Four Knox Students Accepted Into Prestigious Economics Program

When Director of Global Studies Professor Todd Heidt helps students apply for study abroad programs, he rarely encourages them to have a backup choice as their top choice is often a sure bet. However, this is not the case for students applying to study at the London School of Economics (LSE). The program is extremely competitive for several reasons, in part because of the school’s reputation as the place to study economics and other social sciences. “Their alumni base is full of business leaders, global leaders, heads of state,” Heidt says. “It’s a premier institution.”

The program is unique in that it runs for a full year. Accepted students are offered a visiting exchange student spot and are seated with students who are pursuing their degrees at LSE. “They are completely plugged into the university, just like normal degree-seeking students,” Heidt says. “You get access to faculty and experiences, but you are also really embedded in student life and able to make those key connections and network.”

Heidt works directly with all Knox students who are applying to study abroad, and that usually includes a handful of students seeking admission to LSE. “LSE has an extraordinary number of students applying from all over the world for very few spots,” Heidt says. This year, four Knox students applied and all four were accepted. They will be joining a diverse population of 11,000 students in London next year, 70% of whom hail from outside the U.K.

The four Knox students who will be attending LSE next year are Arunodaya (Arun) Rajbhandari, Abhyudaya (Avi) Rajbhandari, Gennosuke Kuninaka, and Harini Gunasekaran. All four are international students, and each has a slightly different interest in economics.

Heidt worked closely with the students on their LSE applications and essays. He’s thrilled to know Knox will be so well-represented in London next year. “It’s special to have four international students from Knox accepted to LSE,” he said. “These young people are adding a third (or fourth) continent to their life experience. That’s pretty amazing if you ask me.”