Undergraduate field trips
Havana
For students studying on BA Geography.
Students explore 4 main themes in this trip: forming, transforming and using space; rhythms and textures of the city; trajectories of development; connections to the Caribbean & Latin America.
Read more in our Field Trips Brochure
Havana field trip 2019. Photo by Dr Ryan Centner.
Havana field trip 2019. Photo by Dr Ryan Centner.
Kerala
For students studying on BSc Environment and Development, BSc Environmental Policy with Economics and BSc Geography with Economics.
The field trip visits the state of Kerala in south India, and is based in the area around Kochi (formerly Cohin). Kerala provides a rich and fascinating introduction to South Asian landscapes and culture, both new and old. It is often described as a success story of economic development – the so called ‘Kerala model’ - with high levels of literacy and life expectancy, despite its relatively low per capita income.
Read more in our Field Trips Brochure
How did the trip contribute to your real world understanding of Economic Geography?
My previous experience in India, and Kerala in particular, was greatly enriched by the contacts and exchanges with entrepreneurs and local economic actors, confirming the importance of context specificity and bottom-up approaches in regional economic development.
What was your favourite visit during the trip?
I was particularly impressed by the visit to the village Council (Panchayat) in the Backwaters, and the women empowerment projects
What did you find most inspiring?
All the people we met were truly inspiring for different reasons: I learnt a lot also from our local fieldtrip guide, Dax Gueizelar: his knowledge and passion about his region was truly inspiring!
3 words to describe the trip?
Stunning, enlightening, inspirational
How did the trip contribute to your real world understanding of Economic Geography?
This trip was a great opportunity to see my knowledge and understanding from lectures and classes at LSE being applied to real-life scenarios. For example, seeing the real life effects of knowledge spill-overs happening across the IT industry in Kerala was truly amazing. Furthermore, I loved learning about the role of policies on creating economic development at different stages in Kerala, from local fishermen to multi-million dollar businesses. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to speak to the locals directly and hear their stories.
What was your favourite visit during the trip?
My favourite visit was to the V-Guard Headquarters, where we met the founder and CEO, Kochouseph Chittilappilly. It was a brilliant opportunity to directly speak to one of India’s most successful entrepreneurs. He has been given many awards throughout the years as well as being named one of "India’s Highest Tax Payers”.
What did you find most inspiring?
Kerala’s policies for women empowerment have been the most inspiring to me. Their main aim is to break down social barriers in society by providing the local women with a “voice” and a platform to take action. From going to work to starting their own businesses. The results have been incredible so far. It was great visiting a house which was built by the local women in just 52 days.
3 words to describe the trip?
Inspiring, eye-opening, breath-taking.
Watch Altab's Kerala video here.
Kerala field trip 2019. Photo by Dr Thomas Smith.
Kerala field trip 2019. Photo by Prof Simona Iammarino.
Juniper Hall
First year undergraduates experience their first field trip in Michaelmas Term, with a fascinating exploration of Juniper Hall in Dorking, Surrey.
Dr Thomas Smith and first year students at Juniper Hall, 2019.
Postgraduate field trips
L'Aquila
Our MSc Local Economic Development students have the opportunity to visit L'Aquila, Italy, which was heavily damaged by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the city on 6 April 2009. The field trip focuses on the mammoth reconstruction efforts since the disaster, including the complexities in the structures and governance that oversee this process. Learn more about the trip.
L'Aquila field trip
Learn more about the L’Aquila field trip and hear from our students and field trip organiser, Professor Simona Iammarino.
Seoul
In March 2019, our MSc Urbanisation and Development students travelled to Seoul, South Korea. This optional trip was an exciting opportunity for students to learn and critically engage with various urban policies implemented by a non-Western world city.
See the photos on our Facebook page
Seoul field trip 2019.