Three students from Strathmore Law School (SLS) reported to Cornell Law School on 24^th August, 2015, for a semester exchange. Nimo Kering’, Amanda Kania and James Kubasu were short listed based on academic excellence; their selection was through a competitive process where each student was required to write a paper on International Law and Human Rights. Students with the top three papers would qualify to take part in the exchange program. Cornell University, an Ivy- League institution, is one of the top Law Schools in the U.S. which prepares lawyers for both public and private practice. Cornell trains its graduates to provide the highest quality professional services to their clients and to contribute to the development and reform of law and legal institutions; it has gained global recognition as top institution.

 

The Dean of Strathmore Law School, Dr. Luis Franceschi, held discussions with Cornell Law School on the possibility of a semester exchange as part of the school offering to provide global exposure, rigour in academics and internationalization of its graduates. This opportunity provides a pilot case that is likely culminate in a Memorandum of Understanding between the 2 institutions.

 

 The 3 students have had an interesting experience thus far.

“This has to be one of the most challenging times in my academic life but I am very thankful to SLS for it has adequately prepared me for this experience. SLS has taught the importance of a thorough work ethic.  Here, we always think about the class pre-readings. There is no time waste. We do occasionally take breaks but most of the time; we are either in class or the library.” Nimo expresses her gratitude to SLS.

 

Currently the three students are in their second week at Cornell Law School from where they will sit for their exams and complete the Fall semester on 18^th December, 2015.

 

“So far the experience is great, classes are lively and interactive since all students have to prepare for classes beforehand (similar to what is expected in courses at SLS). The lecture hours are also fewer giving room for students to make the most of their experience at Cornell Law School. Most people at the University are friendly and it has not been difficult to make friends during our time here.”  Says James

 

Every Wednesday all students have an opportunity to interact with lecturers, members of staff and their fellow colleagues over breakfast. They find Cornell University students very brilliant and always eager to learn!

The 3 students will be returning to Strathmore in January 2016 to complete their law degree. They look forward to acquiring useful experience in a different cultural setting as well as meet new people and build resourceful networks.

 

We wish the three students the best in their semester at Cornell.