Meet our new Student Ambassadors: Ashton, Astrid , Dabri, Dave, Isabella, Kalina, Kennedy, Matias, Maureen, Neelam, Noopur, Perazim, Phuong, Prima, Rachel, Rawan, Selime, Veronica and Yihe who will provide mentorship to incoming students for the new 2025/26 academic year.
Our intdev.mentors@lse.ac.uk email account. To contact an Ambassador directly, please add the Ambassador’s name in the subject of the email:
Full name: Ashton Hou
Programme: MSc Development Studies (Applied Development Economics)
Optional courses taken: DV494 Foundations of Applied Econometrics for Economic Development Policy | DV490 Economic Development Policy I: Applied Policy Analysis for Macroeconomic Development | DV491 Economic Development Policy II: Microeconomic Analysis | DV483 Information Communication Technologies and Socio-economic Development
Book recommendation: Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty, by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo
Favourite spot in London: The British Museum
Bio: Hi! I’m Ashton. With a passion for studying international development, I’ve started my new life in London, which is my first time living and studying abroad.
During my time studying at LSE, I have learned and grown a lot. Not only have I become more “international” in this diverse cultural environment, but I have also explored and experienced many different things, from public lectures and career resources to extracurricular activities, societies, social events, and tours within and outside of London. Life as an LSE student can be very fulfilling and exciting!
My academic interests include development economics, technology development, and sustainability, and the courses at LSE have provided me with the knowledge needed to engage in the field I am passionate about.
Outside of campus, as a history enthusiast, I enjoy visiting different museums and exploring the roads and streets of London on foot, to experience the history and dynamics of this city.
Additionally, I have learned from and interacted with many alumni and people at LSE, which has given me insights into job applications, life at LSE, and other topics. I’m happy to share my experiences as well. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!
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Full name: Astrid Wihman
Programme: MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)
Optional courses taken: DV490: International Development Policy I: Macroeconomics | DV491: International Development Policy II: Microeconomics, Foundations of Applied Econometrics for Development Policy
Home country: Sweden
Book recommendation: Babel by R.F. Kuang
Favourite spot in London: Hampstead Heath
Bio: Hi! My name is Astrid. I’m originally from Sweden, but have also lived in Australia, the United States, Singapore, and Japan. I moved to the UK in 2019 to start my bachelor’s in International Social & Political Studies at UCL, and have since worked at various start-ups and in political research.
At LSE, I am currently undertaking the ADE specialism, where I’m learning loads about recent trends in development economics and econometric research. If anyone is interested in learning more about this programme feel free to reach out!
Outside of university, you can most often find me doing some kind of sport (happy to share my favourite running routes around London!) or enjoying the incredible food scene that London has to offer. There is so much to enjoy at the LSE and in London, so don’t hesitate to apply if you’re the slightest bit interested!
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Full name: Dabri Ohanu Olohije
Programme: MSc Health and International Development
Optional courses taken: DV457: Sexual and Reproductive Health Programmes: Design, Implementation & Evaluation | DV455: Advocacy, Campaigning and Grassroots Activism | DV456: Population, Health and Development: Evidence and Projections | DV473: Health, Conflict and Crises
Home country: Nigeria
Scholarship: Wellcome Award and Krishnan-Shah Family Foundation Scholarship
Book recommendation: How Change Happens by Duncan Green
Favourite spot in London: Bookstores in Convent Garden and Southbank at night
Bio: Hello :), my name is Dabri and I’m on the Health and International Development Programme. Before LSE, I spent time working at the Nigeria National Public Health Institute where I supported national response to public health emergencies including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2022 I made a career shift to health advocacy and communications where I discovered my passion for using storytelling as a tool to demand accountability, inspire solutions and drive positive change in the health sector.
Now at LSE, the highlight of my experience has been my optional courses. They feel perfectly curated — not only to strengthen my understanding of health from the angle of development but to amplify my passion for advocacy and storytelling. Outside of LSE, I spend far too much time in bookstores, endlessly adding to my ever-growing TBR.
Starting at a new university in a new city can be confusing and nerve wrecking, but that’s why we are here, to support you as best we can. Whether you’ve already received your offer (congratulations!) or are still in the application phase, feel free to reach out with ANY questions you may have —I’m happy to help!
