What is your academic and professional background?
I am an undergraduate law student from Melbourne, Australia. I have gained some practical experience through internships, but I have not yet had extensive professional experience beyond these opportunities.
Why did you choose to participate in the IP Licensing summer program?
I was eager to take part in an international experience during my degree, and this program offered the perfect balance. It was long enough to immerse myself in a new environment and gain valuable skills, but not as demanding as a full semester abroad. The subject matter also appealed to me, as intellectual property licensing transactions is quite a specific area that I had not studied in depth before. I was excited to explore this field further.
How did the Berlin Study Trip contribute to the learning experience in the program?
The Berlin trip added great variety to the program and enriched the overall experience. It gave us the opportunity to collaborate more closely with students from the other program and see how some of the concepts we learned during class were applied in practice during the site visits.
What was most surprising about studying abroad in Hamburg, in Germany?
I was surprised by how different Bucerius Law School felt compared to my home university. It is much smaller, and the close-knit community created a welcoming atmosphere. The campus itself was beautiful, surrounded by greenery, yet located right in the city making it both convenient and tranquil. At my home university, the scale is much larger and students are less familiar with each other, so it was refreshing to experience a more intimate environment.
Who would you recommend the program to?
I would recommend the program to undergraduate students as well as professionals interested in intellectual property and licensing. The program is designed in a way that participants at different levels can take something valuable from it both academically, through learning new concepts, and personally, through building friendships and immersing themselves in a new culture.
How did you like Hamburg?
Hamburg is a beautiful and vibrant city. The city is full of greenery, and there is always something new to explore. I enjoyed discovering different neighbourhoods and trying new places to eat, it felt like there was always something changing and something for everyone.
Is there anything else you would like to share with future international students at Bucerius?
Be open to new experiences, get involved with your classmates, and make the most of living in such a lively city, it will make the program even more rewarding.
Sophie, thank you for the interview.
