Greater interest in European law, improved legal English and memories from evenings with fika and northern lights. Eric Halemba will bring these things home to Germany from his exchange year at the Department of Law.
Why did you choose to study at the Department of Law at Umeå University?
I had studied Swedish in Germany for one and a half year and decided to take an exchange year in Sweden. Umeå was the university in Sweden with courses that suited me.
What courses have you taken? I chose Comparative Law, EU Constitutional Law, Introduction to Swedish Law and Rule of Law and International Organizations.
What is your opinion so far about the courses and the teaching?
The courses are overall well organized and the contact with the teachers is more relaxed in Sweden than in Germany. You also have more seminars here, so you get to interact a lot with other students and practice speaking as well. When I came here, my legal English was not so good so I felt I had to improve. Mattias Derlén was my main teacher during my first two course and he was fantastic and so committed so I learned a lot on those courses.
What are you studying in Germany?
You can say it is the German equivalent of the Swedish law programme. My main interests has been European law and public international law.
What would you like to work with in the future? - I have been thinking about diplomatic work, but my interest in politics has risen a lot due to the big changes in the EU lately, so I might focus more on European law instead. We had a seminar on Brexit on one of the courses that I took this fall and that was very interesting.
Do you have any special memories from your time in Umeå?
I have really enjoyed just these small moments, like being at home with friends having fika, but also seeing the northern lights and going dog sledding. I also have decided to stay in Sweden until June, so I can celebrate midsummer here. I am really looking forward to that!
Any tips for students who are thinking about going to Umeå?
If possible, take the chance to see Umeå both with and without snow. Don't be afraid to take the first step if you want go get to know Swedish people and be open minded.