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Full name: Dave G
Programme: MSc Development Management (Part-Time)
Optional courses taken: DV483: ICT & Socio-Economic Development
Favourite spot in London: Greenwich Park
Bio: Hello there, I am Dave, a part-time student studying Development Management (DM). I applied to DM to learn more about the practical side of Development, and the programme has definitely given me such. The Consultancy Project (DV443) has been particularly eye-opening, as it offers first-hand experience in cutting-edge policy research and recommendations (with my topic being AI and Youth Employment). My other modules this year, Development Management (DV431) and ICT of Socio-Economic Development (DV483) are also great for getting an overview of the Development research field and how technology can state-led development.
Outside class, I work full-time in Finance, watch (and if fitness allows, play) football and hunt for the best all-you-can-eat restaurants across London. Do reach out via the ID Mentors email if I can share more about my experience at the LSE. Good luck with your journey and hope I can help!
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Full name: Isabella South
Programme: MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies
Optional courses taken: DV413: Environmental Problems and Development Interventions | DV420: Complex Emergencies | DV462: Forced Migration and Refugees
Home country: England
Book recommendation: A Bed for the Night by David Rieff (gives lots of good historical context to a few major humanitarian emergencies that are discussed on the IDHE course)
Favourite spot in London: Primrose Hill / Camden Market
Bio: Hi! I’m Isabella, and I’m a Masters student on the International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies course at LSE! I graduated from the University of Warwick in 2024 after completing an English Literature degree, but chose to pursue International Development to better understand contemporary global issues while trying to find ways of better helping people in need. I have absolutely loved the course, LSE as a whole, and living in London, so please feel free to reach out with any questions about any of these!
Outside of LSE I enjoy volunteering with St. Mungo’s (a London-based homeless charity), cooking and running (especially alongside Regent’s canal and the Thames). If you only visit one place in London while you’re here my recommendation is Camden Market and Primrose Hill, especially when it’s sunny!
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Full name: Brigitta Kalina Tristani Hernawan
Programme: MSc in Development Management
Optional courses taken: DV407: Poverty | DV483: ICT and Socio-Economic Development |GI409: Conceptual Foundation in Gender, Development and Globalization
Home country: Indonesia
Scholarship: Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education Agency (LPDP Scholarship by Indonesian Government)
Book recommendation: Development as Freedom by Amartya Sen
Favourite spot in London: Southbank Area!
Bio: Hi, it’s Kalina here, coming from a small city in Indonesia. I am currently a student at Development Management (DM) with the support of Indonesian government scholarship. I studied International Relations at Universitas Gadjah Mada back home for my undergraduate study. On my final year, I got a scholarship to do an exchange program at Maastricht University, Netherlands for a semester. During my time there, I discovered a new discourse under the international relations studies, which is international development. That was what led me choosing to focus on Development Management here in LSE.
Two years before coming here, I worked as a part of Minister and Vice Minister’s substance team at the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital. Throughout my tenure there, I discovered the intersection between development issues and technology, which is the issue of Digital Development. It was also the reason I take DV483 course of ICT and Socio-Economic Development – because I want to focus and contribute to Indonesia’s digital development, bridging the digital divide once I finish my study.
Outside class, I am very passionate about music and football. I actively join a choir group back in Indonesia and very keen to make covers with my small guitar in my room. I also like to watch football match – and it’s still a dream of mine to watch a live match at the Old Trafford!
Do reach me out to explore together the exciting things about ID, London, and definitely, LSE! 🙂
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Full name: Kennedy Smith
Programme: MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies
Optional courses taken: DV420: Complex Emergencies | DV455: Advocacy, Campaigning, and Grassroots Activism | DV462: Forced Migration and Refugees
Home country: United States
Book recommendation: Gambling on Development: Why Some Countries Win and Others Lose by Stefan Derco
Favourite spot in London: Notting Hill! You’ll usually find me exploring the markets around London or doing pub quizzes with friends!
Bio: Hi, my name is Kennedy and I am part of the IDHE cohort this year! I came into my master’s less than a year after obtaining my dual degree in International Business and Economics at the University of Oklahoma in the United States. Throughout my time working toward my bachelor’s degree, I had the opportunity to intern with nonprofits in the US and a social enterprise in Ireland where I found my passion for international development and community engagement. When looking to expand my education, LSE was the perfect option as the IDHE program fit everything I was looking for in order to grow my understanding of working within the humanitarian field.
