Welcome to the Blended Learning, Blended Living blog. Held by LLM and Accelerated LLB law students, this little journal aims at sharing what it is like to study with a blended approach at the University of Aberdeen. This first post is here to introduce you the members of the team.
Yvonne Gutsohn
Studying ‘International Commercial Law with Professional Skills’ enables me to deepen my knowledge and to get into a dialogue with students from other jurisdictions. As a trained (Austrian) civil lawyer, I am happy to get an understanding of common law thought.
I decided to study at Aberdeen Law School, because it distinguishes itself from other universities at its high level in that it offers the study of law in a wider comparative and interdisciplinary context.
In light of the current Covid-19 situation I am very thankful that University of Aberdeen offers ‘blended learning’ which allows studying also on campus and living in Aberdeen.
Personally, I love outdoor activities. I am very excited about exploring the Scottish Highlands soon, maybe together with some of you.
Kevin Heitmeier
My name is Kevin Heitmeier (27). I come from Germany. My hometown is Leverkusen. I graduated from the University of Cologne in 2020. In 2015/2016, I had a fantastic time as an Erasmus student at the KU Leuven in Belgium. This inspired me to start an LL.M.-degree in Public International Law. I selected the University of Aberdeen due to its excellent reputation for Law and its international spirit. When I arrived in Aberdeen, I did not have to self-isolate. Germany has been on the list of exempt countries. As an independent author, I write for the LHR-magazine of the law firm Lampmann, Haberkamm & Rosenbaum Lawyers. In my free time, I like watching football and meeting friends. My favourite football club is Borussia Dortmund.
Esther Kapern
Hey there, I’m Esther, a student of LLM International Trade Law and Treaty Negotiation at the University of Aberdeen. I grew up in Germany and Belgium and studied Law at the University of Cologne and the Sorbonne University. After my graduation, I decided to study an LLM in Scotland to improve my English skills and get to know this part of the UK. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences about studying and living in Aberdeen during this special time with anyone who wants to know more about it.
Chelsea Mendes
Hello everyone! My name is Chelsea Mendes, I am originally from Mozambique but have been living abroad for my studies - particularly in South Africa, England and now in Scotland. I studied Law with Business Studies at an undergraduate level at the University of Birmingham and chose an LLM in Oil and Gas Law as my specialisation. I decided to come to the University of Aberdeen because of the opportunity to learn from such renowned experts in this field and because Scotland is such a beautiful country. I'm excited to share amazing content about this university experience with you, stay tuned!
Ylva Bugge-Nilsson
My name is Ylva and I am from Norway. This year I am taking a LLM in International Law and International Relations. I like to spend my time with friends and family, explore new places and to lose track of time while reading a great book. Other than that, I fancy a good hiking adventure and love those post workout endorphins.
Dhara Shah
I am a 22-year-old returning student, from Kenya, who has started my LLM in Public International Law. I moved to Aberdeen in 2016 to do my LLB in Law with English Law and loved my experience with the University so much I decided to stay on for Masters. Prior to starting my Masters, I was rather nervous as to how the pandemic would affect my university experience both academically and socially. However, I have been pleasantly surprised that the University and Law School have taken every measure to clarify any uncertainties that I have had. During the online freshers’ week, I found it rather convenient to have the orientation lectures through Collaborate. Socially, the University and the Law School have held a plethora of online events. Although, they obviously cannot compare to meeting people face to face, they are largely appreciated as it has allowed students to engage with each other outside the classroom setting while the current restrictions make it difficult to meet other students.
Leon Muthunayake
My name is Leon Muthunayake and I study in the LL.M. degree in Public International Law. After graduating from the Law School of the University of Freiburg in Germany, I wanted to pursue my passion for international law through an LL.M. degree in a British university. As I was in Aberdeen during my Erasmus exchange from 2017 to 2018, my choice was predestined. Returning to study at the University of Aberdeen makes me very happy, as I experienced the university, city and its people in the best way possible. It truly became like a second home to me. I hope to experience a new chapter of interesting academic challenges and fruitful connections.
Laurence Teillet
Hi everyone! My name is Laurence, I am 20, and I come from Normandy in France. I have just started the LLM in Natural Resources Law. I have always wanted to study in Scotland, I absolutely love this country. Being highly interested in all the issues linked to ecology, I wished to reconcile my legal studies with my interests, and this LLM seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so.
I love to read and travel, I am always keen on discovering new places!
I am really happy for this blog to be open. And I am even more pleased to see that so many of us, postgraduate law students, have decided to contribute to this little diary. Not only can it help prospective students to get some insights into what it is like to study here, but it will also create lasting memories for us.
Take care!
Elena-Sophia Cesario
I am Elena-Sofia Cesario, an LLM student in International Law, Security and Strategic Studies. I graduated from the University of Trieste, Italy in 2020. In 2019 I had the opportunity to take part in an Erasmus+ program in Lisbon, Portugal where I’ve learnt Portuguese. Currently, I am working as an International Relations Expert, unit of Seaports Security, at the Invictus Corporation Ltd., an Institute of Research and Think Tank in the Netherlands.
When I arrived to Aberdeen I had to self-isolate, however the University offered me a range of opportunities to keep myself busy, so I decided to join the University of Aberdeen student newspaper, The Gaudie. 
Elaine Austin
Hello, my name is Elaine Austin. I am one of the older students at the proud age of 53. I am a Mum of 3 grown children and a Grammie of 2. I enjoy my 2 dogs, 2 birds and cat. I love photography, music and rubbish telly. I repatriated from the USA (New England area Maine, Vermont then Upstate New York) December 2019. I was born in London and have missed being back home so I took the leap to sell everything and move back. Also, I met my fiancé in 2018 and also moved to be with him in Aberdeenshire. My last position was a nurse manager and hoped to continue in the Healthcare industry, but that doesn't transfer to the UK very easily even with a Master's degree.
Law has been a dream since I was a child but I never thought I was smart enough. Thanks to the pandemic many of us have had to reinvent ourselves. I applied for the Accelerated LLB programme and through absolute shock, I was accepted quite quickly. I had to ask my fiancé if my offer was real!
I have had experience with online university study so this has not been much of an adjustment. The volume of reading has been the most challenging, but luckily, I find it quite interesting.
I do take breaks with walks to the Deveron River with my fiancé and dogs and I love to cook. This is a dystopian tale in real life we are living in. I hope someday to actually meet some of my classmates, but for now we have to stay safe.
Muhammad Kashif Nazir
I am Muhammad Kashif Nazir and a Chevening Scholar 2020/21. I have been a Lawyer since 2008 and a Public Prosecutor since 2011. Before joining the University of Aberdeen I was serving as Deputy Director for the Centre for Professional Development (CPD) of Public Prosecutor, a training outfit which is responsible for the Human Resource Development of the Public Prosecution Service of Punjab. Along with other reasons, the main reason I am here is because of Professor Peter Duff, Professor of Criminal Justice. I wish to learn a lot from him so I may serve my nation back home. I have a dream that I next might do a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice under his kind supervision.
