An Adventure Beyond Borders
As an international student from Canada, the decision to study abroad was driven by a desire for a transformative educational experience. The UK's rich legal heritage and prestigious universities made it the ideal destination for pursuing a law degree. Embracing a new culture and meeting diverse individuals from around the world were also significant motivations.
CHOOSING THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER AND EMBRACING UNIVERSITY LIFE
Among the esteemed universities in the UK, I chose the University of Leicester for its renowned School of Law and vibrant campus life. The university's welcoming atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, including the well-equipped library and modern lecture halls, fostered a conducive learning environment. Engaging with approachable professors and participating in thought-provoking discussions became an integral part of my university experience.
EMBRACING A DIFFERENT STUDENT LIFE
Compared to life in Canada, student life at the University of Leicester was invigorating. The city's vibrant culture and historical charm were captivating. Exploring the city's museums, parks, and attending cultural events expanded my horizons. Engaging with the university's clubs and societies allowed me to pursue my interests outside academics and form bonds with like-minded individuals.
MY PASSION FOR LAW AND THE STIMULATING COURSE
Studying law has been an exhilarating journey. The well-structured course challenged my critical thinking and analytical skills while nurturing my passion for justice and legal advocacy. The professors' dedication to their subjects and their support for students' growth have been truly inspiring.
FALLING IN LOVE WITH LEICESTER
Leicester's unique blend of tradition and modernity won my heart. From the iconic King Richard III Visitor Centre to the bustling streets lined with shops and cafes, the city exudes a warm and welcoming ambiance. The multiculturalism and friendly locals made me feel at home from the start.
ACROSS THE POND: A GUIDING HAND
The application process through Across the Pond was smooth and reassuring. Their guidance and support throughout the journey made the transition to the UK far less daunting, allowing me to focus on my studies and personal growth.
A REMARKABLE FIRST YEAR
Reflecting on my first year at the University of Leicester, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities, friendships, and growth I have experienced. The decision to study law as an international student in the UK was undeniably one of the best choices I have made. I eagerly look forward to the remaining years of my degree, knowing that they will be just as rewarding and memorable.
Professors Were Able To Give Valuable Insight
I am a Canadian alumnus of the University of Kent’s Law School who graduated with a First-Class Senior Status LLB Bachelor of Laws and the first Canadian to complete the Bar Practice Course at the Inns of Court College of Advocacy.
I first heard about studying law in the UK from a childhood friend who had just finished studying there herself. Since Canada utilizes the Common Law Legal System, obtaining a degree in England or Wales allowed her to write equivalency exams back in Canada and then the Bar. I learned about the undergraduate nature of law studies in the United Kingdom and that they did not have a requirement of an equivalent to the LSAT. She also told me about the existence of Senior Status programs for those with previous degrees. This piqued my interest as a way to minimize the time required to get my law degree.
I discovered the University of Kent’s law program when looking at the various schools that offered Senior Status degrees. I was attracted to the city of Canterbury and the reputation of the University’s law clinic as the best in the country. One of the coolest features of the Law School was that they had an official mooting chamber which was designed similar to a court room. Having the opportunity to do moots and mock trials in this space created a realistic experience. The city of Canterbury, where the University’s main campus is located, is also on the high-speed rail line to London. This meant that I could travel to London in 50 minutes and easily access social or educational experiences as a day trip. Canterbury’s central location in the county of Kent, also allows for easy access to several seaside towns and beaches where you can take a break from your books and explore on a weekend.
Wanting to experience as much of the local culture as possible, I decided to rent off campus during my studies. Living in a shared house allowed me to make local friends and have a quiet place to study. It was amazing to live in a house that was hundreds of years old and made me appreciate how much history there was locally. I was able to take daily walks past historical landmarks such as Canterbury Cathedral and enjoy the contrast between the modern and historical parts of the city.
I studied law because I want to practise as a lawyer. It was through my exposure to numerous members of the Bar, who were employed by the Law School as professors, that I realized my particular passion was to be a barrister. These approachable professors were able to give invaluable insight into what to expect from the profession and how best to prepare myself for a future at the Bar. The staff also provided opportunities to practice lawyering skills through extra-curricular courses. My success in these activities confirmed for me that I was pursuing the right career.
In an effort to meet new people and make new friends, I joined a number of law societies on campus. These included the Canadian Law Society and the Kent Law Temple Society. Joining the Canadian Law Society has resulted in friendships that I still maintain with people across Canada. Both law societies had educational and recreational events such as guest speakers, workshops, pub crawls and even formal balls. Most notably, these societies were an amazing opportunity for networking. I was able to obtain numerous work-experience opportunities in England and Canada through alumni and guest speakers.
The University of Kent’s Law School also offered a professional mentorship scheme. On my mentor’s advice, I became a volunteer with a local charity called the Young Lives Foundation where I helped vulnerable people in police custody as an Appropriate Adult. This gave me an invaluable insight into the legal justice system, police interview and questioning techniques as well as the role of legal counsel. Working with juveniles in this environment has also inspired me to focus my future criminal practise on the Youth Court.
While most students return to their home country to pursue their law careers, I have chosen to stay in the United Kingdom. Upon completing my law degree at the University of Kent, I was accepted into the prestigious Inns of Court College of Advocacy, a bar school in London. Since then, I have obtained pupillage, a trainee position similar to articling, with the Crown Prosecution Service of England and Wales.
If you choose to study abroad embrace the adventure! Enjoy the differences in culture and food. Get involved in extra curriculars and volunteer. It is amazing how much you can learn and grow outside your studies.
