Bucerius Exchange Program

"I specifically chose the program at Bucerius for its small class sizes, prime location, and diverse array of international business law courses. The fact that the entire curriculum was delivered in English made the transition seamless, allowing me to focus on absorbing knowledge and forging connections with fellow students from around the globe. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone fortunate enough to have the opportunity. Choosing to attend Bucerius was unequivocally one of the highlights of my law school journey. If given the chance, I would eagerly seize the opportunity to relive those transformative moments once again."

"I decided on Bucerius because of its excellent reputation, focus on business, and strong international support. Since I was keen on pursuing business law, Bucerius seemed like the perfect fit with its program offerings. But what really sealed the deal for me was the organization and support provided by Bucerius. While the idea of studying abroad was thrilling, it also felt a bit daunting. However, the international team at Bucerius really made me feel at ease by assisting with everything from housing and visas to class selection and more. I was looking for a sense of community while studying abroad, and that's exactly what Bucerius offered."

"Since all of my professors took a very practical approach to teaching, I learned how different legal strategies play out in the real world. Most importantly, I gained a better understanding of global politics, and the cultural forces that shape different legal systems around the world. Given the increasingly global nature of business transactions, I would recommend a semester abroad for any law student interested in business law in general. Now, I not only see my experience at Bucerius as a critical component of my legal education, but an invaluable part of my legal career and professional development."

"Since Germany is a civil law country, the biggest difference between studying here and the US is that there is not much case law to read and study (which can be pretty refreshing for a semester!). This also makes legal analysis different because arguments can be based more on fairness and common sense for each individual dispute rather than comparing to or distinguishing from precedent. "

"Hamburg is a beautiful and vibrant city that is very, very welcoming of the queer community. I was honestly very surprised but so happy to see that so many businesses, and even Bucerius, fly the pride flag. I quickly found a wonderful and welcoming queer community here in Hamburg and made many friends here as well as in Berlin during my various trips to the city."

"The practice of law today, whether in a law firm, in a company or other context, necessarily has a cross-border dimension.  It is imperative for US students to graduate with a basic understanding that law is done differently in other jurisdictions.  The Exchange Program at Bucerius Law School provides an excellent way for students to gain that understanding while at the same time meeting fellow law students from around the world.  The knowledge gained and the connections made through the semester abroad will enhance every student’s legal education and contribute to the success of their legal careers. "

"Having knowledge of foreign legal systems and an understanding of other cultures and languages, are assets that will help to distinguish a JD student in their career pursuits. A law program like the one at Bucerius is a perfect fit because it is a small, private law school with many of the services and support systems in place that our JD students are accustomed to back home, but it still provides students with the intellectual challenge of learning in a European civil code system and a different cultural environment. The students we have sent to Bucerius are welcomed warmly and have enriching semesters. I always recommend Bucerius to my JD students!"

"Having an international and comparative-law perspective is foundational to professional success of most U.S. lawyers. Study abroad programs offer a unique opportunity to take courses unavailable in their home institutions while also developing cross-cultural competencies essential to professional success in a globalized legal market. Bucerius Law School, with its stellar curriculum, practice-based approach to learning, small classes, and superb academic support services, stands out as one of the best global institutions to accomplish this. I highly recommend it to any JD students interested in building a sophisticated legal practice, no matter the field."

"I always value law student candidates who chose to take an academically rigorous but non-traditional approach to their US legal education, especially to broaden their intercultural communication skills and immerse themselves in the study of different legal systems. As Prof. Dr. Hein Kötz, who taught one of my first classes [at Bucerius], best articulated, learning about the laws of other countries gives you a much better understanding of your own laws, much like learning a second language gives you a better understanding of your native tongue."

"The Bucerius Exchange program has meant a lot to me both personally and professionally. Initially, it was a wonderful experience filled with adventure and new areas of law. The time spent with my professors turned into information about post-doc fellowships and further opportunities to study my areas of interest. The time spent with my new classmates as a student that semester became an international network of high-quality attorneys and friends, one of whom I later married, and some of whom return to campus and stay with us for long nights of laughter and legal debates."

"Study abroad at Bucerius Law School in the beautiful north German city of Hamburg will expose you to people from all over the world–from South Africa, Turkey, China, Brazil, and elsewhere. This exposure is the most valuable and effective method to gain practical and useful skills in working across cultures and language–skills that are increasingly necessary in our interconnected world. In every experience, you get what you put in. So, whether you choose Bucerius or elsewhere for your study abroad, I encourage you to take full advantage of the diverse and worldly experience that you will find yourself on."