Being an international law student

Love Kathe Herén is a first-year LLB student at Aberdeen University, qualifying in a degree of law with English law. As an international student, she shares some of her thoughts about how to thrive in a new environment far away from one’s previous home.

It is just a move. It is just growing up. That is, at least, what I kept telling myself. I knew it would be difficult, and it was, but I could never have anticipated the complications surrounding a move away from my home to another country. Nevertheless, as international students are aware – one should not fear. I was terrified. To me, it was a leap of faith but one of the best decisions I have ever made.

When I first arrived, I was nervous to the extent that I was barely able to speak to the bus driver. Happily, I can assure you that everything worked out and that I am now perfectly able to speak to bus drivers, and other people. Everyone was very welcoming, and I ended up not going home until Christmas. Immediately it felt satisfying having my own home, my own thing, in my own world, in a different country.

Learning

When you arrive, there are admittedly some challenges to overcome around trying to figure out how things operate. It is not only about trivial operational issues, such as figuring out the bus system, but also familiarising oneself with the communicational structure and rich culture of Scotland.

I found communication was not a major problem in a multicultural university atmosphere like my own. The difficulties arose in other situations, like whether to talk to the people over the counter in stores, experiencing the awkwardness of continuing a conversation after someone said ‘bye’ and not being able to understand accents. The accent struggle sometimes forced me to ask about three times until I resorted to nodding doubtfully, which was not the best strategy when someone actually had asked a question.

Law school

A majorly important aspect of my life abroad is the law school as it provides both a plethora of new academic information and the opportunity to learn a significant amount about Scottish values and culture. Not only does law demonstrate a perspective on the development of culture by looking at changes in the law, but also constitutional and political aspects through public law. This was a benefit that helped me to understand the society of which I am now a part.

Homesickness

An almost inevitable side effect of the pleasure of exploring another country is homesickness, longing for places or people. Personally, I missed those that I was unable to communicate properly with the most – my cat and my baby cousin. I also missed the place where I knew everything, could answer almost any question about any operational or communicative system, rather than having to go through steps to find the answers. Dealing with these feelings can be more difficult than it seems, especially when your previous home is on the other side of an ocean. Indeed, I know students that have had to go home because of it.

However, these are not impossible hurdles to overcome. Being an international student, various types of support is available and it’s been really helpful to take advantage of them. Also don’t forget that non-international students can of course provide support in terms of company and being very welcoming. A few ways which have helped me are:

• decorating my current room with the same personal items that were in my previous room
• making good use of technology – and regularly doing so
• reaching out to support provided by the university – they are there for us
• talking to and meeting new people in order to build a strong network of friends

Lastly, it is important to remember to try to have fun and make the most of the experience. It could be easier said than done, but it is an opportunity of a lifetime to spend your days studying the things you love while indulging in a different culture. If I could choose again, I would make the same decision because it has been worth it all the way.