As a second year LLB student who is going through the application for the compulsory exchange semester at the moment, I would like to present you some of the benefits of such a semester, as well as the steps that LLB students need to take when applying, and my thinking process behind deciding where to go.

What does the exchange programme entail and what are some of its benefits?

It is important to know that the exchange period is mandatory in order to complete your bachelor’s degree. You will be going to a partner university in another country, and you are expected to come back with 30 ECTS, out of which 25 ECTS must be the result of passing law courses. One of the benefits of this period is that you only have to pay the tuition fees for the University of Groningen; this means that you can apply to a university which has higher fees, but you will be exempted from paying them, as long as you are selected to participate in their exchange programme. Another benefit revolves around the courses that you will be taking; it is the only period in your Bachelor studies when you have the possibility for electives. You can essentially take any courses that you find interesting, provided that they are regarded as law courses and that they are approved by the Board of Examiners of the Faculty of Law. Moreover, as an exchange student, you should receive a grant (Erasmus+, Marco Polo, additional grants), which can help towards your final budget expectations.

How is the process of applying structured?

It is important to know that there are certain requirements that you must meet before applying. The base requirement is that you have completed and passed all of your first-year courses. However, if you want to apply for an exchange semester outside of Europe or opt for master level courses within Europe, there are more requirements that you need to meet.

Once you meet the requirements, you need to make your choices. I will later address my own thought process below regarding my options, but it is important to know that you will have to select 3 universities, ordered according to your preferences. Some of the partner universities have additional language requirements as courses are only taught in their national language, but if you speak that language at an advanced level, that can be a great opportunity for you to both study in that legal system and to improve your language regarding legal terms.

After you have made your choices, you need to write a motivational letter which includes all your options and submit your CV and official list of grades. Once the work on your half is done, you will wait while the International Office nominates the students, depending on the popularity of a partner university (ie. how many students want to go on exchange there) and students’ suitability for placement at the partner university.

After everyone is awarded a place at a parnter university for exchange, you will be informed regarding the next steps concerning enrollment, selection of courses, and accommodation.

What was my thought process behind my choices?

While I was doing research into possible options for my semester abroad, I had a few elements in mind. First, I was only looking at universities that offered English taught courses, so I limited my options in that sense. Moreover, I had a wish to study at a well renowned university. Therefore, I decided to focus on the best-ranked universities, look at their courses and compare them to my interests, and finally I narrowed by choices to three. However, there are many students whose focus is living for a semester in a vibrant city or having the opportunity to travel more while abroad during that period; there are options for all these scenarios, so you just need to know what your main wishes for the exchange semester are.

In sum, the semester abroad is an amazing opportunity to develop knowledge in another legal system, or in a field of law that you are particularly interested in. Moreover, as a future legal expert, you need to constantly be challenged, which is implied by having to study at a new university for a semester. Lastly, you will surely create memories for a lifetime and experiences you will always rely on.

- Larisa Bularca, Romania, International and European Law student

*Please note the application process to go on exchange is subject to change each academic year.

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