Studying Law in New Zealand: Student Profile

New Zealand’s slightly more flexible system also appealed. “The New Zealand law degree admission process is more accessible than the one in the US, especially if you are unsure if law is for you,” she explains.

“Instead of submitting a full application with LSAT scores and recommendation letters, in New Zealand you gain admission to the law degree program based on your mark in the first year introductory paper.

"The first year paper gives you the chance to try the law degree and see whether it is a good fit for you.” It was, she continues, a good fit for her and she fully intends to pursue a legal career – starting out in New Zealand and other common law countries before moving back to work with her father in Hawaii.

“Alternatively I would like to pursue an academic career working as a lecturer and researcher for a university.”

How has she found Kiwi legal education? “Second year law, when you learn the basics of contract, criminal, public and property law all at once, was very challenging, but really it provided a good foundation for any area of law you go into.

"Now I am enjoying taking elective courses, especially from lecturers who are passionate about their subject and leaders in their field. The lecturers,” she adds, “really make a difference!”

There are also plenty of opportunities for her to get some useful out-of-classroom experience too: “During my time at Otago, I’ve facilitated tenancy advice to students with housing problems alongside a qualified lawyer and been a part of a Pacific mooting competition and conference in Vanuatu.”

Speaking of outside the classroom, how has she found the social aspect of university study – surely a key part of any young student’s experience?

“I love life in New Zealand! Friends are very easy to come by, especially at Otago. Most students are away from their homes and families as well, so we become each other’s family at Otago.”

But, of course, there are challenges – ones that should be heeded to anyone thinking of heading to New Zealand and expecting a climate similar to that of hot-all-year-round neighbor Australia.

“The hardest thing for me to adjust to in Dunedin was the cold weather. Coming from Hawaii, I had never seen snow, sleet or hail before so I did not know how to dress appropriately or how to use a heater.”

It’s all useful life experience though, and she says that she “learnt quickly, especially during the Dunedin winters!” Mara would encourage others to follow in her footsteps:

“[Studying abroad] really matures you and gives you a different perspective. My advice would be do research about the country and university to decide if it would be a good fit for you and start planning early to figure out logistics like your passport, visa, financial aid, and housing.”

But get these basic administrative issues in order, and you can hopefully have as fulfilling a time as this ambitious young legal scholar is having!