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

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

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.