Studying at LSE is an incredible opportunity, and I am so grateful for the multicultural, diverse community I have found here! From the consultancy project to engaging courses, I am able to apply what I learn in the classroom to real world experiences. Living in London is so unique from the people you meet, neighbourhoods you can visit, and events you can take part in; there is truly something for everyone! Please reach out with any questions you may have & any city recommendations you may need, like the best food spots in London!
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Full Name: Juan Matías Iriarte Castillo
Programme: MSc Economic Policy for International Development
Optional courses taken: DV424: International Institutions and Late Development | DV455: Advocacy, Campaigning and Grassroots Activism
Hombre country: Bolivia
Scholarship: Bolivian Ministry Of Development Planning Scholarship
Book Recommendation: Causal Inference: The Mixtape by Scott Cunningham
Favourite spot in London: The Black Dog
Bio: Hi there! I’m Matías, and I’m from Bolivia. I studied Economics in my undergraduate program and then worked as a Research Assistant at several research centres across Latin America, where I helped with development projects for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank. I chose LSE because I wanted a place that offers fantastic quantitative training, which fits perfectly with my background and future aspirations. I’m really passionate about behavioural economics, labour economics, and micro econometrics!
Living in London is amazing, there’s always something exciting happening! I love getting involved in all sorts of activities, whether it’s sports, cooking, dance classes, or exploring the vibrant cultural scene. The diverse societies at LSE make it even more enjoyable; I’m part of the Choir and the Swiftie Society, where I’ve met some incredible people who share my interests. The professors here are truly knowledgeable, and I feel lucky to learn from them!
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Full name: Maureen Manyama
Programme: MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)
Optional courses taken: DV490: Applied Policy Analysis for Macroeconomic Development | DV491: Microeconomic Analysis | DV494 Foundations of Applied Econometrics for Economic Development Policy
Home country: Tanzania
Scholarship: Chevening Scholarship
Book recommendation: The Role of Institutions in Growth and Development by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson
Favourite spot in London: Notting Hill
Bio: Hi! My name is Maureen and I am a Chevening Scholar from Tanzania. I am deeply passionate about designing innovative, sustainable solutions that drive social and economic impact, particularly in developing economies. Before joining LSE I worked in management consulting where I engaged with the private sector, government agencies and donors on projects focusing on inclusive economic development, digital transformation, and climate action.
Outside of academics, I have been enjoying hiking, exploring London’s diverse food scene, visiting museums, and traveling across the UK. I love immersing myself in new cultures—whether through food, art, or exploring different places—and London has been the perfect place to do so.
Congratulations on your offer to LSE! I’m happy to answer any questions you have about the programme, life at LSE, or living in London.
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Full Name: Neelam Makhani (she/her)
Programme: MSc Health and International Development
Optional Courses Taken: DV457: Sexual and Reproductive Health Programmes | DV462: Forced Migration & Refugees | DV420: Complex Emergencies | DV473: Health Conflict & Crises
Home Country: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Book Recommendation: Shame: The Politics and Power of an Emotion by David Keen
Favourite Spot in London: Garden at 120, Millenium Bridge and Sky Garden – All my favourite places to see the beautiful view of the London Skyline and its most iconic landmarks!
Bio: Hello and Welcome to LSE! My name is Neelam Makhani.
My journey in international development began through my religious community and work with the Aga Khan Development Network. At 17, I had the honour of visiting my parents’ birthplace in Pakistan, where I worked in rural communities on mental health, domestic violence, poverty alleviation, hygiene, and youth career counselling. With a Diploma and Bachelor’s in Social Work, I have worked across various sectors, including domestic violence, immigration and youth integration, adoption, and ultimately, finding my passion in sexual and reproductive health & rights, advocacy and education. In 2023, I worked in Kyrgyzstan with the University of Central Asia and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, on projects related to gender-based violence, women’s empowerment, and gender equality – experiences that ultimately led me to LSE!
As a Pakistani Muslim, I am passionate about the intersections of culture, identity, and development. Rooted in the ethics of my faith, I strive to leave the world a better place than I found it. LSE has given me the inspiration and ability to turn my commitment into meaningful change for my younger self, my lineage, and the global community.
