Fall 2022 marks the return of outgoing student exchanges at the Faculty
After being grounded in Toronto for two academic years, U of T Law students have once again taken to the skies to study internationally this term. The Faculty’s student exchange programs, which were previously put on hold in response to the pandemic, allow upper-year JD students to study abroad for one semester at some of the top law schools in the world. Studying on exchange also satisfies the International, Comparative, and Transnational (ICT) course requirement students must complete in order to graduate. U of T Law currently has exchange agreements in place with 26 law schools across 14 countries.
This year, the Faculty sent 38 exchange students to 15 law schools in 11 countries, with all students completing their exchange in the first term. Despite the green light on travel, the number of law students on exchange has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. For comparison, 2018 saw a record 61 law students on exchange, and in 2019, the last year of travel before the pandemic, 51 law students went on exchange.
The most popular exchange destinations this term, by number of students, are the University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands), the Centre for Transnational Legal Studies (London, UK), Queen Mary University of London (London, UK), and Trinity College Dublin (Dublin, Ireland). However, Sara-Marni Hubbard, Student Programs Manager, noted that the number of spots available for exchange students at each school is determined jointly by the host institutions and the University of Toronto Centre for International Experience. Hubbard explained that the number of spots available varies on several factors, and that the number of students studying at each school does not necessarily indicate which destinations are most desirable.
U of T Law students are currently on exchange at the following schools:
- Australian National University (Canberra, Australia)
- University of Melbourne (Melbourne, Australia)
- University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia)
- Centre for Transnational Legal Studies (London, UK)
- Queen Mary University of London (London, UK)
- University of Manchester (Manchester, UK)
- Trinity College Dublin (Dublin, Ireland)
- Jean Moulin University (Lyon, France)
- University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
- University of Geneva (Geneva, Switzerland)
- Central European University (Vienna, Austria)
- University of Copenhagen (Copenhagen, Denmark)
- University of Oslo (Oslo, Norway)
- National University of Singapore (Singapore)
- University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Ultra Vires caught up with three law students on exchange this term to discuss their experiences living and learning outside Canada.
Adam LaRiviere (4L JD/MBA) | Studying at Trinity College Dublin
Ultra Vires (UV): Why did you choose Trinity College Dublin (Trinity)?
Adam LaRiviere (AL): I chose to study abroad at Trinity for a few related reasons. First, I have always wanted to explore Ireland and connect with my Irish roots, and there is no better way to do this than being fully immersed in Irish culture. Second, I have always wanted to eat and drink my way through Europe, soaking in everything that these unique cultures have to offer. Finally, the study abroad program is one of the few times legal professionals can escape reality for an extended period without sacrificing career progression—something all students should take advantage of.
UV: What have you found most different between Trinity and U of T?
AL: Life at Trinity moves much more slowly than at U of T. Reduced classroom time and fewer readings leaves more time for human interaction and allows students to explore their true interests.
UV: Has anything surprised you about your experience at Trinity?
AL: I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of the people I have met here. Everyone is genuinely interested in what you have to say and more than willing to answer any questions you may ask.
UV: What has your favourite experience abroad been so far?
AL: Meeting other students in the LLM and exchange programs. Both have students from around the world and the chance to learn about each individual and their backgrounds has been very unique. It also creates a web of connections that may turn into free accommodations in the future.
UV: What is your favourite spot in Dublin?
AL: Just about any pub pouring Guinness and playing live music, preferably ‘Irish trad.’
UV: What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Trinity?
AL: Do it! The experience truly is once in a lifetime, and although the process might seem difficult to navigate, I promise that if I was able to pull it off, so can you!
Erica Berry (3L) | Studying at the University of Amsterdam
UV: Why did you choose the University of Amsterdam (UvA)?
Erica Berry (EB): I chose UvA for a few reasons. I had visited Amsterdam briefly and really enjoyed my time there—lots of museums, beautiful parks, and a fun atmosphere. I left feeling like there was still a lot more to explore, so I leapt at the chance to spend a few months living here. On an academic level, I was attracted to the UvA exchange program’s broad focus on international law, which you can tailor to reflect more specialized international interests.
UV: What has your favourite experience abroad been so far?
EB: My favourite experiences have been making new friends and travelling. The law exchange program at UvA is fairly small, so I’ve gotten to know people through class and student housing. We also have a pretty big group of U of T Law students here, so we’ve all integrated in a really fun way. It’s been exciting to explore Amsterdam together and travel to other places on the weekend. Amsterdam’s central location makes it relatively affordable and straightforward to travel to other places in Europe. Living here provides a great opportunity to visit smaller places that are harder to travel to from Canada. I’ve been lucky enough to do so with a mix of U of T friends and new friends, and it has been a great time.
UV: What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UvA?
EB: Do it! It’s a great opportunity to live in a different place, meet new people, and travel. Don’t hesitate to reach out to any upper-year students who have studied here before. Everyone’s very friendly and more than happy to talk about all aspects of the experience. If you have any specific questions or concerns about studying or living abroad, I’m sure we could be of assistance.
UV: What is your favourite spot in Amsterdam?
EB: I really enjoy walking around the Jordaan neighbourhood—think leafy canals, serene cafés, and interesting boutiques. One of my favourite places is called Café Twee Prinsen, where you can sit by the water while enjoying a glass of wine.
UV: What do you miss about Toronto?
EB: Gryfe’s bagels, crisp autumn days, and my dog.
UV: What do you miss about U of T Law?
EB: My friends! I’m excited to have a final semester together before we graduate.
Angela Feng (3L) | Studying at the National University of Singapore
UV: Why did you choose the National University of Singapore (NUS) to study abroad?
Angela Feng (AF): I’ve never really travelled to this part of the world before. Singapore is such a neat place and a great start for exploring South East Asia.
UV: What has your favourite experience abroad been so far?
AF: The food in Singapore is fantastic. Hawker centres are a huge part of the culture here. Singapore’s diversity is truly reflected in its food. Plus, to have Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian cuisine all in one place is such a treat.
UV: What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at NUS?
AF: While it’s hot and humid here, the air conditioning indoors is freezing. Pack accordingly!
It’s also hard adjusting to new places—it’s perfectly okay to experience a bit of homesickness while on exchange.
UV: What do you miss about Toronto?
AF: I miss my family and my dog! I also miss the cool, crisp fall weather—it can be unbearably hot in Singapore.
These interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity.
