LSE is a part of the CIVICA University Alliance in Europe. CIVICA is an alliance of leading European Universities that aims to facilitate cross-culture learning and promote shared European values. It provides you with the opportunity to participate in multi-disciplinary and diverse teams to delve further into a topical or regional issue in the EU. 

In early 2024, a joint honours seminar of AI and Labour Economics was conducted at IE University (Universidad Instituto de Empresa) in Madrid from 29 January to 2 February. It was a joint collaboration between LSE and IE University, wherein LSE nominated five students to attend the seminar in-person at IE’s Madrid campus; I was one of the fortunate five that were selected to partake in this seminar.

The opportunity was advertised on LSE’s student newsletter. To apply, you were prompted to fill in an application form and detail your interest and suitability. Out of the 40 and more applicants across LSE’s various departments, five postgraduate students were selected. To be chosen for this seminar was an exceptional opportunity, and I was excited to participate, as well as to travel to Spain for the first time. 

Upon arriving in Spain on the morning of 29 January, I get stuck into a packed schedule of lectures, networking events and cultural activities. I had a schedule of three lectures a day — each an hour and a half long — followed by leisure time meeting others and networking, and finally the evening to explore Madrid. My hunger to explore new avenues tidied me through the busy schedule. 

At the completion of the assignment, I got to present a group project on a topic of my choice within AI and labour economics. During post-lectures and early mornings, I worked hard with my group on the topic of what skills and jobs would be obsolete with the proliferation of AI in the EU. This was an extremely enriching experience to work with colleagues from IE University and Hertie School, as we were studying a variety of disciplines, which brought a multi-dimensional perspective when exploring the topic. 

Apart from the academics, the cultural exchange was a highlight for me. A walking tour and a Flamenco show had been organised for us on day one, through which I learned more about Spain’s rich history, other countries (from my CIVICA cohort), as well as the opportunity to make friends along the way.

I couldn’t recommend the CIVICA Honours Seminar enough.