Beyond my academic and professional endeavours, I have been singing Bollywood, English and Sufi music since the age of eight. My musical journey has blended with my love for travel, taking me to stages across North America and internationally, including an International Arts Festival in Portugal.
London is the city of dreams—exciting yet intimidating. Embrace the discomfort and growth, fall in love with new parts of the city you never knew existed, and create memories that will one day become stories. This journey can be so wonderful but also overwhelming so if you have questions or need someone to chat with about the process, life in London or just life in general, please feel free to reach out!
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Full name: Noopur Sanathara
Programme: MSc Development Management
Optional courses taken: DV423: Global Political Economy of Development | DV480: Transforming Society: Revolutions, Evolutions and Colonialism | DV421: Critical Perspectives on Global Health and Development
Home country: India; raised in Qatar
Book recommendation: The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization by Peter Zeihan
Favourite spot in London: Millennium Bridge
Bio: Hi, my name is Noopur Sanathara, and I am part of the MSc Development Management cohort this year! I am originally from India, but have been raised in Qatar. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Economics with a major in Finance from NMIMS, India in 2022. Post graduation, I worked as a Sovereign Research Analyst at ISS ESG in Mumbai for 2 years, which sparked my interest in international development.
LSE’s MSc Development Management program was the perfect fit for me to deepen my understanding of this field. The consultancy project (DV443) provides an edge to the course as well in terms of policy research and analyses with organisations. Studying at LSE offers an incredible opportunity, in terms of networking, academics, and I appreciate the diverse community here. Living in London has been wonderful so far; I enjoy its walker-friendly environment, visiting Christmas markets, catching sunsets in the parks (when it’s sunny, of course!), and exploring new restaurants and matcha spots (Jenki’s at the top of my list so far). Please feel free to reach out with any questions you have, whether about the course, or managing academics and social life – I’m happy to help!
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Full name: Perazim Singo
Programme: Development Studies
Optional courses taken: GY474 Politics of Environment and Development | GY415 Local Capacity and Economic Development Policy | DV418 African Development | AN457 Anthropology of Economy – Transformation and Globalisation
Home country: Zimbabwe, grew up in Mongolia and Uganda
Book recommendation: State-Directed Development – Political Power and Industrialization in the Global Periphery by Atul Kohli (2004)
Favourite spot in London: Shoryu Ramen at Liverpool Street
Bio: Hello, welcome to LSE :)!
Prior to pursuing an MSc at the LSE, I completed my BSc Political Science: International Relations and Organisations with a Sustainable Food Systems minor in the Netherlands. Whilst studying, I interned at the Netherlands-African Business Council on agri-trade facilitation and worked for a German fintech-startup for East African small-scale farmers. From this, my topical interests are innovative agricultural industrialisation and sovereign climate adaptation across Africa.
So far, studying at the LSE has been eye-opening with a visit to the Kew Gardens as well as insights from political ecology, political geography, and economic anthropology. Complementarily, it’s been intriguing attending public LSE events with renowned speakers on urban social class dynamics and data visualisation for policy advocacy. Importantly, along the way, it’s been fulfilling to meet new people and make friends from diverse lived experiences. Outside studying, you’ll catch me in the vibrant city trying out a new food place, vibing to soothing music or refreshing my mind by walking in a park.
As with any worthwhile endeavour, navigating student life in London can be a marathon – happy to answer any questions and offer advice!
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Full name: Ha Phuong Ngo
Programme: MSc Development Studies (Applied Development Economics)
Optional courses taken: DV490: Applied Policy Analysis for Macroeconomic Development | DV491: Microeconomic Analysis | DV494 Foundations of Applied Econometrics for Economic Development Policy | DV483: ICT & Socio-Economic Development
Home country: Vietnam, Japan
Book recommendation: Kicking away the ladder by Ha-Joon Chan (2002); Economics: The User’s Guide by Ha-Joon Chan (2014); Economics users guide, International economics : theory and policy by Krugman, Obstfeld, and Melitz (2018); Microeconomic Policy Analysis by Friedman (1985)
Favourite spot in London: Soho
Bio: Hi! I’m Phuong, a full-time MSc Development Studies student.
I was born in Vietnam and raised in Japan. I moved to the UK for my undergraduate studies in Sociology at the University of Manchester, graduating in July 2024.
