“It was important for me to go abroad to immerse myself in other cultures and become fluent in French, the most widely used language in international law. I want to best serve my future clients, and communication is one of the most powerful ways to build trust and make people feel understood—literally by ‘speaking their language,’” reflected Morgan Kukovec, a third year Moritz College of Law student who is currently abroad on the Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas exchange program.
Kukovec is spending the semester at one of the most prestigious law schools in Europe, which specializes in international and comparative law. Kukovec’s studies focus on how different legal systems interact across borders, and are taught in both French and English.
“I have learned that I am adaptable and determined. The academic culture in France is very different from what I was used to in the United States, and I have had to navigate new systems and customs entirely in another language. That challenge has made me a stronger student and person, and it will ultimately make me a better lawyer,” she noted.
In addition to developing soft skills such as communication and adaptability, Kukovec hopes that learning French and another legal system entirely will also help her advance in her career.
“Fluency in French and a deeper understanding of international legal systems will enable me to work confidently across cultures and better serve my clients. Law is built on relationships and trust, and being able to connect through language and cultural understanding is essential to building that trust,” said Kukovec.
Outside of the classroom, she has enjoyed French experiences such as visits to the Louvre and sitting in on a criminal court with her professor.