Opportunities for students to learn and develop off-campus have been and continue to be an important part of Student Futures development. As we get used to the realities of COVID-secure learning, we are considering how we can continue to build on these opportunities to deliver safe and valuable experiences.
Where government guidelines allow, you might want to investigate opportunities to travel either in the UK or overseas, whether that’s a capstone project or field trip as part of your degree programme, or as part of a study abroad programme. There are also less formal opportunities to combine travel with learning offered by LSESU societies and the LSE Faith Centre.
These opportunities are a chance to immerse yourself in a broader range of academic experiences, gain a fresh perspective, boost your confidence and self-reliance, and see your studies come to life in a completely different way. Use this page to find out what you can already get involved in and to help us shape what future opportunities might look like.
What opportunities are available and where can I find out more?
- Undergraduates from any department can apply to spend a full academic year abroad at one of our partner institutions through Global Opportunities LSE (GO LSE). For more information on exchange destinations, please visit GO LSE.
- Get involved with opportunities through our alliance with CIVICA, the European University of Social Sciences, including mobility options in physical and digital formats.
- Apply to spend part of your summer in Beijing with the LSE-PKU Summer School (open to students from all departments and level of study).
- We have a growing number of undergraduate and master’s study trips and exchanges which are linked to specific degree programmes at LSE. Ask your department what is available for the most up-to-date information.
- PhD students from any department can apply to spend 2-3 months at one of our international partner institutions through the PhD Partnership Mobility Programme and we also offer a variety of departmental PhD exchanges which vary in duration from one term to one academic year. Additional PhD exchanges will also be available soon through CIVICA.
- Contact LSESU societies that interest you to find out what opportunities they offer to members.
- Get involved with interfaith and leadership programmes run by the Faith Centre to meet people from different backgrounds and learn a greater understanding of different faiths.
- Thanks to everyone who shared their views in the Global Mobility Survey! LSE is currently working on a new strategic action plan for global academic mobility which will support exchanges and learning off-campus - more information will be shared with the School community in due course.
How has learning off-campus impacted other students?
One of the most appealing aspects of the LSE-Berkeley Exchange was the breadth and diversity of courses I would have never had a chance to take otherwise.
BSc student Marta shares here experience of her year abroad in California.
It’s always great to live in new places and experience different lifestyles and local cultures. The best moments, however, were the times I found document collections relevant to my research at official French archives.
PhD candidate Fadi talks about the three months he spent in Paris.
Putting yourself in new situations will mean you meet lots of different types of people and there may be a language barrier to negotiate. As you interact and make friends with those you meet abroad, you’ll inevitably improve your communication skills, which are vital for any career path.
You’ll encounter situations where you need to be resourceful to solve problems or overcome barriers, and with practice you’ll feel more confident in your own abilities.
At LSE and abroad, you’ll encounter students and faculty from a range of diverse, international backgrounds. Make the effort to grow and maintain connections – these could be future colleagues, business partners, and lifelong friends.
Developing your ability to search for new ideas, challenges and solutions is hugely valuable in a variety of academic, professional and entrepreneurial contexts.
When you’re away from your regular timetable of lessons, or learning in an unfamiliar space, being able to effectively plan your schedule and organise your time is even more crucial. There are lots of elements to balance, from studying, to exploring your new home, to enjoying your social life.
This important topic covers a lot of ideas from enhancing your self-awareness, to understanding your real motivators, to developing your empathy and ability to relate to others. Emotional intelligence is foundational to creating positive interactions with others.
Want to boost your skills? Explore the LSE LIFE Moodle resources and workshop timetable!