What inspired you to go abroad?
I thought that joining the Summer Institute at Oriel College would be a good alternative to an Erasmus programme. I really disliked the idea of spending an entire semester abroad, and thus interrupting my law studies.
Reception in Oxford
What about the program attracted you to it?
The Summer Institute at Oriel College offered a wide range of very interesting courses. Especially International Economic and European law caught my attention. In addition, I was very excited to learn about Arbitration law and International Dispute Settlement.
What was your favorite part about Oxford?
The Summer Institute at Oriel College was so much more than just a law programme. I dipped into the Oxfordian lifestyle consisting of black-tie dinners, punting, and college visits. Living in the college accommodation and hanging out with students from Oxford made the experience even more worth staying. This is why I came back to Oxford as a graduate student.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I really enjoyed meeting students who attended all the other courses which were offered in science and literature, or learning skills. The courses were held by very bright and talented speakers from Oxford and Cambridge.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Due to the academical experience acquired in the Summer Institute at Oriel College, I was accepted for an internship at a very prestigious barristers chamber and spent an exciting month in London. The support given to me by staff enabled me to achieve this.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I don't think I would have done anything different.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
During the day, I would attend seminars and lectures. I would join other international students from different courses for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In my spare time, I was also able to participate in many social activities which were organised for me.
Enjoying a meal with friends
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in the colleges of the University of Oxford. Living in the college accommodation and hanging out with students from Oxford made the experience even more worth staying. This is why I came back to Oxford as a graduate student.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
It is an amazing experience. Students should take the opportunity to take part in everything that the programme has to offer.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? why?
Yes definitely; it is something that can change your life. It gave me a direction for my future.
Big Red Bus driving down the city street
How has your time abroad impacted your life most significantly?
After I returned home, I had the incentive to apply for an internship at a very prestigious barristers chamber in London.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad has been overall?
It inspired me to do other great things. As the years passed by, I was never able to shake off the desire to become part of the Oxford student body myself; not just enjoying the Oxfordian spirit as a guest, but as a student. Therefore, after I finished my dissertation and my second state examination, I applied to Oxford for a master’s degree in law. In conclusion, I am very privileged in being part of the Magister Juris Programme and I am humble and thankful for what I was able to experience so far.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
When you will learn and experience something in a new place which you will never forget.