I remember the day when my parents left me abroad in France like it was yesterday… My parents had checked out of the hotel and I decided to see them off for one final time. We hugged and exchanged our parting words, knowing that we would not see each other again until the holidays. But the memory which sticks in my mind the most is how I felt after leaving my parents behind. I walked on to the busy streets of Aix-en-Provence with butterflies sitting in my stomach thinking to myself; ‘my god; I have actually done this; I have left behind my friends and family to live in a foreign country, how am I going to cope?’. As I write this article, I now reflect on how I have made one of the best decisions of my life. I have met great new people, improved immensely on my language skills and had the opportunity to see some of the greatest attractions that Europe has to offer. Interested? Then maybe you should read on to find out why you should take a year abroad as part of your law degree according to my accounts.
As an English and French Law student at the University of Kent, I study a degree with a compulsory year abroad in France. This is to ensure that you have detailed knowledge in both the English and the French legal systems. As an Erasmus student I had a free choice to choose any undergraduate law or political science module I wanted. This led me to choose French constitutional, criminal and human rights law modules. In the English and French law degree, the courses are taught entirely in French and you get to embrace the true French university culture by studying with French native speakers. This provides the perfect opportunity to make friends with other French students, a necessity if you want to truly improve your French oral and vocabulary skills! You have the amazing opportunity to learn how the French Civil law legal system is different to the Common law.
In order to not only improve your French language skills but to truly settle in, you must integrate into the French culture and ‘mode de vie’. One way in which I did this was by visiting the local venues around town. This included: the fantastic local markets, irresistible patisseries and the vibrant night life offered in Rue de la Verriere. This lively street was filled with: bustling bars, delicious eating establishments and most importantly of all; an abundance of local people to talk to. The street above all helped me settle in as there existed a friendly and communal atmosphere in the street, thanks to the friendly nature of the local Aixois people. However, it was not difficult, even from my arrival to settle in to Aix-en-Provence. This was thanks to our international relations director at Aix Marseille University, Leslie Karsenti who did her up most to ensure that we were well settled into the University and deal with any issues that we experienced. I also had some great flatmates who took the time speak to me in French and teach me new colloquial vocabulary. There was even a buddy scheme offered by the uni which would pair students up with a native French speaking friend. All in all, the process of settling into a foreign country for the first time was not as daunting as a first expected!
So, what can I say about my overall experience studying abroad? One word; AMAZING! Despite my doubts and worries I had at the beginning I can truly say that this is the best decision I have ever made in my life. Why? Because this is one of the first times that I have ever truly gone outside of my comfort zone and truly embraced myself in foreign culture. Thanks to this culture shock, I have learnt more than I ever thought possible, met some truly amazing people and greatly improved my knowledge of French language and law. I have also broadened my horizons by seeing some of the most amazing places I have ever seen in my life. The stunning mountains of Pic Saint Loup, the charming mountain villages of Provence to the breath-taking Gorges du Verdon to name a few! As much as I love Canterbury, I would never have fully broadened my horizons and my knowledge in French language and law by staying in the one city.
This new-found love for France has pushed me to work abroad in the future. I hope to one day work in this magnificent country and use my knowledge of comparative law and French language. This experience abroad directs me to work in European Human rights law. This is because I am appalled by many of the human rights injustices which are taking place in the world today. I want to use the knowledge I have acquired to fight against human rights injustices and build a better society for all.
So why should you go on a year abroad? Well In my opinion, going on a year abroad teaches you that there is a world that exists outside of the classroom. It enables you to live as a part of a completely different culture and teaches you one of the most important skills that a lawyer can have, the ability to go outside of your comfort zone. Going abroad forces you to exceed the boundaries of your comfort zone. You must live as a part of a different culture and speak in a foreign language to others, if you are to succeed! The same can be applied to the real world in order to secure a career and become a more rounded person. In my opinion, the year abroad makes taking necessary risks that little bit less daunting. So, don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime and do a year abroad as part of your degree!
Michael Widdowson
