Language Bursary Fund

I received the bursary to take the Arabic Level 1 Fast Track course, which I likely would not have participated in without the financial support and I am extremely grateful for. Arabic had always been an interest of mine and this opportunity gave me the chance to study it formally. I was especially motivated to build on my existing ability to read Arabic by learning how to understand and speak it. I also chose this course due to the language's importance in international policy and global organisations, opening up future career opportunities.

The course itself was incredibly well run and rewarding. My teacher was supportive and welcoming, and my classmates created a warm and helpful learning environment making the experience all the more enjoyable.

I would highly recommend anyone who is thinking of applying to take full advantage of this opportunity. It is such an incredible opportunity to learn and develop a highly valuable skill which has wide reaching academic, professional and personal benefits.

'Having only had the option to study either French or Spanish in school, in my final year, I decided to challenge myself and take Arabic. Having had no prior knowledge of the language, I thought it would be an interesting challenge. I knew that in the future I wanted to work abroad and working in the Middle East had always interested me so when I saw the bursary was availabe for Arabic I jumped at the idea of taking the course.

The teaching was amazing! Nadim didn’t take the traditional, ‘school approach’ of teaching a language but introduced us to a more immersive and ‘native-speaker’ way of learning. Whilst I found this method challenging, it is undoubtedly the best way to learn long term and also garner a greater appreciation for how Arabic, in particular, is spoken. Importantly, Nadim also gave us a brief history lessons on Arabic speaking countries and undoubtedly gave us all a greater appreciation for the countries that speak its many dialects.

Without the language bursary I would not have been able to have this experience. My advice to any future students is to begin a language course in your first year and commit to it. For most people it will be one of the most fulfilling and useful experiences that one can learn across your time at LSE and will continue to help long after you have left. Learning Arabic was not only personally fulfilling but I plan on continuing to learn Arabic through courses offered at work which, whilst not the point of learning a language, will be both incredibly beneficial for my career and personal development.

I took French Level One (Standard) alongside my MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Development), with the aim of working in international development spaces where French is widely spoken: from West and Central Africa to Europe, and in international organisations like the UN. The Language Bursary made this possible. As a self-funded student, it removed a financial barrier and allowed me to invest in a skill that supports both my academic and long-term career goals.

The course was beginner-friendly, practical, and genuinely enjoyable. Our tutor created a supportive environment where no one felt embarrassed to make mistakes, which made learning a new language feel far less intimidating. The focus on everyday conversation and listening skills helped me feel more confident using French in real-life situations, and I often looked forward to class as a refreshing break from core coursework.

For students considering it: definitely apply. And if you're new to French, don't worry about being perfect: just show up consistently! Even small amounts of practice go a long way. The bursary isn’t just about money; it’s a chance to grow, connect, and expand your world, both personally and professionally.

I applied for the language bursary and took the French Level One (Standard) course. I chose this course because I have always been interested in learning French, and I believe it could help me achieve my future career goal of working in international organisations. The bursary gave me the opportunity to attend weekly French classes, which allowed me to learn more about both the language (reading, listening, writing and oral skills) and the culture. The teacher was very friendly and supportive, always willing to answer questions about French—even after class.

For any students considering applying, I would suggest making sure to review what you learn after each class. This will help you keep up with the material and gradually build your language skills.

I took the French Fast-Track (Level 3) course with the support of the Language Bursary, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I had studied French in high school, and this course helped me build on that foundation and regain confidence in using the language.

French is not only an official UN language, but also widely used in international organisations, diplomacy, and development work. In the context of International Social and Public Policy, especially for those considering careers in the UN or the public sector in Europe - as I am - having a working knowledge of French can make a real difference. Working towards a B1/B2 level has supported both my academic goals and opened up future career opportunities.

If you're considering applying, I’d definitely encourage it. It’s a valuable addition to your time at LSE and a great investment in your personal and professional growth.

I chose to take the German language course since I had learnt just a little bit many years ago while in school. The bursary made it possible for me to reconnect with the language in a more structured way and fit lessons around my academic schedule. It has been incredibly rewarding to return to something I had always wanted to pursue further, and the course helped me build confidence in my language skills again.

The bursary made a real difference by removing the financial barrier and allowing me to focus fully on learning. I would really encourage anyone considering applying to go for it—it is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your skills and explore an interest outside of your main academic programme.

