Tag: University of Strathclyde

‘From Strathclyde to Norway’: My Semester Abroad Experience

By Saeed Azodazad

Studying in Norway was an unbelievable experience for me in every aspect, from the beautiful nature to the interesting teaching approach. At the beginning, when I first moved to Norway, I felt slightly down. The unfamiliar environment, the challenge of settling into a new country, and the differences in academic structure left me feeling overwhelmed. However, as I adjusted to my new surroundings, I began to appreciate the unique aspects of living and studying in Norway.

In Norway, the approach to studying law was quite different from what I was used to at Strathclyde. At Strathclyde, independent study is complemented by numerous opportunities to test and refine our understanding before the final exam. Assignments, tutorials, and group discussions allow students to engage actively with the material and receive feedback throughout the semester. In contrast, the system in Norway is almost entirely independent. Lectures are non-compulsory, and there are few structured opportunities to gauge your progress or challenge your knowledge before the final assessment. The exam, which typically accounts for 100 per cent of your grade, requires a high level of self-discipline and effective time management. Adapting to this approach was initially daunting, but it also taught me the importance of self-reliance and personal accountability in my studies. The freedom to structure my learning allowed me to explore topics in depth, though it also highlighted the need to stay organised and motivated without the regular checkpoints I was used to at Strathclyde.

One of the best parts of my semester in Norway was getting to explore its incredible natural landscapes. Norway is famous for its dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and endless hiking trails, and I made it a priority to experience as much of it as I could. The hikes were like nothing I’d ever done before. Some trails were easy walks through peaceful forests, while others were tougher climbs that led to stunning viewpoints. Each one offered something different—whether it was the calm of a quiet lake or the jaw-dropping sight of a fjord stretching out below. Being out in nature like that gave me a chance to unwind and recharge, especially when things got busy with my studies. Outdoor activities are such a big part of Norwegian culture, and it’s easy to see why—it’s impossible not to feel connected to the world around you when you’re surrounded by so much natural beauty.

During my time in Norway, I also stayed actively involved in the clinic. As the Coordinator of TAP, I ensured that the TAP IACs at the clinic ran smoothly while continuing to work on online cases. Balancing this role remotely alongside my studies was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to stay connected to the clinic’s work and maintain my contributions, even from a distance. The experience taught me valuable lessons in time management, adaptability, and the importance of clear communication in a remote working environment.    

Reflecting on my time in Norway, I can honestly say that the experience was life changing. The differences in academic approach, while initially challenging, helped me grow both as a student and as an individual. The freedom and responsibility that came with the independent learning style in Norway gave me a new sense of self-reliance and time management. Meanwhile, exploring the stunning natural landscapes provided a much-needed balance to the demands of academic life and gave me a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

Overall, my semester abroad not only broadened my academic horizons but also enriched my personal life in ways I never expected. It’s a reminder that stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences. Studying in Norway was an unforgettable chapter in my journey, and I’ll carry the lessons learned and the memories made with me for years to come.

Pride, Awe and Good Fortune: Ten Years On (February 2014)

Anniversaries are a time of heightened emotion. The Law Clinic’s Tenth Anniversary is no exception.

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I have not ceased to be amazed by the enthusiasm, commitment and courage of the students, who not only run the Clinic but also take on the best that legal and other professionals can throw at them whether in the small claims court or tribunals and now even in the intimidating atmosphere of the Sheriff Summary court and beyond.

Perhaps the most obvious emotion evoked is that of pride at what has been achieved in the last ten years: well over a thousand clients assisted, well over half a million pounds won or saved for them, as well as important other outcomes like saving people from eviction or losing their jobs, and a success rate for clients of over 90%. All of this before one counts the many other achievements which were not even part of my original vision: the public legal education programmes in prisons and schools, the investigation of miscarriages of justice through the Innocence Project, the setting up of evening Initial Advice Clinics staffed largely by our alumni, and various law reform and research projects all designed to improve access to justice.

The fact that these other projects came about largely because of the initiative and hard work of our student volunteers underlies the second emotion – that of awe. I have not ceased to be amazed by the enthusiasm, commitment and courage of the students, who not only run the Clinic but also take on the best that legal and other professionals can throw at them whether in the small claims court or tribunals and now even in the intimidating atmosphere of the Sheriff Summary court and beyond.

However, personally, perhaps the most pronounced emotion is the sense of good fortune that a combination of favourable factors has made possible the most rewarding experience of my career. Foremost among these is the student volunteers. However, it also includes a then head of Department with the vision of clinical legal education at Strathclyde and subsequently three very supportive heads of Departments, Faculty Deans, Principals, a series of efficient and warm Clinic administrators, and perhaps above all a University which takes seriously its mission to be a place of useful learning. Equally important in launching and sustaining the Clinic was the financial and other support, most notably in the form of training, from the local legal community and the recruitment of two of its members as supervisors, Kate Laverty and Annabell Fowles, to take the provision of services to a new level of professional competence. In reality, this list does not nearly do justice to the numerous people who have supported the clinic. It does, however, underlie the final emotion which all connected with the Clinic will feel – that of gratitude to all those who have made its success possible.