the LSE program is an experience unlike any other here at Fairfield. LSE alumni Antonia Papa puts it best, “Studying abroad at the London School of Economics during my junior year was a transformative experience that broadened my academic horizons and enriched my understanding of global economics. Being immersed in the vibrant academic environment of LSE was an absolute privilege, allowing me to engage with leading scholars, experience diverse perspectives, and contribute to discussions on pressing economic issues. Representing Fairfield University at one of the world’s most prestigious economics institutions was an honor, and I am immensely grateful for the invaluable lessons and lifelong connections forged during this life-changing period.”
