Which university do you attend in your home country?
I attend the Rio de Janeiro Law School of the Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV Direito Rio).
Why did you choose to study abroad and why at Bucerius specifically?
My law school highly encourages international experiences. I always wanted to live in Germany as I have studied the language since my middle school years.
Among the German law schools, Bucerius stood out for its innovative and modern academic project, resembling that of my own law school. Additionally, my involvement with Arbitration competitions put me in contact with Bucerius’s international programme, and its focus on business law.
Would you recommend the exchange program to other Brazilian students?
Natürlich, as the Germans say. There are two features which set the Bucerius Law School exchange programme apart. First, international students not only have contact with some brilliant Bucerius lecturers, but also with experts from other institutions around Europe and the world, which in turn enriches the internationality of the experience.
Second, the Bucerius Law School International Office provides individualised attention to those who partake in the programme, thereby contributing to the enjoyment of a more pleasurable and reassured stay in Hamburg.
In what way was studying at Bucerius different than at your home law school?
Bucerius Law School is rather similar to my home law school, if one takes into account the obvious differences in legal culture which separate Brazil and Germany. Both experiences, at FGV Rio Law and Bucerius, instilled in me a very hopeful stance towards teaching and researching activities.
They converge, in particular, in the idea that the seriousness required by proper research and education should not be confused with the rigidity and inertia of traditional academia.
Did you have the chance to get involved with the mooting teams at Bucerius?
Unfortunately I had no direct contact with the Bucerius Vis Moot team, although I was well aware, before I even arrived, of its relevance to the mooting community. If anything, I often came across lecture rooms which were reserved for the Vis Moot practice sessions even at particularly early stages of the Vis season, which only helped to confirm in my judgement the commitment and determination of the Bucerius team.
What is the most interesting thing you learned academically and personally during your exchange term?
Academically, Prof. Peter Huber’s course on International Commercial Litigation was both incredibly instigating and insightful, in particular with regard to connections between various legal systems. From a personal standpoint, I was faced with many situations which required quick practical thinking and a type of resourcefulness which sometimes is not often exercised at home - especially thanks to Germany’s always reliable train system.
What was your favorite experience during your exchange term?
My favorite experiences during the exchange term are probably my journeys all over Germany and Europe. I visited many charming cities and was able to enjoy museums, parks and cafés to a considerable extent.
What was most surprising to you about studying abroad?
I was personally surprised at how quickly bonds form between people who study abroad together, despite overarching differences in cultural background. As relates to Germany, the people were surprisingly nice and gentle, which proved many stereotypes about their cold and earnest character wrong.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the future exchange students at Bucerius?
Although there are many I could mention, the European Hansemuseum in Lübeck was a pleasant surprise. Even if one is not interested in minutiae of the history of the Hanseatic League, the museum experience is in itself a fun attraction and a masterclass on science and history communication.
