Introduction
We have all had friends who come back a new person after spending time overseas: new ideas and ways of thinking, new dress sense, and sometimes even new accents (the less said about that last one the better). Nonetheless, as frustrating as it may sometimes be to feign interest in their mildly entertaining anecdotes about their adventures abroad, it is undeniable that studying, and more importantly – living – in a foreign country can add volumes to your academic and professional arsenal. Much more than this, it can be a formative experience in establishing or reaffirming your own sense of identity. Having spent the last almost-year studying abroad, I want to share my thoughts on studying abroad based on my own experience with you. I hope to offer some practical thoughts but bear with me whenever a sense of nostalgia or idealism is detectable.
Costs
The year abroad is oft-cited as a rite of passage for a university student, whether this be as an Erasmus or done independently as a postgraduate student. Certainly where the latter is concerned, fees for post-graduate courses in the Netherlands, Belgium and other European countries tend to be a lot lower, often less than half the price of the equivalent courses in the UK or Ireland. Moreover, depending on where you are coming from, the cost of living may be significantly cheaper as well. Taking some of the financial pressure off can do wonders in relieving stress and anxiety associated with university learning, not to mention the savings which can be put towards living your best life in a new and exciting city
Travel
I took a risk in moving to Brussels in September 2020 when the threat of more lockdowns loomed large, and it is safe to say that my travel plan in that regard did not work out. On the bright side, with vaccination programmes now in full steam and travel beginning to get back to normality, I would still stand over this part of my reasoning for choosing Brussels over other European destinations. Living in the centre of the EU allows for all sorts of weekend excursions; Amsterdam, Paris and London are all accessible within 1.5 hours of your Belgian home. No matter where in mainland Europe you may decide to study, travel comes a lot easier than when you are on an island.
People and culture
There is no doubt that living abroad has allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people, of whom I can call a few my closest friends. The diversity in a city like Brussels is quite amazing with migrants from all over the world coming to the centre of the European Union to avail of Belgium’s unique charm and international opportunities.
The nice thing about the international population of the Belgian capital is that almost everyone is in the same boat away from home looking to meet new people of different cultures and backgrounds. This in turn opens up exciting possibilities to explore new cultures and ways of life with the people you meet.
Additionally, you will likely begin to realise how important your own culture and traditions are to you. Certainly in my case I began relishing the things which before I took for granted or bemoaned (there is an awful lot to be said for a proper full breakfast the morning after to stave away ‘the fear’). Sometimes being thrown into a completely new environment is the best way to appreciate your roots and consolidate your own sense of self.
Why study law abroad?
Firstly, it is important to note that other European countries practice civil law, rather than the common law as we know it in the UK and Ireland. This means you should be careful in choosing your courses to ensure it is something which you can use to propel your career as a common law lawyer.
Postgrads in European or International Law are particularly popular, and for good reason – as business and law becomes increasingly globalised, degrees in these areas are especially sought after.
I chose my LL.M. in International Business Law at ULB because it was taught almost exclusively by partners in international law firms practicing in the city, offering a more practical education as well fantastic networking opportunities. The mix of common law and civil law students you will find in these courses is a fascinating combination and you will learn just how similar, or different, our views of the law are - as well as how differently we would consider an ideal legal system to look.
Stand out in your training contract applications
Making the active decision to go abroad and add an international flavour to your resume demonstrates independence, drive, and resilience, all of which are non-negotiables for recruiters.
If you can demonstrate that the course you chose abroad has particular useful characteristics which were difficult to replicate at home, then this takes you one step further, showing yourself to be in touch with what is needed to become a successful lawyer.
For example, there are a number of universities in the Netherlands boasting well renowned law and technology courses – something any modern law student should recognise as a sure-fire way to move with the times and catch the attention of interviewers when pursuing that coveted training contract.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that studying abroad can be a truly fantastic experience. While undoubtedly challenging in more ways than one, what you will discover about yourself and the world at large will stand to you. With unrivalled networking opportunities and fascinating course content, I would encourage anyone looking to scratch that itch of living abroad to try it out first in the context of study. You would be surprised by how much you will learn about all walks of life.
For those curious about postgraduate courses abroad, this website is particularly useful.
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