Copenhagen

[U2fan]

Hey all, I am trying to decide where to spend next fall studying law abroad! I have to take classes in English and don't want to go to the UK so in Europe it seems my options are Scandinavia or the Netherlands. I think I am going to get a masters in the Netherlands so I am thinking about going to U of Copenhagen. I haven't been to Scandinavia but have heard good things about it other than the usual it is really expensive, cold, etc. Has anyone spent a lot of time there and more specifically in Copenhagen? Do you think it would be a good place to study for between 4-5 months? I think it seems like an ideal location because it would be easy to get to Norway, Sweden, Germany, etc. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Love,
Lauren

PS For fall 2006 I am thinking about a semester in either Tokyo or Hong Kong, or really anywhere in Asia so if you've studied there or spent lots of time there I'd love info so I don't post another topic in the Asia section.

[U2fan]

Anyone, anyone? I know Scandinavia isn't on the typical backpacker route but someone must have something to say about it!

[AdamTheCultured]

Well My sister is Swedish and Has lived in Stockholm and Malmo most of her life.....I have visited for 2 weeks this past summer and have found that it is a very bustling country....Stockholm has many many VERY smart people....and GREAT schools....so I would consider going there.....

However, I have heard amazing things about Copenhagen and the Danish people too....so I dont think you can go wrong either way....

Another Idea would be to study in Germany...I was told by many different people that German is the Business language of Europe so if you want to do any type of international law in Europe German would be a very important language to know........


And about the Study abroad thing in Tokyo....I will be your guniea Pig...no worries....I will let you know everything I find out about when I get there in January......however I can almost guarantee that if you want to do some international or Corporate law work then you can't go wrong with Tokyo either.......just be warned....ya never know when "THE BIG ONE" will strike Tokyo.....(THE CATASROPHIC Earthquake that is predicted to completely level Tokyo and most of its population....however, they dont know when it will strike.....muhahaha.......no joke)

[LiveFreeorDie]

I don't know anything about Copenhagen. However, as far as a semester in Hong Kong or Tokyo, I would say it depends on what you want. I have been to Hong Kong a few times for work and I love the city. A nice blend of East and West. Most signs are in both English and Chinese, many people speak English, there is a a large expat community and it is a major business hub. It is also still a very Asian city as well and fairly diverse. This would be an easier place to live for an English speaker. Tokyo I have not been too, but I think that would be a more challenging place to live....and that may be to its benefit? Depends what you feel like. Nice thing about HK is you could venture into mainland China very easily by bus or train. Shenzen is a fairly large city just an hour from HK. China would give you a completely different perspective as it is VERY different from HK. Both HK and Tokyo are also VERY expensive - so keep that in mind. Good luck in your studies....sounds like you are in for a great experience no matter where you decide to go.

[U2fan]

Thanks for the advice guys! Hmm, I know HK is expensive but I would think it wouldn't even come close to Tokyo as Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world supposedly, compared to London. I think Tokyo would be more "Asia" like you pointed out, not as much English and what not, but I think it may come down to finances and HK is looking like it would be thousands of dollars cheaper to do, so money might make the decision for me. But I'll definitely take advantage of you as a guinea pig Adam! And let me know next time you are in Athens!

[urOZm8]

I loved Copenhagen and numerous times on my trip I have said to myself it would be a great place to revisit. I cant really pinpoint a reason but, it may have been the festivities of the royal wedding, and the second time I went (going back into europe) the partying I did.

It had a great nightlife and seemed a real liveable city. The Danes were some of my favourite people - always happy and with the sharpest of wit! The fact they were all beautiful was great too! They speak perfect english. It is real expensive and you have to take into account the weather. Going in Summer would be awesome, the daylight hours are really long. Winter the reverse so maybe depressing. If you like the outdoors u2 thats cool as apparently denmark has great beaches and the forests and lakes of Sweden and the mountains of Norway were awesome, of course they will cost a bit to get to.

Otherwise look into the university cities of Trondheim, Norway and Utrecht Holland both very beautiful but maybe a little small. Two personal faves
Im thinking lucky you right now!

ev

[U2fan]

thanks Ev! you're welcome to come visit me next year if I'm there, or wherever in Europe I end up!

[voyd]

As far as modernized Chinese cities go - I'd personally take Shanghai over HK any day. It is far newer, cleaner and booming. And it also has an interesting international history as well - as is evidenced by all the European buildings on the Bund. Heck, Yao Ming even played for the Shanghai Sharks there too. It's the happenin' place.

HK is not bad, per se, either. But, it just seems a bit too crowded, dirtier and busy for my tastes. And I find the Chinese food to be comparable to the US - which is to say mass-produced and not as good as the rest of China. But, the HK metro is nice though and urbanites do still like HK overall.

Beijing is also another more modern city. Of course, being the capital, it has a LOT of cultural sights and significance in and around it.

[worldwidemike]

Haven't been to Copenhagan, but I've read rave reviews of it.

Hong Kong is really cool...I think you'd like it. There is definitely a veneer of English about the place to make it more accessible to non-Chinese speakers like me. The history of the island is really cool, too, and that is an attraction.

I think LIVING in a city like you're talking about is the real way to see a place. Definitely go for it, anytime you have a chance!

worldwidemike

[urOZm8]

thanks Ev! you're welcome to come visit me next year

woooh! another place to crash!!
ev

[U2fan]

Ok, so now I'm thinking one semester in Asia wouldn't be enough; if I'm going to be there all the way around the world I should stay for a whole year to travel when I can. So I'm thinking all of 2005-2006 in Asia and then be in Europe 2007-2008 for my masters. That way, I can travel around Asia and maybe hit up Australia and NZ over winter break.....so get ready Australians! I might be there a lot sooner than I thought, whoo hoo! But what if if something happens and I don't make it to Europe for my masters? I would regret not doing a semester in Europe....decision, decisions....

[Somnambulation]

I know the Danes invented the 12 member jury system as well as other aspects of our our modern legal system. I cant think of a better place to study law abroad. I am looking into the study abroad opportunites of my prospective schools and hopefully will spend the summer of my first year over there somewhere.

[U2fan]

Hmm, I didn't know that. Yeah, I think I am postponing Europe until my masters and spending all next year in Asia instead.

There are tons of opportunities to go abroad in law school but most of them are short term summer programs. Some schools have agreements with overseas schools and you can go for a semester. You can do up to one year abroad. But I wouldn't worry too much about what the school you want to go to has because you can do any ABA approved program so essentially any American law school program. Or you can arrange your own study abroad like I'm doing and directly enroll in an overseas school and bypass the red tape of other schools. Takes a bit of research but overall, it doesn't matter where you go since you can do whatever you want....

[urOZm8]

so get ready Australians!

time to show some good ol' aussie hospitality! no problems putting you up in the westside...
ev

[jorgino]

U2fan:
Do you have any info about getting a scholarship or some institution that will help you in studying abroad? I'd love to study in Europe or Asia, are you paying out of pocket? How does this thing work? Thanks!