When Andrea Chacon-Ruiz, a third-year international business and political science major at Ohio State, arrived at Brasenose College at the University of Oxford, she expected rigorous coursework and a taste of academic life abroad. What she didn’t expect was how clearly the experience would confirm her long-term career goals.
She spent a month on the Oxford University Pre-Law study abroad program, adding nearly two and a half weeks of travel across Europe before and after the course.
“I really enjoyed being taught by a professor from Moritz College of Law, as well as various Rhodes Scholars from Oxford,” she said, “They provided unique lenses into the subjects being taught, which made the academic experience extremely valuable.”
Guest lecturers covered topics ranging from the United Nations to death in the 1700s, offering perspectives she had never encountered.
Immersed fully in Oxford life like living in dorms, dining in historic halls and exploring the surrounding streets, she also connected with current Ohio State law students whose parallel program overlapped with hers.
“We got to speak to current Ohio State law students while we ate or participated in other activities,” she explained.
Studying abroad served several purposes for her.
“I love traveling and learning about other cultures, so this program allowed me to do that in an academic sense,” she said.
It also fulfilled requirements for both of her majors and provided hands-on exposure to the legal field.
“I got to participate in a mock trial and moot court simulation… learning more about my future career is a big priority for me.”
The experience confirmed the direction she had been considering.
“I’ve learned that law is almost certainly the field I want to pursue in the future, and that my passions and skills align well,” she said.
Public speaking, communication and leadership came to the forefront—skills she continues to use. “This fall, I founded Latines in Law and serve as the current president,” Chacon-Ruiz explained.
The adjustment came with challenges.
“Being in a new environment, especially an international one, it’s easy to get distracted by exploring or chatting with your new friends,” she said. “After the first week or so, you find your rhythm and can balance schoolwork with socializing and exploring the beautiful place you’re in.”
Ultimately, the month in Oxford strengthened her commitment to pursuing law, especially in an international context.
“It fueled my passion for law even more,” she said. “I loved learning about the legal system and different types of law, as well as participating in legal simulations.”