For Anna Andersson, an LLM student from Stockholm University, choosing Kenya was driven by curiosity about life in different parts of the world. Drawn by Strathmore’s reputation, she found herself immersed in Kenya’s welcoming culture. “The Kenyan culture is generous and open-minded, and I’ve made many friends here,” she said. Academically, Anna has appreciated the school’s focus on natural law, which contrasts with Sweden’s emphasis on legal positivism. “The blend of teacher-led classes and discussion-oriented seminars is a refreshing change from Sweden’s independent learning model.” She particularly enjoyed courses like Law and Religion and International Environmental Law, which provided insights into Kenya’s legal landscape and societal dynamics.

Beyond the classroom, Anna has embraced Kenya’s natural beauty, hiking in Mount Kenya, Sagana, and Aberdare, with plans to explore Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru. Reflecting on challenges, she noted the recent Gen Z protests, which exposed her to Kenya’s political landscape. “Living through uncertain situations has taught me how important it is to observe, understand, and adapt,” she shared.

Similarly, for Thylia Moriset, a law student at Sciences Po in France, coming to Kenya was a leap into the unexpected. “It was the most spontaneous yet best decision I’ve ever made,” she confessed. Her experience revealed how misrepresented Africa often is in Western media. “The image of Africa is filled with stereotypes, but what I found here was warmth, hospitality, and curiosity,” she said. Thylia has become fond of the vibrant church services and local delicacies like ‘smochas’, a street food mix of smokies and chapatis.

Academically, Thylia’s favorite courses have been Tax Law and International Environmental Law, which opened her eyes to Kenya’s legal structure and the prominent role of religion in public life. “I’ve learned to appreciate the differences between Kenya’s teacher-led education and France’s more independent, methodology-based approach,” she added. Her time in Kenya has also been a journey of personal growth and independence. “Being so far from home, I had to start from scratch, learn new things, and humble myself. It made me realize the privileges I often took for granted,” she reflected. With a growing interest in Swahili and future plans to work with an NGO focused on refugee support, Thylia is eager to give back meaningfully.

Both Anna and Thylia have found their exchange experience at Strathmore Law School to be academically, socially, and personally transformative.

Anna remarked that the demanding academic workload at Strathmore has taught her the value of multitasking and prioritizing, skills that she believes will be invaluable in her legal career. “Strathmore has motivating expectations; you can’t come here and expect to relax,” she joked.

Thylia, on the other hand, has been struck by the warmth and care shown by both students and faculty. “I’ll always remember how kind and helpful people have been here. Even the administration genuinely cares about my experience,” she shared. However, she also noted the challenges of being a foreigner, with occasional negative interactions stemming from assumptions about her wealth.

Both students highly recommend taking the plunge into exchange programs. “If you’re thinking of going on an exchange, just do it. Don’t overthink. It’s worth it,” Anna advised. She also encouraged future exchange students to ask questions and be proactive in navigating their new environment.

Thylia added, “It’s important to approach the experience with an open mind and be ready to adapt. Kenya may surprise you in the best ways, just as it did for me.” She also emphasized the importance of independence and resilience, lessons she’s gained from her time away from home.

As Anna and Thylia prepare to conclude their exchange program, both are confident that the knowledge and connections they’ve gained at Strathmore will serve them well in their future careers. For Anna, the friendships she has formed will act as valuable legal networks in the future. Thylia is excited to implement her anti-colonial activism in her work back in France, with plans to advocate for DR Congo and Sudan issues.

Artcle by Evans Ijakaa