Each year the School of Law welcomes a large number of visiting students from around Europe (as part of the Erasmus programme) and from North America. One of the lovely advantages of studying law at UL is that visiting students may avail of the University of Limerick’s ‘Buddy Programme’ run by UL’s International Education Division. The Buddy Programme involves pairing up UL students with visiting students so that visitors to the campus can have a point of contact during their initial weeks to make the transition to life on campus a little easier!
Mark O’Sullivan (a 4th year Law Plus student) and Marina Barone (a final year law student in the University of Bologna who is on Erasmus in the University of Limerick) are two of the law students who participated on the programme this year. Here is what Marina had to say:
“Hello. I am Marina. I am an Italian Law student at the University of Bologna and I came to the University of Limerick for the Erasmus programme in the Spring 2017. My Erasmus wouldn’t have been the same if I didn’t have my Buddy, Mark O’Sullivan. One month before my departure, he emailed me and gave me information about the University - this made me feel comfortable because it meant I knew someone in Limerick that would help me settle in my Erasmus life. The day I arrived, we had pizza together (not as good as Italian pizza but nice anyway!) and he helped me carry my luggage to my new accommodation. In the first few days, Mark helped me with picking my modules for the Semester, showing me where my classes were going to take place and much more. He also introduced me to his friends which was lovely. If I ever had problems with my assignments, Mark would offer me advice or show me a useful book to help me. I know I have been very fortunate as Mark has been an angel during my time in Ireland. I have proof that the Buddy programme is brilliant and helps you to integrate into your Erasmus life. I would like establish the buddy programme in my home university as I believe it is a vital part of everyone’s study abroad experience.”
Photo: Marina Barone and Mark O’Sullivan
