Ben Groundwater has just returned from his year studying law abroad in Hong Kong, at The University of Hong Kong, during the third year of a four year International Legal Studies with a Year Abroad LLB at Kent Law School.
Here are Ben’s reflections, as he prepares for his final year back in Canterbury …
‘My study abroad experience didn’t begin like most. I set out on the 3-year Law LLB programme. During my second year I was introduced to the opportunity of applying to convert my course to the four-year International Legal Studies LLB, something that I was apprehensive about at first. However, after some thought and encouragement from my family I decided to convert and never looked back since. The study abroad team at Kent made the whole process smooth and I am thankful for their support.
The opportunity to study law at 21 years of age in such an exciting place like Hong Kong is something I could not turn down. My experience at the University of Hong Kong allowed me to challenge myself and find love for areas of the law that I had never touched upon before. From my experience, the luxury of having a pass/fail requirement encouraged me to be more creative and ambitious with my module choices like deciding to learn Cantonese.
A year abroad opens you up to many new experiences and helps you build character. I had the opportunity to travel to South Korea, Macau and Mainland China. I met so many amazing people who shared their experiences, teachings and opinions which I believe has made me more of a well-rounded individual and has positively changed my outlook on life. The feeling of freedom that comes with studying abroad is unmatched. The memories I created during my year is something I will continue to treasure. Some of my most memorable moments were the simple ones. For example, watching the sunset on one of Hong Kong’s many beautiful beaches with my friends – pure bliss.
Travelling and seeing how different people live their lives made me realise that it is not about what you have but rather how you spend your time and who with. That is what gives you a real sense of purpose and happiness. Hong Kong will forever have a special place in my heart, and I look forward to returning someday.
I would absolutely recommend the Year Abroad. It’s a great experience for anybody with an open mind and a desire for more in life. I’ve had an amazing time and have travelled to places that I never even thought I would have the opportunity to visit. I’ve also met so many great people from around the world who I’ve been able to learn from and share experiences with. As cliché as it sounds, if you are on the fence about going, I would just say go. You won’t regret it. Those memories you create last a lifetime.’
Laura Charleton, Director of the International Legal Studies LLB at Kent Law School, adds her thanks to Ben for his reflections, and wishes him well with his final year at Kent Law School.
