LSE Summer School or UPenn exchange?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I just got an offer from LSE for a 3 week course in International Economics for June/July this year. I would like to take it but I am trying to justify it...</p>

<p>My other option is doing exchange to UPenn (application in progress but it should work out) for the Fall semester in economics.
Or, I could not bother with exchange (I go to Melbourne uni, which has a good name in Australia but not so much worldwide).</p>

<p>Many people say that LSE Summer School is not worth the money. It is hefty for 3 weeks ($2000 + airfares) but I am still leaning towards it because..
-it's during our winter break; there are no internships or other useful things to do then
-The Penn program (or any Fall exchange) cuts into the internship I already have lined up here by a whole month
-I'd like to work in Europe one day
-I could probably score free accommodation in London
-LSE brand; it's only 3 weeks but resumes only get read for 30-60 seconds and the name stands out</p>

<p>Am I still wasting money?</p>

2

<p>You should go. Both UPenn (even economics) and LSE would provide a boost for you in places outside of Australia.</p>

3

<p>I went to the LSE last summer for a 3 weeks program, and honestly the classes are worth the money. You get a three-hours lecture everyday by a great professor, and one or two hours of class in small groups. Plus as you say, it looks really good on a resume.
The really expensive part is the accommodation, so if you don’t have to pay for it, I would strongly advise you to go.
Plus you know, London for three weeks is not that bad…</p>