- My STEP Signature Project was a study abroad program at Oxford University, England, through the OSU-Oxford Pre-Law Program. Over five weeks at Brasenose College, I earned 6 credits in Anglo-American Law, engaging in two classes taught by professors from Moritz College of Law and the University of Oxford. The program also included daily lectures on diverse topics and four field trips to significant legal sites.
2. During my STEP Signature Project, my understanding of the global legal landscape expanded significantly. Before this program, my focus as a political science major had been primarily on America, but my exposure to the field of international law provided a broader perspective on the legal landscape of the world. I also realized that despite England’s seeming similarity to the U.S., there are notable cultural differences that extend into everyday life and legal practices. I miss the public transportation, it was so easy to travel to different places either by bus or train. This trip was my first time abroad, and it ignited a sense of adventure and curiosity about the world. The experience of navigating a new culture, adapting to different social norms, and exploring historical and legal sites deepened my appreciation for global perspectives and enhanced my confidence in dealing with new and unfamiliar situations. I also learned a great deal by conversing with my fellow participants in the program.
3. Several key experiences during my program contributed to this transformation. First, my classes and professors introduced me to different legal traditions and practices, broadening my academic understanding and sparking an interest in international law. We had interesting debates on legal concepts in class that I learned a lot from. We also had three tutorials, a practice common in England, where we met with a Grad student and discussed a topic related to class for an hour. Interacting with professors from both Moritz College and Oxford provided a unique opportunity to compare different academic approaches and gain insights into the diverse world of law. We had guest lecturers come in and give us overviews of different areas of law too, from tort to family law.
Additionally, the cultural experiences in Oxford and London played a significant role. From learning about the nuances of English customs—such as the absence of tipping and the distinctive and amazing public transportation—to experiencing the historical significance of the sites we visited, I gained a deeper appreciation of the world around me. The field trips, in particular, were eye-opening, allowing me to see the practical application of legal principles in a different environment. I especially enjoyed our field trip to the Bulgarian Embassy and the Houses of Parliament. I had never been in an embassy before so that itself was cool. We had a very interesting talk with a diplomat there too. I greatly enjoyed touring the Houses of Parliament as a political science student with an interest in international politics. Our tour guide was very informative and explained the quirks of the system very well.
Finally, meeting and collaborating with fellow students from diverse backgrounds further enriched the experience. Engaging in discussions with peers about our observations of England and what we were learning in class helped me develop a more flexible and open-minded person. I learned alot from my peers in the conversations we had both inside and outside of class. Though we we all pre-law students, we came from a wide variety of majors and backgrounds. I greatly enjoyed talking to everyone. We also asked our Oxford professor and one of our student advisors a lot of questions about life and law in England.
4. The change and transformation I experienced are highly significant for my future academic and professional aspirations. Gaining exposure to international law has broadened my career perspective and opened up new opportunities in the field of law, potentially influencing my future specialization or career path. Personally, the confidence and adaptability I developed will be invaluable as I navigate future environments and opportunities. This experience has also instilled a lifelong desire to explore and engage with different cultures, enriching both my personal growth and professional development. The skills and insights gained will contribute to a more informed and versatile approach in my future endeavors, especially in law school.
