Interview with Nima, ILECMA student
Nima, 26 years old. Studied law at Aarhus University for four years. Now lives in Vesterbro. Works for a political think tank in parallel with his studies. Reads a lot, plays sport and enjoys parties. Seldom sits still for long.
What made you apply?
The crucial things for me were the programme's focus on international law, its interdisciplinary approach, the opportunity to study with foreign students, and the prospect of being challenged professionally.
How has the course started?
The induction was absolutely fine, and so far it's been an exceptionally positive experience. There have obviously been some various difficulties because we are the first class on a new programme though. However, I imagine that many of these will be resolved the second time around.
What is the tutoring like?
I've been really positively surprised at the high professional level and the commitment from most of the tutors that we've had so far. The form of learning varies from subject to subject. The first term has both classical group tutoring as well as far more interactive tutoring where the students present cases and the tutor takes on the role of chairperson. Generally speaking, I'm very happy with any form of two-way communication and presentation of material from our side because this is when real learning takes place.
What is the social life like?
It's good! We have 18 really nice people who all want each other to do well. I've rarely been in a group of 18 people where the social life is so good. You might think that people who apply for this sort of programme would be hardcore loners with sharp elbows, but that simply isn't the case.
What has been new?
I've come from the law programme at Aarhus University, where it was mainly group tutoring. But the group tutoring at ILECMA is generally different in the way that dialogue is scheduled from the outset. You are also expected to be prepared and to want to take part in the learning.
Not only is the form of teaching different, the content is also a new experience for me. As a law student one needs to be aware of the fact that this is primarily a course aimed at people without a law background, which means that one shouldn't expect the law courses to be of the same format as in law school. The focus is much more on policy issues and acquiring an understanding of the concerns behind various forms of regulation.
I'm also used to semesters rather than quarter terms. It's actually very nice that the time from tuition to examination is more compact because, all other things being equal, you aren't tempted to put off the reading with a view to making up for lost time in the reading period. On the other hand you have to be ready for an intense workload during exams.
What would you like to use the qualification for?
I'd like to be involved in a working area that has an international dimension. I'm also very interested in the crossover between law, ethics and politics. So a possible job could be anything from a position with an NGO, an international company or a political organisation or institution. I am also contemplating becoming a lawyer. In theory the working area could be anything from corporate governance to environmental policy.
What are you most looking forward to?
I'm certainly looking forward to going abroad in the third term because it will be my first time studying abroad. But I'm also looking forward to the fourth term, when we will have international political economy and international law, both of which are very exciting subjects. In international law we will also be tutored by some of the country's greatest experts in the field, so I'm looking forward to that.
The next class starts in September 2010. See how to apply at http://jura.ku.dk/ilecma/