LSE/Columbia SIPA Dual Degree MPA
December 30, 2011
I've been receiving emails regarding the GPPN Dual Degree program between the LSE and Columbia SIPA that I am pursuing. In the interest of sharing information, here's some key considerations...
Read MoreLSE MPA Books
July 8, 2011
GV 478: Political Science and Public Policy Shepsle and Bonchek: Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior, and Institutions. EC 440: Micro and Macro Economics (for Public Policy) Varian: Intermediate Microeconomics: A Modern Approach. 5th Edition. Frank: Microeconomics and Behavior. 8th Edition. Mankiew: Macroeconomics. 6th Edition. EC455: Quantitative Approaches and Policy Analysis Stock and Watson: Introduction to Econometrics. 2nd Edition. DV441: Development Policy…
Read MoreLSE MPA: the Good Stuff
June 24, 2011
So, it occurred to me that I may have been a bit harsh on the LSE. I blame it on my Asian upbringing where I demand improvement even when things are already really good. Tiger Mom in the making, anyone? (I just started reading Amy Chua’s book: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. But that’s another post for another day.)…
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Academic Purgatory
June 21, 2011
Phew! I’m done with my first and hopefully final (given I passed everything) set of LSE exams!! This honestly has been the worst academic purgatory I have ever endured. It was just so… long, and painful. Cramming 5, year-long courses worth of information in my head is definitely not anyone’s definition of fun. The evidence that this was horrible? I…
Read MoreNew Changes to the LSE MPA
June 18, 2011
Since my last post on the LSE MPA, there have been some significant changes made to the curriculum. How did I find out about the new changes? An email from my blog reader. This in and of itself should raise concern over the level (or lack thereof) of communication between administration and the student body. So, what are the changes?…
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Lonely Londontown?
June 9, 2011
I am tired. For the past few weeks, I have been holed up at a two-story Starbucks in central London prepping for my first exams at the LSE. This British system is difficult to adjust to. I have no idea how the exams are graded and thus my mood swings all day between “oh my goodness, I am going to…
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LSE MPA: the real deal
April 17, 2011
A few months ago, I wrote a post on my thoughts on the LSE MPA after my first term. Now that I have completed the year and am in the final stretch preparing for exams, I thought it’s time to do a bit of update on how I really feel. It’s admissions decision time, and I’ve received a lot of…
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Thoughts on the LSE MPA
December 29, 2010
With one term under my belt, people have been asking me what I think of the LSE and the MPA program so far. So here are some personal insights on this prestigious institution and one of its many graduate programs. The London School of Economics and Political Science is fancy, and there is a reason for that. This year, yet…
Read MorePutting on My Debate Hat
November 25, 2010
I haven’t written much about the academic aspect of my experience thus far here at the LSE. To be honest, I really am still trying to figure out what is going on and what is the best strategy in tackling the course work and getting organized so I don’t seriously freak out come April. One thing for sure, I have…
Read MoreOld Friend in London
November 15, 2010
This weekend, I had my first visitor in London! Juliette, my French friend who spent the first 6 months of my service in Batié with me, was visiting from Paris. We hadn’t seen each other since she left Cameroon a year and a half ago. As always, it’s amazing to reunite with a good friend after such long time and…
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