You have decided to study abroad. You want to get the most out of it. What can you do? This article gives you five recommendations that make your study abroad experience worthwhile: (1) choose a country with a legal culture that differs from your own, (2) know the language including some legal terms, (3) emancipate yourself from the group of other study-abroad colleagues, (4) take courses with natives, and (5) make foreign friends.
(1) Choose a Country with a Different Legal Culture
In short, do not try to find the easy way out. It might be scary to go to a country where you have to speak a language that is not your mother tongue, let alone study in that foreign language. Certainly, trying to learn legaleeze in a language other than your own will probably give you some headache – at least at the beginning. Yet, it is definitively worth the hassle, because – from a comparative law perspective – the more a foreign legal system differs from your own, the more insights you get from comparing the two systems with each other. Knowing different perspectives never did any harm.
(2) Know the Language Including Some Legal Terminology
While a good deal of pioneering spirit is essential when embarking for study abroad, a thorough preparation is still key. Thus, before jumping on the plane, try to get some basic knowledge of the language that is spoken in the country you want to visit. Such language training should also include some basic legal terminology. In particular, do not rely on the fact that English is spoken almost everywhere. Yet, you should not postpone your departure indefinitely because you think you are not proficient. Real proficiency in any language requires it to be used on a daily basis in the country where it is actually spoken.
(3) Emancipate Yourself from the Group of Other Study-Abroad Colleagues
Most foreign students tend to cluster in groups. Somehow being abroad together encourages a feeling of solidarity. Yet, as harsh as it seems, you should try to separate yourself from your other study-abroad pals. Otherwise, you will probably speak your mother tongue more frequently than the language of the country where you are. Be prepared for some lonely moments at the beginning of your stay, but everything will be fine in the end. Especially the next two points will help you to overcome your loneliness.
(4) Take Courses with the Natives
When choosing among several study abroad programs, try to find one that allows you to attend the same classes that local students go to. It is no real use to isolate yourself and attend courses that are specifically catered to international students. (Exception: a general introductory course before or at the beginning of your study abroad program is fine and can be very valuable.) In addition, I would highly recommend taking some courses in the local law instead of only focusing on international law courses that you also could have taken (or even have already taken) at home!
(5) Make Foreign Friends
Easier said than done? Well, not really. This point is just a logical extension of points (3) and (4). If you act as an individual rather than a group, it will be much easier to connect to local students. You might encounter some difficulties (and again experience some loneliness) at the beginning as friendships need time to develop. Yet, eventually, it will pay off and you will have a unique and rewarding inter-cultural experience … and it is never bad to have some contacts abroad!
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