Now, I’m specialising in Applied Development Economics because I believe that acquiring economic theory and quantitative skills opens up diverse career opportunities, whether in the international development sector or beyond.
This specialisation can be challenging, even for students with an economics background, and even more so for those without one. Despite the challenges, the knowledge and skills you gain make it absolutely worth it! As someone who started without an economics background, I’m happy to share my experiences.
I am also taking the ICT for Development module, which provides fascinating insights into how technology can drive development and how societies need to transform in response to it. It gave me hope for an innovative and inclusive future.
Outside academia, I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring central London, and traveling across Europe. There’s a whole world to discover here!
Good luck with your journey, and I’d love to help with any questions or concerns you might have!
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Full name: Putra Prima Raka
Programme: MSc Economic Policy for International Development
Optional courses taken: DV423: Global Political Economy of Development, DV424: International Institution and Late Development
Home country: IndonesiaScholarship: Central Bank of Indonesia (Bank Indonesia)
Scholarship: Central Bank of Indonesia (Bank Indonesia) Scholarship
Book recommendation: Why Nations Fail (AJR), Principles of Economics (Mankiw)
Favourite spot in London: Stamford Bridge, Triple Hot Spicy Indonesian Street Food, F1 Arcade London, Canary Wharf
Bio: Hi there! Nice to e-meet you! I am Prima from Indonesia, a part of the second cohort of the MSc Economic Policy of International Development (EPID) program. I did my undergraduate degree in Economics in Indonesia back in 2019. Before studying at LSE, I worked in the World Bank for a year and have been working in the Central Bank of Indonesia for the last 4 years. I am particularly interested in Applied Economics, especially in the realm of international trade and finance policies. That’s why I choose LSE EPID program.
It is interesting to study EPID program as we try to understand how the real world works in the economic development area. Understanding economic theory, but with more emphasis on the empirical analysis rather than focusing on technical aspects, has become one of the best and most satisfying features of this course. If you are curious about the program, life as an LSE International Development student, or any trivial things about London, please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime!
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Full name: Rachel Ntow
Programme: MSc Development Management
Optional courses taken: DV483: ICT and Socio-economic Development | DV423: Global Political Economy of Development | MY425: Case Studies and Comparative Methods for Qualitative Research
Home country: Ghana
Scholarship: LSE Master’s Awards
Book recommendation: The Institutional Foundation of Economic Development by Shiping Tang; Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell
Favourite spot in London: Freddie’s (Goodenough College)
Bio: Hello, I’m Rachel. I graduated from the University of Ghana with a BA in Psychology and Information Studies. With a background in project management, I worked in education and development prior to enrolling at LSE. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with development partners and policymakers to implement projects designed to improve digital literacy, inclusive education, professional development, and capacity-building efforts across various stakeholders in the education sector. Currently, I am interested in exploring how digital technology, particularly AI, can drive development.
I’m all for fun activities and exciting events in London, but if I’m being honest, nothing beats a cozy binge session with my favourite movies and series!
My favourite part about LSE is LSE LIFE events and resources, which have been invaluable in my academic journey. Need advice on your journey to the ID department or life at LSE? Do reach out, I’m happy to answer your questions!
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Full name: Rawan Soujaa
Programme: MSc Development Studies
Optional courses taken: AN456: Anthropology of Economy | DV428: Managing Humanitarianism| DV420: Complex Emergencies |DV462: Forced Migration and Refugees
Home country: Lebanon/Canada
Book recommendation: The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
Favourite spot in London: Alexandra Park
Bio: Hey there! I’m Rawan—born in Lebanon, raised in Qatar, and a proud graduate of a Canadian university. Before moving to the UK in September 2024 to pursue my master’s in Development Studies at LSE, I spent four years working at the Royal Bank of Canada in various roles. Studying international development has been a long-time dream of mine, and I couldn’t have chosen a better place to explore my passion for global economics and politics.
Beyond academics, LSE has given me the opportunity to connect with incredible people—whether it’s studying in the library, squeezing in a Pilates session between classes, grabbing a Blank Street coffee, or catching up over drinks at the pub. The world-class faculty here bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the evolving field of development, making every class insightful and dynamic.
