Why did you choose to study abroad and why at Bucerius specifically?
I chose to study abroad to challenge myself and step completely out of my comfort zone. I also wanted to learn a new language and immerse myself in a different culture. I chose Bucerius specifically because it offered the opportunity to explore a city I’d never visited before.
Bucerius also appealed to me because of its great international and professional connections and reputation as one of the top Law schools in Germany. The beautiful campus in the centre of Hamburg also greatly influenced my decision to study there.
Would you recommend the exchange program to other students from Scotland?
Undoubtedly, I would recommend the exchange program to other students from Scotland. Since Hamburg is relatively similar to Scotland in terms of weather and culture, it won’t be too much of a culture shock to other Scots. At the same time the city offers a variety of unique experiences and a different way of life to Glasgow.
The program itself provides an excellent opportunity to learn exceptional courses on European and international law. I must say the best part of the exchange, however, was the privilege of meeting an abundance of many amazing people from all over the world, and from all different backgrounds. This gave me the chance to make great professional and personal connections that will last a lifetime.
How did your term at Bucerius compare to your previous international experiences?
My term at Bucerius was different to my previous international experiences as it was my first time spending so long abroad in another city. Having a whole semester to spend abroad allowed me to immerse myself fully in the culture and to explore the city. By the end of the exchange, I felt very settled into Hamburg and the way of life there.
My trips to other cities and towns in Germany also allowed me to form a new perspective on the country as a whole. One of the best advantages to spending a semester was the ability to see the city in different climates, having arrived in summer and leaving in the cold winter.
In what way was studying at Bucerius different than at your home law school?
Studying at Bucerius was different from studying at my home university for many reasons. Firstly, one of the big differences I noticed was the difference in size between the two universities. My home university is not only a Law school, but there are also loads of other faculties as well as thousands of other students. My home university’s campus is much larger than Bucerius also.
A second difference worth noting is that the teaching style is different. There are many more teaching hours, with more input from professors and less independent reading required for each class. A further difference was the number of subjects taken; at my home university, I would only be taking three courses per semester, whereas at Bucerius I took ten.
What is the most interesting thing you learned academically and personally during your exchange term?
In terms of academics, some of the most interesting things I learned were how the German legal system works in the Introduction to German Law course. Corporate Governance and Climate Change Liability and Responsibility also explored different topics from my previous legal studies. Having never studied German before, the language class offered an interesting insight into its complexities and similarities to the English language.
What was your favourite experience during your exchange term?
It is very hard to pick which is my favourite experience as there are so many! Some honourable mentions would be Oktoberfest in Munich, Oktoberfest was great as it was a chance to get involved in Bavarian culture and of course wear a dirndl for the day! Some other great experiences were the Malente trip and weekend travelling to European cities such as Prague and Krakow.
What was most surprising to you about studying abroad?
One of the most surprising things about studying abroad was how quickly I settled into a new city, much more quickly than I thought I would, so I didn’t feel too homesick during my time.
A few things that surprised me about Germany specifically was the fact that the majority of German people speak amazing English. Another thing is that all the shops are shut on Sunday, which took me a while to get used to.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the future exchange students at Bucerius?
I would definitely recommend taking the German class as it was very useful and loads of fun! If you are into running and walking, Hamburg offers a great variety of places to go. I would make a special mention to the Alster Lake as a beautiful place to go running.
Additionally, the city has lots of beautiful nature and is a very liveable city with easily accessible public transport. An honourable mention would also have to go to the Irish bar, Paddy’s next to the Rathaus too!
Isla, thanks for the interview.
