Q and A with Study Abroad law student Celeste Kwok

University of Alberta’s Study Abroad program was a life-changing experience for Faculty of Law student Celeste Kwok, ‘24 JD.

Attending the University of Adelaide, she enhanced her legal knowledge through hands-on courses while learning the Australian system and seeing Canadian law in an international light.

Beyond the classroom, she got to conduct important community consultations on legal reform, which led to recommendations that will be heard next year by South Australia’s Attorney General. She also made professional connections and friendships that she will carry for a lifetime.

As Faculty of Law students consider upcoming Study Abroad possibilities, Kwok shares some of her experiences.

What first got you interested in studying abroad, and what made you choose Australia?

The opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, make lifelong friends from around the world, and explore international areas of law were all compelling reasons for my semester abroad at the University of Adelaide.   

Australia was easily my top choice as the culture is unique but in many ways similar to Canada's. Their tropical climate and reputation for outdoor activities fit well with my active lifestyle. Lastly, I've always appreciated Edmonton's vibrant identity as Canada's festival city. Traveling to South Australia, the festival state of Australia, was therefore an exciting prospect. 

In terms of finances, I was fortunate to benefit from the partnership between the University of Alberta's Faculty of Law and Adelaide Law School. Thanks to this collaboration, I did not have to pay for international tuition, making studying in Australia much more accessible. 

How has the study abroad experience impacted your perspective on law?

Before studying abroad, I worried that my knowledge as a Canadian law student would have little relevance in Australia, but that was far from the truth. I arrived in the midst of Australia's national referendum on the Voice, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory body to Parliament that would be enshrined in the country's constitution.

Since Canada and Australia share many similarities in terms of their historical and current-day relationships with Indigenous peoples, my perspective as a Canadian law student was valued by Australian professors and students alike. 

Overall, studying law in Australia has allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for the relevance of Canadian law at the international level. Likewise, I believe that studying Australian law will be applicable to my career in Canada.  

What kind of courses did you take there?

The University of Adelaide offers an impressive repertoire of courses that blend theoretical learning with opportunities to develop practical skills. I took Human Rights Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Minerals & Energy Law, and a Law Research Internship with the South Australian Law Reform Institute. 

There were a wide variety of graded assessments, including unique activities such as simulated mediations and legal reform consultations. If I had any questions or concerns, the professors were extremely approachable. 

Can you talk about some highlights of your time in Australia, connections you made, learning opportunities outside of the classroom?

 Prior to my arrival in Australia, I contacted the Deputy Director of the South Australian Law Reform Institute (SALRI) and expressed an interest in legal reform. He allowed my enrolment in a Law Research Internship under his supervision – this opportunity was definitely one of the highlights.

Based on my experience advocating for criminalized youth in Edmonton, I was invited to contribute to SALRI's upcoming report on the role and operation of suppression orders as they pertain to youth. With SALRI's support, I led a consultation session on suppression orders with local leaders in the rural communities of Port Pirie and Port Augusta.

I also connected with legal professionals from South Australia's Commissioner for Children & Young People. I am beyond excited for my recommendations to be presented to the Attorney General of South Australia in 2024! Having the opportunity to actively shape the law with guidance from such a reputable institution is an experience I will never forget. 

How do you think this experience will serve you in your future law career?  

This experience has gone above and beyond my expectations in terms of developing my legal research and public consultation skills. Assisting SALRI with its pursuit of law reform has also provided excellent exposure to cutting-edge legal issues, in addition to various engagement opportunities with local legal professionals and Indigenous leaders.

In a more general sense, studying abroad also introduced me to the challenges of adapting to a foreign legal system. Beyond the benefits to my career in law, it was a truly rewarding chance to expand my horizons and learn about myself. 

Do you have any advice for other law students considering studying abroad?

For any law students considering a semester abroad, I would highly recommend doing so! Even if you have no desire to practice law at the international level, studying abroad is a great way to diversify your legal education and stand out to employers.

I would advise interested students to attend the Study Abroad information sessions advertised by our Faculty, where you can ask recruiters any questions you might have. I would also recommend applying for scholarships like the Education Abroad Award which provided ample support for my costs overseas.  

My last piece of advice would be to make the most out of your study abroad experience. Use this opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and take as many opportunities to develop your skills as you can. If at any point you need assistance overseas, the Education Abroad team at University of Alberta International are always happy to provide support!  

This interview was edited for length.