Alongside my studies, I also work part-time as a consultant, which has challenged me to balance a fast-paced, well-rounded routine. Whether you’re wondering if an international development degree is the right fit for you or looking for tips on managing work, study, and social life, I’m happy to chat—no question is too big or small! 😊
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Full name: Selime Khalilova
Programme: MSc Development Studies (Applied Development Economics)
Optional courses taken: DV490: Economic Development Policy I: Applied Policy Analysis for Macroeconomic Development | DV494: Foundations of Applied Econometrics for Economic Development Policy |DV492: Economic Development Policy III: Government Policy Analysis |DV424: International Institutions and Late Development
Home country: Ukraine
Book recommendation: I suggest you read these two books before starting your studies:
1. Economics: The User’s Guide by Ha-Joon Chang
2. Mastering ‘Metrics: The Path from Cause to Effect by Joshua Angrist
Favourite spot in London: Daunt Books for diving into stories, Millennium Bridge for iconic city views, and Richmond Park or Primrose Hill when you need a refreshing panorama. Escape the city entirely at Hampstead Heath.
Bio: Hey everyone! I’m Selime, originally from Crimea and Bucha, Ukraine. My academic journey has taken me across borders, from studying international relations and communications in Kyiv to exchange programs at the University of Zurich in Switzerland and Lund University in Sweden. Each of these experiences deepened my passion for understanding global dynamics and the role of policy in shaping economic development.
Beyond my studies, I worked at the EU Delegation in Ukraine, where I had the chance to engage in projects that highlighted the transformative power of strategic development initiatives. Seeing the impact of these efforts firsthand strengthened my desire to contribute to meaningful change.
Choosing Development Studies was a natural step for me, shaped by my experiences at home. Ukraine’s resilience, its drive for reform, and the ongoing push for strong institutions have shown me just how much can be achieved despite the challenges. I’m eager to gain new insights, refine my skills, and, hopefully, make a difference for my community and beyond.
Outside of academics, I love cozy coffee chats, exploring new cultures, and lazy afternoons with my cat, Patrick. Excited to meet you all, hear your stories, and support you in any way I can!
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Full name: Veronica Tis
Programme: MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies
Optional courses taken: DV467: Famine, Data Skills and Analysis | DV462: Forced Migration and Refugees | DV420: Complex Emergencies
Home country: United States
Book recommendation: Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa
Favourite spot in London: Brockwell and Dulwich Park- I love to run around here and afterwards grab the best chocolate croissant in London!
Bio: Hello! My name is Veronica and I grew up in the Baltimore area of Maryland in the United States. After graduating high school, I got my BA in International Affairs from the George Washington University in Washington, DC, where I had the opportunity to volunteer for a summer teaching in Argentina as well as study abroad for a semester in Jordan, learning Arabic. Before coming to London to study at LSE, I worked full-time in Washington, DC as an institutional support contractor with USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Affairs.
My experience at LSE has been more than I could have ever dreamed of. Yes, the program is challenging, but working alongside such amazing colleagues from many different backgrounds and learning from such intelligent professors, you learn how to balance your schoolwork, social life, and other responsibilities very quickly, all while enjoying London and the rest of the UK.
When I am not reading or writing for school, I am enjoying walking around London with friends, taking day trips to places like Bath or Dover Cliffs, and relaxing in the sauna right down the street from my place. You can also find me hopping on last minute flights because I love to travel!
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Full name: Yihe Wen
Programme: MSc Development Studies
Optional courses taken: DV423: Global Political Economy of Development | DV424: International Institutions and Late Development |DV480: Transforming Society: Revolutions, Evolutions and Colonialism | MY451: Introduction to Quantitative Analysis
Home country: China
Book recommendation: Culture and Imperialism by Edward Said
Favourite spot in London: Primrose Hill, Daunt Books
Bio: Hi! My name is Yihe (in Chinese it actually means ‘a crane’). Before the LSE, I had a Master in International Affairs in Berlin and worked in intergovernmental development cooperation for a year, including the Sino-German Cooperation on Climate Change in the GIZ. I have observed lots of interesting dynamics and politics in development cooperation during my work and this has finally inspired me to pursue a degree in development studies, which I love! The LSE has been my best academic experience so far and my learning curve is steep! For me, the department offers exactly the approach I wished for, and I am able to study exactly what interests me. During my free time, I like wandering around in London and immersing myself in this global cultural capital, while still having the chance to refresh my mind by taking walks in the city’s many gorgeous parks.
