From which university did you join the exchange program and where are you from?
I joined the international exchange program from the University of Exeter and am from Zurich, Switzerland.
Why did you decide to study law in the UK and not in your home country Switzerland?
I received my high school diploma from an English high school in Switzerland, where one is supported and encouraged to study in the United Kingdom. I thought it would be a great experience to study abroad, so I am very happy that I was able to do so.
However, after the completion of my bachelor’s degree, I plan to move back to Switzerland in order to qualify as a Swiss lawyer. Thankfully, the conversion process is relatively straightforward and fast compared to most other jurisdictions.
Why did you choose to participate in an exchange program?
Studying at Bucerius had been a goal of mine ever since I found out about the possibility of doing an exchange year. As a German citizen growing up in Switzerland, I was very eager to be able to live in Germany for a year. As I did more research about Bucerius as a school, the more I realized that I wanted to spend a year in Hamburg. Thankfully, it worked out!
Would you recommend studying abroad to other students studying in the UK?
I would definitely recommend studying abroad to other students. It has been such a great experience living in a country that I had never lived in before and meeting so many amazing people.
What are you most looking forward to during your next semester in the German LLB program?
I’m really looking forward to taking several classes in German as I’m interested to see how much of a change it is from studying law in English.
Although German is my first language and am slightly more comfortable in it than English, having never been exposed to law in German may prove to be a challenge, simply because I won’t be used to it. Furthermore, it’ll be great to be exposed to it now, as it is the language I plan to practice law in in Switzerland.
In what way has studying at Bucerius been different than at your home law school?
A big difference between Exeter and Bucerius are the class sizes. In Exeter, lectures may comprise of several hundred students in one auditorium. Here at Bucerius, the class sizes are significantly smaller, allowing for more in-class interaction and a more personal learning experience.
What is the most interesting thing you learned academically and personally during the exchange program?
From an academic standpoint, I’ve found it very interesting to learn about different legal systems around the world. I took several classes in the exchange program that contrasted and compared different jurisdictions’ approach to various legal issues.
These classes are unique as they give a broader global overview of the law rather than focusing on one jurisdiction. On a personal level, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to live alone for the first time, without any roommates or my family. It is certainly a challenging experience but one that is worth undertaking!
What has been your favorite experience at Bucerius so far?
The people! It has been a blessing to meet so many amazing people from around the world, coming from so many different backgrounds. I think this is what has made my exchange year the most worthwhile, as I feel that being exposed to so many different kinds of great people can really broaden one’s horizons.
What was most surprising to you about living and studying in Germany?
Having grown up in a neighbouring country, Germany was never far away, meaning that I spent a lot of time here in my childhood. However, one thing I didn’t quite realize the extent of was how dependent Hamburg was on cash.
Most places in Switzerland are completely cash-free, so I was surprised to see that Hamburg is not at all like that.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the future exchange students at Bucerius?
I can only recommend doing an exchange program at Bucerius. It has been a great pleasure to be here and I would absolutely choose to do it again if I could. Regarding Hamburg recommendations, my favourite place in Hamburg is Blitz-Bar in the Schanzenviertel.
It quickly became the bar of choice of the exchange program; I think most students on the program would also name it as their favourite spot. It’s a really lively place with great atmosphere that I can recommend to anyone.
