From Brexit to Sustainability: Economics Study Abroad Program Adapts to Global Changes

For five years, University of Minnesota economics students have traveled to London for three weeks to study the city’s role as a global economic powerhouse, but just as the economy has changed, so has the class. 

The class, London Economy, Trade and Environment, originally titled London Economy, Trade and Brexit, was developed by Professor Fahima Aziz in 2019 to expose students to London’s international trade influence while examining Brexit’s economic effects. However, as Brexit moved from anticipation to reality, the program has adapted to address contemporary challenges, particularly environmental sustainability. 

“I’m deeply interested in environmental issues,” Aziz said. “I added the environmental aspect so that students get an understanding of London’s energy and fossil fuel use and how London is moving toward a sustainable model, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing carbon tax.” 

The curriculum shift reflects broader economic realities. Although Brexit remains part of the discussion through expert lectures, the focus has expanded to include sustainable development, energy policy, and environmental economics. 

Surprising Discoveries Shape Student Understanding

Students encounter unexpected findings during their study abroad experience. One discovery involved Brexit’s economic impact, which surprised recent graduate Alison Yoho (BS ‘25). “Coming into this, I definitely thought of the UK as this economic superpower, but after Brexit they’ve had their ups and downs, and it’s not the same as it was pre-Brexit,” she said. “Seeing how much Brexit has impacted their economy was something I didn’t know before.” 

Students learned that London itself voted against Brexit, while support primarily came from older male voters with fewer years of education living outside major cities. Scotland and Northern Ireland also opposed the measure, providing students with a nuanced understanding of regional political dynamics. 

“Brexit happened; it was more of a political dogma,” Aziz said. “It was a reaction against immigrants and an isolationist strategy — a fear that foreign people were coming in to take away jobs from local workers. It was not something that the government thought through strategically regarding the impact of Brexit on the economy.” 

The environmental part of the program led to some eye-opening comparative insights. Students were struck by how differently the US and Britain approach energy use. They got to see London’s push for sustainable city planning, where workplaces are mixed in with neighborhoods — a huge contrast to America’s car-heavy suburban sprawl. 

Mechanical engineering major Zane Siddiqui observed London’s superior public transportation. “They have probably the best public transport system in the world when it comes to easy access,” he said.  “It’s interesting when you compare how we spend money on infrastructure here in the United States, with lots of parking lots and cars.” 

For Yoho, the energy transition lecture by guest speaker Shivani Taneja, a lecturer at the University of Kent, proved particularly impactful. “It was really interesting, especially comparing it to the current climate in the United States right now and how we aren’t really thinking about green energy in the same way that Europe is,” she said. 

Access to Exclusive Venues Enhances Learning

The program provides students with rare access to London’s most significant economic institutions. Cooper Knutson, a rising senior, emphasized the program’s unique access. “We had the opportunity to visit Parliament, Lloyd’s of London, and several other incredible places that aren’t easily accessible to most people. Professor Aziz was the one who made all of that possible.” 

Yoho noted how the program made her step outside her comfort zone and reflect. “Some of the tours we did I would not have done had I just come as a tourist with my family,” she said. “I’m really glad that was part of the program and it deepened my understanding on immigration and economic integration.”  

Students highlight Lloyd’s of London as particularly impactful. For Yoho, the visit helped connect classroom theory to practice. “Getting all those facts about how the company started by insuring merchant ships in the 1600s and being able to connect the history with economic theory in this real-world setting was really cool.” 

The intensive three-week format proves more effective than semester-long courses for some students, who appreciate the concentrated focus and immersive environment. Without competing academic demands, they can fully engage with London’s economic landscape and cultural offerings. 

“The cultural immersion throughout the program from exploring local markets and museums to engaging with Londoners in everyday settings really helped me understand the city beyond its landmarks. It gave me a sense of how its history helped shape daily life, something that would not be possible with a normal class,” Knutson said. 

Confronting Colonial History and Modern Economics 

The program deliberately connects historical colonization with modern economic realities, often providing students their first comprehensive exposure to British imperial history. Students examine London’s colonial legacy through museum visits and walking tours of diverse neighborhoods like Brixton. 

“Students had no idea what colonization was,” Aziz said. “They said they were never taught this in high school. They didn’t know the vastness of the British Empire and its exploitative nature.” 

Yoho described visiting sites dealing with colonial history as “very emotional and important for future economists,” noting that it “underscored for me the importance to not only educate yourself and understand what role the system has played for people in the past, but actively work toward taking better steps to be empathetic and well-educated.” 

Siddiqui, who visited the Docks Museum focusing on the slave trade, found the experience “definitely a sobering reality check,” while appreciating that “those voices and perspectives are being represented more and more.” 

Career Impact and Global Perspective 

The program’s influence extends far beyond the classroom, significantly affecting students’ career trajectories and academic goals. According to Aziz, some students choose to pursue graduate studies at prestigious institutions including Cambridge University and the London School of Economics after taking the London trip. 

Yoho expressed strong interest in returning. “I would absolutely love to either do a master’s degree or live for a couple of years in London if I could swing it,” she said. “I want to go back so badly.” She credits the program with reinforcing her interests in both energy and finance sectors. 

Knutson noted how the experience “definitely encouraged me to consider studying abroad for a full semester whether in London or somewhere else. Gaining an international perspective is incredibly important for the kind of career I’m pursuing.” 

Future Directions and Continued Evolution 

Looking toward 2026, the program plans to increase the environmental focus while maintaining its interdisciplinary approach. Aziz intends to expand sustainability content and potentially add visits to London’s electricity auction sites. 

The program exemplifies how academic curricula can adapt to changing global circumstances while maintaining an educational focus. By shifting from Brexit analysis to environmental sustainability, it ensures students engage with both historical context and contemporary challenges facing the global economy. 

As Yoho summarized, “it felt like a really great mix of tours, lectures and free time. We saw  so much in three weeks. I’m amazed when I tell people about the stuff I did—I really did all that.” 

The London program continues to transform students into what Professor Aziz calls, “compassionate citizens of the world,” providing invaluable international perspectives that prepare students for increasingly interconnected careers in economics and beyond.    

The course runs from May 17 - June 8, 2026. Applications are due by March 1, 2025. Scholarships are available for students with demonstrated financial need. If you are interested in applying or would like more information, contact Dr. Fahima Aziz at [email protected]