South Texas College of Law Houston third-year student Jesse L. Givens is studying law in Prague, Czech Republic, this semester at Charles University Faculty of Law as an international exchange student. The courses began in February and will run through late June.
Givens, a second-career law student, has always had a strong interest in international and cross-cultural exchanges. He worked with the Office of Student Engagement to revive a dormant organization, becoming co-director of the International Law & National Security Law Society. He also went to Prague once before as part of the Study Abroad program.
He believes traveling and studying abroad broadens a person’s mindset, and he tries to take advantage of every opportunity to do so.
“The campus here at Charles University Faculty of Law is incredibly welcoming,” Givens said. “We are in classes with students from all over Europe and parts of African and Asia. The dialogue with these students regarding how legal issues are handled in their countries can be just as valuable as the formal instruction itself. It is easy to make friends among the other exchange students and among the Czech students as well.”
South Texas Law third-year student Lauren Loader also is an exchange student at Charles University this spring, and she participated in the 2024 Study Abroad program. “Prague is breathtaking, and there is so much to do! I love learning about the Czech culture and history, and I’ve made lifelong friends through my experiences here.”
Meanwhile, four law students from Denmark’s Aarhus University are international exchange students at South Texas Law this spring. They are Karoline Sinding, of Gentofte; Chris Christensen, of Spoerring; Louise Just, of Esbjerg; and Christian Kudsk, of Silkeborg.
The international students are paired with student mentors to help make their experience richer. This semester’s mentors are Anna Ortiz, Elvia Sanchez, Josh Bristol, and Jacob Gadde.
All four Danish students are enjoying their time at the law school. They like being able to choose the classes they take, unlike in Denmark where there are no electives — just mandatory coursework.
The quartet was less enthusiastic about another difference in educational practice at South Texas Law. Reciting in class seemed “horrifying” at first but now the students find it “interesting” and celebrate it as uniquely American. “We are unaccustomed to participating in that manner,” said Kudsk, who is preparing to work in transactional law.
“We just take notes in our lectures in Denmark,” said Sinding, who cannot see herself being anything but a lawyer. “I do not remember a time when I did not want to be an attorney. It has always been my ambition, as is studying in the U.S.”
The international students said they continue to receive a warm welcome everywhere they go.
“I am amazed,” said Christensen. “People take time to chat with us and are truly interested in hearing about Denmark.” Added Kudsk, “It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience — academically, personally, culturally, and socially. I gained valuable legal insights, made lasting friendships, and truly enjoyed the famous Southern hospitality that made me feel welcome from day one.”
Just described her exchange semester at South Texas Law as “…incredible in so many ways. Experiencing another culture is just so much more rewarding when it becomes part of your everyday life. You really get to take it all in! Everyone I’ve met along the way has been welcoming, helpful, and curious. Without a doubt, it’s been one of the most amazing experiences, and I’ll always look back on it with a smile.”
The students are looking forward to exploring other parts of the country after they have finished the semester. For the moment, they are just like the U.S. students: studying for final exams.
Original source can be found here.