Year Abroad. Worth it?

It was around a year ago today that I found out that I was going to Trent University for my year abroad. I have to be honest, I was rather disappointed. Trent was my sixth out of seventh choice. I was kicking myself that I did not try harder in first year and obtain a better grade. 63% was just not good enough. After my initial disappointment, I decided that although the year may not have been what I had imagined, every thing happens for a reason. And I still agree.

Initially, I wanted to go to a high calibrate university where I could engage with specialists in the legal field. I have to say Trent was not this place. Trent university does not have a specific Law department and offers minimal legal modules. Not to say Trent is not a good university, but it is not the right place for a law student. I was disheartened upon arrival that this year would not be as academically challenging as I had hoped. Although, after a while I decided that this year would be a challenging as I made it, it was in my assessments which I could tailor my learning. Whilst my module, the legal environment of business felt like an overview of my first and second year of law school it did allow me to research in to an upcoming and developing field of law. I have decided to write a report on Artificial Intelligence and the required regulations in Canada. With all of my assignments I wanted to draw the UK and/or EU laws into my work to allow for a comparison between Canada and the legal systems closer to home. By doing this I have opened up my awareness of UK commercial awareness topics and continued to engage with legal matters which affect my home jurisdiction. (This report is yet to be finalised, but I will post once I have finished.)

The main difference between Trent University and the University of Birmingham is their way of assessing. Going to Trent felt like returning to sixth form, the work load is heavier although less challenging. Whilst academically my year abroad was not all I wanted. I would still argue that it has been one of the most beneficial things I have done. I have learnt a lot about myself. I was always a tad highly strung around plans and organisation and whilst these things are inherent inside me and a part of who I am, I have learnt when and where they are required and hence when it is okay to let go of my daily plans; live in the moment. Although, planning travelling certainly requires organisation.

I have also learnt a lot about the value of my friends. I have been lucky enough to meet some absolutely fabulous (absofruity for those who it applies) friends on my year abroad. Having such a close network of friends scattered across the UK and Canada really is a blessing. Whilst, many people may say that Canadian and English cultures are similar, there are some inherent differences which you would only discover from living in Canada for a long period of time. Trent itself is a very different university from what I am use to at home, this new experience has not only taught me a lot about myself but increase my understanding of the Indigenous origins of Canada and especially which Trent University lies upon. Discovering new things and increasing my awareness of alternative styles of living drove me to apply for a FinTech, Blockchain, AI and the Law summer school in Frankfurt. One which I cannot wait to engage in.

So, all this information is great but how can I tailor this experience in a training contract (TC) application. Yes, this is where it gets tricky. Whilst, I have learnt lots of interesting things about the Canadian Legal and Political system, it would be wrong of me to sell my year abroad as one of academic prowess. First, because whilst many may think this is what recruiter wants and to some extent it is, it was not my experience. Being able to be true to myself about my experience and truly reflect upon it is where I will gain the most valuable knowledge for use within a TC.

I certainly did a lot of travelling and although this is not a new experience for me as I try to travel as much as I can. This is how I learn more about the world, my friends, culture and language. Whereas before when I travelled I had no work or other responsibilities, this year I have had to learn to keep up and organised with my workload, keeping high grades, whilst missing university and travelling. This certainly taught me that if you want something enough, any thing is possible. I have always been organised but having the motivation to work when travelling requires a totally different mindset and organisation to fit downtime into my travel schedule. This in itself has given me hope for my ability to manage a heavy workload and still maintain a social life which is important for maintaining mental health, a problem which can be such a problem within the legal field. Not only have I managed to complete my university work on the move, I have done so to a high standard. It is important for me to recognise that I probably could have done better if I just focused on work, but I know this would have not made me happy nor would I have been able to experience all the things which have built upon my personality and character. Something which cannot be taught. This year, my priority was me. Not work, not a grade. Things which I have certainly been prone to in the past. A priority to travel and find out things about myself which cannot be easily learnt but only discovered.

I have not finished my year abroad yet, and I will continue to reflect over the last one month of university and three of travelling. It certainly has not been the experience that I had envisioned, but I am glad. My vision would not have allowed me to come out of my comfort zone. Being assessed in other methods and other disciplines outside of law has expanded my knowledge of other areas but most of all highlighted my love and passion for the Law. I cannot wait to experience more and challenge myself academically next year at the University of Birmingham.