For many LLM students studying in South Africa sounds like a distant dream, where you might study in the day and head to the beach in the afternoon or for a famous South African BBQ, known as a braai and is in fact no humble BBQ.
However there are more reasons to study in South Africa than simply a good climate, great socialising and tasty food!
Here we take a look at some of the many reasons you might want to consider studying your LLM in South Africa.
Excellent Academics
The big draw for law students to South Africa is the ability to learn both in English and in the Common Law system. This legal system is used in a number of English-speaking countries and offers potentially lucrative careers back at home as a Common Law specialist. Quite a few of the 17 South African law schools rank highly in both global and African listings, and the LLM tuition fees are reasonable when compared to other English speaking Common Law countries.
Career Benefits of Overseas Study
Living and studying an LLM in another country brings its own rewards, and choosing to study and live in South Africa is no exception. Relocation overseas for your studies will help you grow as a person and you will develop a huge range of new skills that you never knew you possessed. Making new friends and getting out of your comfort zone will give you the confidence to develop your future career in a new way. Studying abroad will help you develop a global network of contacts and is a great way to start a career on a worldwide basis.
Great Climate
For students choosing to study in South Africa from Europe and parts of North America – as well as from other parts of the world – will appreciate the climate of South Africa. The summers are warm and the winters are never very cold compared to Northern Europe. Johannesburg averages around 26C during the warmest part of the summer in January and only dips down to 16C during the winter in June. Cape Town is similar with a high on average of 23C in January and in June the temperature is usually only around 13C.
Cultural Mix
There are 11 official languages in South Africa, including English, in addition to the many other non-official languages, and this demonstrates the large number of cultures that mix and live together in South Africa. Many of your fellow students will speak at least two of these languages as English is the language used for most of the business of government and at most universities, but don't be surprised when you hear your fellow students and lecturers conversing with each other in another language. When you move to South Africa to study your LLM you can use the opportunity to learn another language.
Vibrant Social Life
There is a true mix of people in South Africa and this translates to an interesting mix of activities and nightlife in the major student towns. The nightlife in Cape Town is famous worldwide and all of the student towns have a similar mix. This is part of the beauty of studying your LLM is South Africa, and don’t worry if you're not into partying in the evenings, as there are plenty of other students who will have a similar opinion – and you can plan other activities with them. Every South African university campus has a large range of clubs and societies – like the great sports clubs at the University of the Western Cape – that offer a chance to relax and take a break from your studies by doing something completely different.
Related Articles
LLM In South Africa: An Overview
