Strasbourg Law Study Trip

This June, I had the pleasure of taking part in a five-day study trip to Strasbourg, France, alongside other University of Liverpool Law School students. The main purpose of this trip was to gain first-hand insight into how major European institutions operate and to explore the wide range of career opportunities available in international law, human rights and diplomacy. Throughout the week, we visited many prestigious institutions, met professionals working in different legal fields and developed a greater understanding of how legal principles are applied in practice.

Visiting Europe’s leading institutions

Our itinerary was packed with engaging meetings and visits. We spent time at the Council of Europe, where we met experts working in human rights, digital development and the prevention of torture. We also had the opportunity to visit the UK Permanent Delegation to the Council of Europe, where we learned about the role of diplomacy in representing the UK's interests internationally and how the representatives progressed in their careers. Later in the week, we visited the European Court of Human Rights, where we had the opportunity to meet and ask questions of Judge Mykola Gnatovskyy, the Judge in Residence for the University of Liverpool, who gave us great insight into the structure and workings of the Court. We also met with the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Bjørn Berge, who provided us with valuable insight into international cooperation and how his position plays a vital role in the policy-making of the Council of Europe.

Key experiences and skills gained

This study trip truly enhanced my understanding of European institutions. Listening to professionals discuss their careers and responsibilities helped me appreciate the wide variety of legal careers available outside traditional practice. I developed a better understanding of international human rights and the importance of cooperation between European states. The experience also strengthened several of my employability skills, including networking, professional communication and asking thoughtful questions during discussions. The skills I gained from this trip are ones that I will continue to use and develop throughout my legal studies and future career.

Personally, one of my most memorable moments of the trip was watching a debate at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The topic was violence against women and girls, and an Irish representative was taking part in the debate. This was particularly important to me because, as someone from the island of Ireland, I know how prevalent the issue of violence against women and girls is where I live. Being able to hear the passion and determination with which the Irish representative spoke made me feel certain that a career in international human rights is something I would love to pursue.

Another great aspect of the trip was how well-balanced the itinerary was. Despite having very full and busy days, all the evenings were free to spend time with my course mates, which was especially enjoyable as the World Cup was taking place. The way the itinerary was structured allowed us to get the most out of our visits and meetings, as we were well rested and had time to explore the beautiful streets of Strasbourg while also gaining valuable experiences.

Reflections and advice

My advice for future students considering a study trip abroad is to prepare thoroughly. I would recommend researching the institutions and speakers in advance, as this will help you gain even more from the discussions because you will already have some background knowledge of the topics being discussed. It is also worth bringing a notebook to record key points and useful information. Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask questions whenever possible. Doing so will help you gain a fuller understanding of the topics and make you more memorable to speakers and visitors alike.

Overall, the Strasbourg study trip was an invaluable experience. It helped to increase my confidence, broadened my understanding of European legal institutions and encouraged me to consider career opportunities that I had not previously explored. I would highly encourage other students to participate in similar study trips, as they provide unique learning experiences that cannot be replicated in the classroom and are highly beneficial for both professional and personal development.

About the author

Sabrina Baptista is an LLB Law with Politics student at the University of Liverpool Law School. She will begin the final year of her degree in September 2026.