LSE Summer School '24 Reflection with Eneya Georgieva

This year's LSE Scholar - Eneya Georgieva - shares her first-person perspective on a challenging, yet rewarding summer in London. Read more about Eneya's journey of Learning, Growth, and Connection!

How to Win a Scholarship

Applying for a scholarship can be challenging and even disheartening, especially when you give it your all and still hear a "no." But the key is how you handle that setback. Instead of letting it get you down, use it as motivation to push forward. Trust me, it works. This was exactly my experience when I first applied for the Aleksander Foundation Scholarship for the LSE Summer School in 2022. Back then, I did not even make it to the second round of the competition. So, what could I do? I asked for feedback, worked hard, and used that "no" as inspiration, knowing there was still so much to learn and achieve. Two years later, I am one of only two Bulgarian students selected to attend LSE for three weeks packed with knowledge and inspiration.

Good Enough for LSE Summer School

Studying at one of Europe’s top universities is both an honor and a significant challenge. Although I consistently maintained excellent grades in Bulgaria, I knew that the academic standards at LSE were exceptionally high, and I would need to be at my absolute best to meet them. I chose to study Management and Economics of Digital Innovation—a field I’m deeply passionate about, especially as a final-year Master’s student in AI for Business and Finance.

From the moment I stepped into the classroom, I was struck by the depth of knowledge and the quality of teaching at LSE. The professors were not just experts in their fields; they were incredibly skilled at making complex concepts accessible and engaging. They pushed us to think critically, to question our assumptions, and to dive deeper into topics we thought we already understood.

One of the most humbling experiences was realizing how much more there was to learn, despite my previous knowledge and experience. The theories I had studied before were presented in entirely new, more profound ways, enriched with real-world examples from leading tech companies and in-depth case studies. For example, discussions on digital innovation were not just theoretical—they were grounded in practical examples from companies like Google, Apple, and Tesla, showing us exactly how these concepts are applied in the real world.

This academic environment pushed me to excel. I was thrilled to achieve one of the highest grades in my midterm exam, scoring 82 out of 100—a mark that the professors noted was rarely achieved. And I finished the course with an A, which felt incredibly rewarding.

Learning from Diversity

While the professors at LSE were undoubtedly a highlight, the diversity of the student body was equally enriching. My classmates came from all corners of the globe—from Canada and Brazil to India, Sydney, China, and more. This diverse mix of perspectives brought our discussions to life, making them dynamic and multifaceted. For example, a student from Singapore recounted the challenges Starbucks faced when trying to enter their local market—a story that resonated much more deeply coming from someone who had lived through it, rather than reading it in a case study.

These conversations were invaluable because they provided real-world context to the theories we were learning. They broadened my understanding of how business and technology operate in different cultural and economic environments. This kind of learning, which combines academic theory with personal experience, is something that simply cannot be replicated in a textbook.

Making Friends and Building Networks

Beyond the academic and intellectual growth, one of the most significant benefits of attending the LSE Summer School was the opportunity to make lasting connections. Like any event that brings together a group of highly motivated individuals, the relationships you form can be just as important as the knowledge you gain.

The social aspect of the program was vibrant and engaging. Whether during breaks between classes, group projects, or social events, there were countless opportunities to connect with peers. Many people were eager to exchange Instagram handles, ensuring that our conversations and friendships could continue long after the program ended.

These connections are not just casual acquaintances; they are relationships with future leaders and innovators from around the world. Staying in touch with my classmates has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my LSE experience. Every time I see their photos from new destinations or their hometowns, it brings back memories of the intense study sessions in the library and the fun we had exploring London together. These friendships and networks are priceless, offering both professional connections and personal support that will last long into the future.

First-Hand Megalopolis Experience

Reflecting on my experience at the LSE Summer School, I realize just how transformative those three weeks were. It felt like I was truly living in a new place, in a new country. I fell in love with London and its vibrant energy—from studying in the LSE library, the largest library for Economics and Political Science in Europe, to eating fish and chips by the Thames, and ending a long day with one of the top musicals direct from Broadway.

But there’s even more—people, companies, ways of thinking. Although I had visited London three times before, this experience allowed me to see the city in a completely new way, as a student who was part of it. 

Final Thoughts

For anyone considering applying for a scholarship or attending a prestigious summer school like LSE, my advice is simple: apply. Your motivations may be different from mine, but I am confident this experience will only enrich you and allow you to grow in ways you might not expect.