We spoke with international student from Georgia, Elene Kalandiia, about her year on the postgraduate course in International Commercial Law. She shared her journey into law, the highlight of her LLM year, and her advice for anyone thinking about studying Law at Bristol.
What inspired you to come and study in Bristol and specifically at the Law School?
It is a story that began when I was just 16, taking English courses in Bristol. Even then, I felt a spark – a sense that I would return, more mature, to do something meaningful. Little did I know, years later, I would find myself here, studying law.
Growing up as a Georgian in Russia, I was surrounded by diverse cultures, which fuelled my curiosity and desire to broaden my legal understanding. During my undergraduate studies, I knew I needed to immerse myself in a foreign jurisdiction to gain a diverse perspective. The LLM in International Commercial Law at the University of Bristol caught my eye instantly.
Law excites me – it is where I see my potential come to life. I wanted to learn how to apply legal rules not just academically, but to make an impact, and Bristol felt like the perfect place to do it.
What were the highlights of your time at Bristol?
This year at Bristol was full of new experiences and opportunities for growth, for which I am incredibly grateful. The people you surround yourself with truly shape your journey, and I was lucky to meet kind, smart, and dedicated friends. We studied together, encouraged each other during those long hours in the library, and always found ways to make it fun.
The professors at Bristol were so open and approachable – I felt free to discuss any topic, which made my learning experience even more fulfilling.
A key highlight was participating in the international mooting competition. Travelling to London and then flying to Austria to plead in front of professionals from around the world was unforgettable. I still remember the rush and excitement before stepping into the hearing rooms. It was during those moments I realised just how much I loved law – and why Bristol was the perfect place to express that passion.
What was your favourite subject that you studied as part of your course?
This is a tough one! If I could pick more than one, my favourite subjects would be International Commercial Arbitration and International Sale of Goods. These two units were closely linked for me, as they both explored law on a global scale – crossing jurisdictional borders to find common ground between different legal systems.
I love a good challenge, and that’s exactly what these subjects offered: the chance to tackle complex legal problems and find solutions that work internationally.
What made these units truly special were the vibrant discussions we had in lectures and seminars. I was constantly inspired by my professors and classmates, and those moments really deepened my understanding.
Plus, the practical knowledge I gained has been invaluable, giving me the tools to apply what I’ve learned in real-world situations. It was this mix of theory and practice that made these subjects so fascinating and rewarding.
What advice would you give to international students considering studying at Bristol?
My advice to international students is to stay proactive and open to new experiences. If I could do it over, I’d definitely participate in more activities, both academic and extracurricular. The University provides a range of opportunities – not just for academic growth, but also for sports, leisure, and professional development. The key is to make the most of what’s available and not be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone.
Connect with people, share your ideas, and don’t worry about making mistakes. Those moments of trial and error are where real growth happens.
And if you have an initiative or passion, go for it! You’ll often find there’s support for you to explore and develop your interests. So, dive in, challenge yourself, and see where it takes you.