How My LLM General Experience Broadened My Horizons

What made you come to Ireland and to the University of Limerick?

I have always wanted to study abroad, and I have been passionate about English since I was little. In 2023, I achieved a Bachelors Law Degree (In France, it is three-years long) at the University of Nantes in France. I was part of the “franco-british and Irish specialization”, a special program providing additional courses taught in English. I got a global insight on the Common law system by learning about American, and Irish constitutional law, international public law and administrative law, and torts and contracts. Taking those courses allowed me to apply for a special exchange program to validate, a French master’s degree and a LLM at once either in the UK or in Ireland known as a Double Degree Masters Programme..

Why did you come to UL?

One of my first choices was UL and I was delighted when I got accepted on to the programme. I am glad I chose it, I love the campus life and setting. Going to UL is an opportunity for me to get a degree to settle down in an English-speaking country, become bilingual, and discover a new culture.

What do you enjoy most about UL and the School of Law?

I have grown fond of Ireland, as the classes taught in my LLM finally allowed me to assimilate the mechanisms of Common law, gain comprehensive knowledge on international human rights law and comparative human rights law, both in civil and criminal aspects. I feel that my academic effort is more recognized and rewarded than in France. I now have knowledge that is more diverse on my favorite topics through teachings and interactive debates where I feel like my lecturers are interacting and engaging with me on the same level, even though they have impressive resumes and experience, that they are willing to share.

I am interested in the right to a healthy, clean, and sustainable environment in the international human rights law realm, for which I will research for my dissertation.

What is student life like?

Outside of work, I love traveling, especially in Ireland since the landscapes are stunning and the people are lovely. I immediately knew that I belong in UL which is such a lively and amazing campus surrounded by the countryside. The work-life balance is really good for my mental health, and UL mental health services are really helpful compared to France where they pay too little attention to it. I also found the Regional Writing Center peer writing sessions with one of my classmates and my lecturer very helpful to give me important advice to write the best essays possible (which I had never done before), which allowed me to get an average of 17/20. I feel that students help each other here, everyone is here to have fun and learn new ways to study. I really enjoy participating in the events organized by the UL Law Society, such as the conferences, the meetings, as well as the intervarsity Model EU. I also like being in the archery and boxing club to unwind.

Would you recommend UL to others?

I recommend UL and the Faculty of Arts, Humanity, and Social Sciences as an international student if you are looking for a first experience abroad. You will make friends during the orientation week, in clubs and societies, at parties, and all-around campus. As for classes, my classmates are lovely.

You will definitely improve your English, learn lot of amazing things and experience different culture from all around the world! The School of Law could be a good fit for you if you want to get involved in interactive classes and engage with your chosen programme in an exciting new way. The lecturers are happy to  share their knowledge and experience and give you some “food for thought” regarding your own knowledge and ideas. You can also always reach out for help with your essays and your dissertation if needed.

Any advice for anyone thinking of applying to UL?

If I could talk to my past self, I would tell her to trust herself because even if you are homesick, tired, stressed about essays and the dissertation, worried about the future, it is all part of being an international student, you can do it and you will be proud of everything you achieved once you are here and studying.

I am glad to be at UL, and even if nothing is perfect, I feel like I belong here.