I COULDN’T BE MORE PLEASED
Hi! My name is Alexis, a student from Canada almost done completing my master’s degree in Public Health in Chester, England. As a mature student, it was a big deal for me to quit my job back in Canada, get rid of my apartment and car, and fit everything I would need for 12 months into 2 suitcases. Also, as a mature student, packing my bags and choosing to study abroad in England with the help of Across the Pond was one of the best choices I have made yet.
I am a very studious and academic person, but also have a huge love for the outdoors and exploring. Studying in England has allowed me to get the best of both. Chester is an ancient Roman walled city on the North Welsh border, with transport links getting me to the Welsh mountains in under 2 hours. In my spare time, myself and my new friends travel into the mountains regularly for some much needed stress relief from our studies.
Studying in England at a Post Graduate level was a big adjustment to me compared to the North American University school system. There is much less time in the classroom and lectures compared to the University system I am used to, and the grading system is completely different. The first time I got an assignment grade back and received a 65% I was very disappointed, but after some help from my peers I realized a 65% in the English school system is not such a bad thing. I wish I knew about this difference beforehand, so this is my advice to you; make sure you understand the grading system fully before getting upset or excited about how you have done on your first assignment abroad!
All in all, as I reflect on my time here in Chester, I couldn’t be more pleased with my choice to come to England, and I couldn’t have made it here without the help of Across the Pond. My Student Advisor helped me decide what universities I might be interested in based on my program of study and personal interests, helped me at all stages of the application process (including writing an application essay!), and even shared scholarship offers with me. Across the Pond is an amazing organisation, who helped turn the big deal of packing my bags and moving abroad into something achievable and memorable for the rest of my life.
Given Me Opportunities That I Never Thought Possible
My experience studying in the UK has been amazing so far! I am originally from Canada and leaving home to study abroad for two years was hard and scary at the beginning but now halfway through my UK experience it has given me opportunities that I never thought possible.
My school and program are wonderful, I have made friends from all over the world, and I have been exposed to so many different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles that have broadened my perspective. Living in the UK has also exposed me to travelling, being able to take a one-hour flight, be in a completely different country, and get to try delicious foods!
Apart from living in the UK, my experience using Across the Pond service was positive. My senior student advisor was wonderful. She provided quick responses and was super helpful in guiding me to select the most appropriate schools, preparing me for school interviews, and helping me write my statements. This made my application process easy and moving to a new country stress-free. My advisor was reliable and trustworthy to guide my new start in the UK. Overall, moving abroad has challenged me to come out of my comfort zone, push myself to be the best I can be, and take the experiences around me to learn and grow into a better version of myself.
Many Resources Are Offered Throughout The Year
Why Study Abroad?
I am originally from Canada and decided to study law in the UK. When I applied with Across the Pond originally, I was 21 years old and wanted to pursue my education further and wanted to experience something new. I had lived in the same country and city since birth and ultimately will settle there in the future, but I wanted to go out and have experiences that would benefit me as a person and help me better connect with others.
The UK is a multicultural country just like Canada, there are other similarities between the countries such as the language and shared history. The UK is also different enough that it would introduce me to new experiences, cultures and would allow me to see how a country like mine has diversified themselves.
The UK has over 100 law schools around the country to choose which is a greater amount than where I lived. Based on where you want to live while studying you have a wide range of schools to choose from in each region. UK degrees are accepted in other common law countries such as Canada meaning that you can study the subjects you want outside of your country and still be able to convert your degrees and use them in your home country after you leave the UK.
An undergraduate LLB degree is three years which is significantly less than some other countries which typically take up to 7 years, this is a quicker and could be a cheaper route for some people. Coming to the UK on a student visa also allows you to work while studying. You can work up to 20 hours a week during term time which allows you to make money during the year but also apply for jobs in the field that you’re studying and do internships that will look impressive to potential employers. Having jobs or internships in other countries may be an asset to some employers and is a good opportunity to network.
The University of Law
I picked the University of Law because they have multiple different campuses throughout the UK meaning that you could travel to different locations to complete your course and get to experience more of the UK. The university offers a wide range of legal courses and offers 2 Canadian courses at their London location which makes it easier to convert your degree over once you return to Canada. They also have a huge international student population meaning that there will be many students in the same situation as you, you will get to meet new people from around the world and share classrooms with locals. The class sizes are small allowing the tutor to be able to support students better and for you to make a connection with the tutors and your peers. The smaller classrooms allow for you to ask more questions openly, do more interactive work with others and allows the tutor to make sure all the students are following at the same pace.
The school offers services such as study skills throughout the year to help students improve their grades and develop new skills they may not have had before to succeed in their courses. Many resources are offered throughout the year to make final exams easier for students and there is free counselling and an employability service where they help you build resumes, apply to jobs and internships. Through the school I was able to apply for a 2-day shadowing scheme at the local family courthouse which I was able to put on my resume and gave me an insight into the workings of the courthouse from the perspective of a judge.
Living in Birmingham
Compared to other UK cities such as London Birmingham is much more affordable for students in terms of living costs (restaurants, rent, groceries). If you are looking for entertainment the Symphony Hall is home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, if you are looking for culture the Birmingham Hippodrome (musical theatre) attracts over 500,000 visitors a year. The Bullring is the UK’s most popular shopping destination with more than 160 shops and restaurants in the heart of the city.
Using Across the Pond
I applied through Across the Pond and found the application process to be stress free and easy. I was put in contact with an agent that talked me through the process of applying and asked me what I wanted to study, where and suggested potential schools for me based on my interests and my previous grades and education. They helped with the UCAS process which is how students in the UK apply to university which was a new process for me. My agent helped me with my personal statement and made edits where appropriate and there was a lot of advice and pamphlets given on the visa process.
