Antonio, Brazil
Masters of Law (LL.M.), Pace Law School, New York

In what ways did your advising center help you apply and study in the U.S.?
The advising center played a crucial role during my application process. First, the center helped me with the deep research I had to do before I was able to choose the right universities to apply for. After my acceptance, the center provided me with great counseling that made my decision on which university to attend a lot easier. I totally recommend that anyone interested in applying for U.S. universities go visit the advising center at the earliest stage of the process.

What particular aspects of your study in the U.S. did you find most rewarding?
My experience in the U.S. was rewarding in every possible sense. Academically speaking, having the chance to study in an American university and taking advantage of the great infrastructure and highly qualified faculty helped me make significant academic achievements. I also had the chance to meet people from all over the world and make friends for life. Networking was too a great component in my experience. I have developed great professional relationships.

How has your study abroad experience expanded your understanding of the U.S. and Americans?
By studying in the U.S. and sharing the same classrooms with Americans I had a unique opportunity to learn more about the culture and customs of this nation. Having the chance to spend time out of classes with my American friends was also very important to help me understand their way of seeing things.

Was your university/college supportive of its international student community?
Yes, completely. From day one I always felt extremely welcome at the University (first at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, and then at Pace University Law School, New York). From the beginning, I had the staff helping me and the other international students to settle properly. They were also always trying to make sure that everything was going well for us, both in and out of the university. Professors even took international students to visit famous tourist attractions during the orientation period.

Such feeling of being welcome was present even in the most difficult times. When we all had to leave New Orleans to escape hurricane Katrina, what could have turned into a hard time for international students ended up showing all the solidarity of the American people. I received all support necessary from the university that received me and especially from the community to overcome such difficulties. I now have the feeling that it has even made my experience in the U.S. more special.

How will your experience studying in the U.S. help you reach your career goals?
Graduating from a U.S. university gave me the credentials and the experience necessary for my professional development back in Brazil. I am now working for a U.S. law firm in Brazil, and I am sure my experience in the US not only was important for me to be hired, but also makes it a lot easier for me to understand the way the firm works.

What advice or “survival tips” do you have for students who wish to study in the U.S.?
I would tell anyone who has the chance to study in the U.S. to try to take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Not only dedicate yourself to your studies (and do it hard!) but also explore the chance of making new friends, learning about the American culture, and growing your network.

Luís, Brazil
Masters of Law (LL.M.), Law School, Illinois

The advising center...
The advising center was essential on the process of deciding to what schools I should apply, because they helped me with instructions on how to research on the web, what documents I would need on my applications, how to write an effective personal statement and everything else I needed to spend a rewarding year in the U.S.

Educational and cultural experiences in the U.S...
"The year I spent in the U.S. was probably the best year of my life. From an educational point of view, to obtain better knowledge of American Law in a great school like the University of Chicago was very important for professional life in Brazil. Living among great professors and students like the ones I got to know in Chicago have changed my standards about legal education. Knowing my international colleagues was also very interesting — to share experiences with lawyers from all over the world was an unique experience."

Survival tips...
1. Do a complete research on the schools and cities you're planning to apply (the climate, the size, the location, all such characteristics are important when deciding to what schools you should apply).
2. You'll face many cultural differences. Let them play in your favor; learn from them.
3. Make as many friends as possible and from many different countries (the U.S. is a great place to meet people from all over the world).
4. Enjoy the courses you'll be taking, ask questions, and study a lot. There is plenty to learn.

Anicée, Belgium
Masters of Law (LL.M.), Law School, Massachussetts

The advising center...
The introduction day we had before we left was quite useful, as was the leaflet with all the explanations we received from IIE and from [Fulbright] Commission.

Educational and cultural experiences in the U.S...
I had a wonderful experience at Harvard Law School. The campus, the facilities, the assistance, the healthcare, and the students — everything was just amazing. Professors are far more open and available; I couldn't believe they had an office with office hours and an email address. I wanted to learn about the life in U.S. as much as possible, so I traveled a lot and made a lot of friends. I really had a great time in the U.S.

I think Harvard is, in general, very involved in international activities. The administrative staff was very supportive. Activities were organized for us and we had U.S. students helping us. There were several extracurricular programs organized throughout the year, some with U.S. students, some with staff, others with professors and eventually some just for the international students.

Survival Tips...
If you really want to study abroad, you will make it.