Rachel Jeevachandran has just returned from her year studying law abroad in Japan at Kobe University during the third year of a four year International Legal Studies with a Year Abroad LLB at Kent Law School.
Here are Rachel’s reflections, as she starts her final year back in Canterbury …
“Growing up in Maidstone in Kent, where my travelling opportunities were generally limited to nearby countries during brief holidays with family, I longed to step out into the wider world on my own (sounds cheesy, I know!). So, when the time came to decide on a university, I set my sights on the University Of Kent. It offered me the perfect combination of familiarity while bustling with new experiences. This was one of many steps to get out of my comfort zone!One of the many goals I had in mind while navigating through Kent Law School was to one day study abroad in Japan, immersing myself in its legal system, and getting to know the culture that has been shaping it throughout the years. This led me to switch from the Law LLB to the International Legal Studies with a Year Abroad LLB during my second year.
The first few months contained a lot of challenges as I pushed myself further out of my comfort zone. Being in a completely different country, far from loved ones, led to strong feelings of homesickness. Yet parents and loved ones were always there no matter how far away we were, encouraging me, which helped a great amount. I managed to overcome these feelings and focused on what was in front of me. I committed myself to learning, exploring, and adapting to a country I had previously only dreamt of.
Each new encounter brought me new perspectives, I met people from various countries and gained insights into their views on Japan’s culture, its wonderful cuisine (needs a mention!!), its legal system, and even learnt about their home countries!
Furthermore, one of my favourite subjects I took while studying abroad was none other than about the Japanese Legal System! The class provided me with not just the basic fundamentals of the legal system in Japan but also gave an in-depth exploration of many complexities surrounding it.I always aim to be a better version of myself, and studying abroad helped me do exactly this – it pushed me out of my comfort zone that was otherwise hindering my self-growth.
Not to mention, the staff at the University of Kent were incredibly supportive. I am especially grateful to Laura Charleton and the Study Abroad Team for their great support!
I recommend anyone who has the chance, no matter how small, to give study abroad a go. It will be scary at first, but to grow, most of the time, facing your fears is the very first step you must take. Afterwards, keep forging ahead!”
Laura Charleton, Director of the International Legal Studies LLB at Kent Law School, thanks Rachel for sharing this account of her experiences. Here’s to a fantastic final year at Kent for Rachel and all those students who have returned from studying abroad as part of their degree. Looking forward to hearing from those students who are starting their year studying abroad now!