I am especially grateful to the Social Policy Department for offering this opportunity—one that many other departments don’t provide. It is an incredible learning experience and a valuable way for postgrads to upskill, particularly for those interested in working abroad or applying to international organisations.

The Social Policy Language Bursary is a prime example of what makes LSE such a great and inclusive place—there’s something for everyone, and the School is always creating opportunities thanks to this approach.

My advice: keep your mind open to new possibilities, be open to learning—and let the magic happen.

I used the Language Bursary to take a level 1 Japanese course, motivated by my deep interest in Japanese social policy and economic development. The course was not only academically rigorous, but also well-structured and inspiring. It helped me read government documents issued by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry with growing confidence.

Beyond language acquisition, I met like-minded peers and felt encouraged to continue learning beyond the classroom. The bursary significantly supported my academic exploration and strengthened my international focus within the Social Policy programme.

My advice to students considering applying ask yourself whether you truly love the language—if the answer is yes, it won’t feel like a burden. You'll find motivation in every step, even during exams.

I took Mandarin Chinese because I’m doing a dual degree, and I’ll be spending the next year in Shanghai. I had already studied Mandarin back in Pakistan, but this course gave me the chance to revisit and strengthen my basics. It was also my first time learning from a native Chinese teacher, which made a big difference especially in pronunciation and understanding cultural nuances. 

The bursary made it possible for me to take this course without worrying about the cost, which I really appreciated. It allowed me to focus fully on learning, and it helped me build a solid foundation before moving to China. I now feel much more confident about using Mandarin.

Go for it! If you’ve been meaning to start a language or pick one back up, this is a great way to do it. Having a native teacher, a supportive group of classmates, and structured classes really helped me stay motivated. It’s such a valuable opportunity to prepare for international experiences or just to connect more deeply with another culture.

I took a beginner Spanish course with support from the Language Bursary, and it turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences of my time at LSE. As someone studying International Social and Public Policy with a focus on development, I felt that learning Spanish would be a valuable step toward engaging more meaningfully with global communities; both academically and professionally.

The bursary made it possible for me to join the course without the added financial stress, which I’m really grateful for. Our teacher was fantastic- supportive, engaging, and skilled at making a new language feel approachable and fun. I looked forward to each class and was surprised at how much progress we made in such a short time.

One of the unexpected highlights was meeting students from across different programmes. The shared learning environment created a space for connection outside of our usual academic settings, and I’ve made friendships I truly value.

If you’re thinking about applying, I’d really encourage it. The bursary gives you access to a new skill and perspective, and it’s a great way to step outside your comfort zone while making the most of your time at LSE.

I took a Spanish Fast Track course at LSE alongside my MSc in International Social and Public Policy. I had studied Spanish in high school and during my first year of undergrad. Since I hadn’t taken a class since 2021, I had lost much of my familiarity and confidence. I wanted to rebuild my ability to understand and speak Spanish because it is such a widely spoken language and an invaluable skill for connecting across cultures. As someone from Alabama, where we have a large Spanish-speaking community, this class also opens opportunities to engage more deeply with my own neighbors. It was also a personal goal for me to make the most of my one-year MSc by gaining practical, hard skills that will complement my future policy work. This course definitely helped me meet that goal!

I would not have taken this class if I had to cover the cost myself, so it was the Social Policy Language Bursary that made it accessible for me. The bursary also made me value the class experience even more, knowing that my department was so generously supporting my learning. Unlike previous Spanish courses I had taken, this one focused heavily on verbal and spoken practice, which was so worthwhile in itself. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, strengthened my communication skills, and gave me the confidence to give an oral presentation entirely in Spanish for my final assignment. Overall, it reminded me of the importance of setting aside time to expand your interests and invest in personal development, even amidst a demanding graduate programme. So - a massive thank you to the department for awarding me a Social Policy Language Bursary! I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a department that champions an interdisciplinary, multicultural educational experience. 

For students considering applying, my advice is: go for it! The MSc goes by so quickly, and taking on something like a language course is one of the best ways to make the most of your time and grow in ways that will stay with you far beyond graduation. The bursary is a fantastic opportunity to acquire new skills, broaden your perspective, and make your LSE experience even more rewarding.