Margarita Esquivel Torres is a third-year student at Gonzaga Law School. She participated in Gonzaga Law School’s Florence, Italy, 2021 Summer Program.
Why did you decide to participate in a study abroad program?
I decided to participate in the Gonzaga Florence Summer Law Program because I have always wanted to do a study abroad trip; however, the opportunity hadn’t presented itself. I figured that this may be one of my final chances to study abroad and Florence seemed very appealing to me. It was a bonus that I was able to take law classes and obtain credit, while being able to travel to Italy and interact with professors and peers.
What specific things about the program were interesting to you?
There were many things that were appealing about this program. First of all, it was in Florence and I have always wanted to visit Italy. Secondly, Gonzaga has a campus in Florence which validated the educational experience. Also, all the law classes that were offered were interesting and I would have taken them all if I could. Aside from the curriculum, I was also motivated by the Human Rights Conference as well as the Mediation Competition. One of my biggest interests was traveling within Italy. I was happy to know that travel was facilitated by the university as well as by our own means as students.
How would you describe your experience overall?
My experience studying abroad in Florence last summer was transformative. I would have never imagined that I would finally have an opportunity to study abroad, travel to Italy, and immerse myself in its culture the way I did.
I had registered to attend the previous year; however, due to the COVID pandemic, the trip was cancelled so this was realistically my last chance to participate in the program. It was a great blessing to be able to travel and stay safe throughout the entire trip. Everyone at the university was compliant about our health and safety protocols.
Despite the pandemic, traveling was open within Italy. I was able to go to Rome, Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Bologna, and Sienna. Everywhere I traveled was mesmerizing. Out of them all, my favorite place was always Florence. It felt like home. Walking past the Duomo on the daily is a memory I will always cherish. I observed the beauty of the city on my way to class every day.
During my stay, I was housed with students from Gonzaga University and from the University of Idaho [schools of law]. They were the best housemates I could have asked for and I can say that they contributed to my experience immensely. We studied together, had meals together, traveled together, and share many memorable experiences that none of us will forget. Our favorite memories include traveling through Italy, using the train system, trying new foods, touring museums and meeting locals who taught us so much about the Italian culture. We became so immersed in the culture that at times we forgot we were tourists and felt like we belonged in Florence. I am grateful that I became close with my housemates and that we shared so much together. Our bonds and friendships are immensely strong.
Being able to interact with professors personally was something that caught me by surprise. During our traditional school setting, we don’t often have opportunities to build relationships with professors. In Italy, we shared meals with our professors and were able to travel and share time with them as well. My professors contributed to my positive experience beyond my expectations. The Human Rights Conference and Mediation Competition were also great mementos of my trip. Through both channels, I was able to meet international lawyers, advocates and educators who aided my study abroad experience. The Conference was a collection of learning and exposition to the bigger picture of international law. The Mediation Competition aided my professional development and the skills I learned are useful today.
Do you feel that participating in the study abroad program benefited your law school experience in some way? Or benefited you, yourself in some way? How so?
Participating in the study abroad program benefited my law school experience immensely. I find myself to be more culturally aware, and I don’t see law in a vacuum. Learning about international law especially changed my attitude about our legal system. For the most part, we have it good in the States. I grew personally and professionally during my trip. It is something I will always be grateful to have done.
For other more stories and what to know before you go, read the Winter 2022 issue of The National Jurist magazine.
