London: Economy, International Trade, & Brexit

Between the late 16th and early 18th centuries, the British Empire became the largest in history and a dominant global power. London has since emerged as an international city and one of the leaders in global commerce, given its long history of colonization and globalization. This seminar will examine the role of international trade in London and how it has affected everyday London socio-economic life. We will examine trade from the beginning of the British Empire, through the colonization period, to its pre-Brexit and post-Brexit years.

Course Description

The course will be segmented in two parts: 1) London and its role in international trade in the global world, and 2) London and pre- and post-Brexit.

History shows that London’s economy has mostly been shaped by trade with its global partners. London’s interconnectedness with the global economy has given rise to increase in trade over the years and has had an important impact on the structure of its economy. The city also attracts investors from all over the world. Openness to trade is vital for any economy since free trade increases the size of markets, encourages specializations, increases returns to innovation, and encourages competition and efficiency. This segment of the course will provide an overview of how London’s economy has changed over the years. We will also show that the forces of trade helped London to shift from lower productivity to higher-productivity activities.

Since Brexit, the United Kingdom is free to sign deals with countries that have no existing EU deals like the US. They are now also able to negotiate free trade deals with the EU after the transition period. We will discuss how Brexit is affecting the UK-Ireland relations and the peace process in Northern Ireland, as well as analyze Brexit’s impact on people crossing borders, on goods crossing borders, and on Ireland. The course will conclude with the study of Brexit’s impact overall on London’s economy and its people.

You will live in shared housing with other program participants. Welcome and farewell meals, and some other additional meals, are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be prepared in the housing or taken at local eateries.

Excursions may include:

• Visit to The Economist Magazine and lecture
• Several lectures relating to course content, including race relations, trade, and immigration
• Day visits to Oxford and Cambridge with lectures
• Lecture from London School of Economics
• House of Commons in the Parliament & Westminster Palace
• The Institute for Government
• Canary Wharf Tour - financial sector
• Bank of England
• Lloyds of London
• Famous Square Mile
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• Docklands Museum
• Brick Lane tour
• Museum of London
• Tower of London
• National Maritime Museum
• British Museum
• Victoria & Albert Museum
• Royal Observatory (Greenwich)

It might be possible to deviate your return flight. Inquire with your program contact if interested.

• Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
• Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
• Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting

This Global Seminar is led by Fahima Aziz, lecturer in the Economics Department of the College of Liberal Arts, who has focused largely on international business and finance throughout her teaching career.

In 2024, this Global Seminar will be co-led by Fahima Aziz and Adway De, lecturers in the Economics Department of the College of Liberal Arts.

Information Sessions

Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.

May 2024 Cost of Participation

Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The program fee generally includes tuition, group flight airfare, airport transfers, in-country program related transportation, housing, some meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance. Generally, program fees range between $7,000-8,500.You must also budget for passport and passport photos, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.

Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.

COVID-19 Information

A COVID-19 vaccine & booster and negative COVID test before departure (own expense) may be required on arrival in country or at various venues in this location (based on current government and local policies). This may change before departure.

Participants are expected to follow local and governmental COVID-19 guidelines and requirements while abroad. Visit the CDC International Travel website and the LAC COVID Policies page for updated information.

U.S. Consulate in United Kingdom COVID-19 site (current updates on entry/exit and local requirements).

More information can be provided during advising sessions and pre-departure orientation with the program contact in the LAC.