Life as a Law Student Studying Abroad
I am Lisa, a third year Global Law student at Queen Mary University of London and currently on exchange at The University of Auckland in New Zealand. Queen Mary offers a variety of international programs (LLB law programmes - School of Law) with excellent support from the School of Law and Go Abroad Teams. So, don’t let your finances, disability or background put you off pursuing your international goals. Queen Mary has you covered and supports you every step of the way!
First few days
When you first arrive, it is important to say yes to as much as possible. Get involved in every opportunity you can, and don’t be afraid to try something new. The best part is nobody will know you, so you can be free to be whoever you want to be. For me, this involved being dared to sing Mamma Mia in public in Auckland city despite having no musical talent whatsoever! I soon found my friends (the ones who danced and sang with me to make the whole experience less humiliating). Later that day, we also won tickets to a concert for our performance skills - this is something I would never have been recognised for in London!
Whilst the first few weeks are fun, they can also be chaotic in the attempt to fit in all the social activities. That is why it is important to take time for yourself too, otherwise you might run your social battery low. Eventually, things will settle down as you start to find a routine with your group of friends.
Studies
As you are also on exchange to study, you will have to go to lectures alongside all the social events and trips you have planned. This is a great opportunity to choose law courses that Queen Mary does not offer and learn about a different legal system. This semester I have enjoyed learning about Tikanga Māori and how customary law interplays with state law.
Learning about indigenous practices and customs has broadened my understanding and perspective on how the application of law can affect different communities. It has helped me see the law in a new light, and reminded me of how important it is to be culturally sensitive. It has taught me that the legal system as we know it (the Western one) is not the only system of rules, or a ‘way of life’ that all people subscribe to. We should always stay curious and never assume that we know everything, we can always learn from others.
The exchange has also allowed me to explore the option of becoming a dually qualified lawyer in two different jurisdictions, as well as the option of further study abroad. If you are passionate about a particular area of law, you can even do postgraduate modules. I am taking family law at postgraduate level, which is helping me to develop my legal research skills and understand the complexities of law in an international context. I am also doing a virtual internship with a renowned law firm in Australia.
Auckland is a great place to find a balance between social and study life as there are many green spaces and beaches to relax in. Waiheke, Devonport and Rangitoto island are also only a ferry trip from downtown Auckland. However, if you rely on coffee as much as I do, it is a culture shock to find out that most cafes shut at 2pm!
Mid-semester break
In August, we had a two-week study break which was the ideal opportunity to go on a road trip with some friends. Our road trip started in Waitomo where we saw glowworm caves. The next stop was Rotorua where we climbed in the redwoods, reaching heights of 30 meters, with thrilling treetop jungle bridges, just like in Indiana Jones!
My favourite place was Te Puia, where we saw geysers (hot springs) by night. We also stopped off in the local Māori village, Whakarewarewa, and went on a guided tour to try traditional cuisine which is cooked in geothermal pools.
We ended our road trip in Coromandel, where we went to a hot water beach. You can bring along a spade and dig yourself a pool - because the land is geothermally active, it makes the water naturally warm (almost boiling point at times). Just don’t stay there for too long like we did, as it gets dark very quickly and we couldn’t find our way back to the car!
Summer holiday
For the beginning of our summer break, we decided to go to Christchurch and take the InterCity bus to Queenstown, stopping off in the most beautiful Lake Tekapo. In Queenstown we rode on the luge and raced each other down the tracks in go-karts. There are also many amazing hiking trails in the mountains. My personal favourite was the Ben Lomond track. If you travel in season as well, you can go up the Remarkables and learn to ski.
If you are a foodie like me and want to combine this with some amazing views, cycling the valley of the vines is a great option. It is a self-led 30km trail from the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown through unforgettable mountainous landscapes and riverside valleys, passing through the world’s home to bungee jumping and ending in a choice of cafes, restaurants and local wineries. The best part is that you can put your aching muscles to rest with some local wines and not worry about your bike, as there is a personal shuttle service which picks you up from your desired destination.
While on this side of the world, it is also a great idea to plan some trips to Fiji or the Cook Islands. You will need to prepare your budget well though as travelling outside of New Zealand can be expensive. For the Christmas holidays I have saved up to go to Tahiti which is a 5-hour flight from Auckland, but otherwise almost 20 hours from London! That’s why I prioritised a trip to a destination I wouldn’t normally be able to fly to from the UK, to make the most out of my year abroad!
Extra support
If you would like information on the practicalities of participating in a student exchange program, you will find everything you will need to know on the Global Opportunities (outgoing students) website (Exchange Programmes - Global Opportunities). Their friendly team is always there to answer any questions you may have.