Pearce: SELS Istanbul (Mergers & Acquisitions)
Which SELS did you participate in and what was the academic focus?
I participated in SELS Istanbul on Mergers and Acquisitions. Throughout the programme, we had classes on topics such as the different types of M&A agreements, due diligence and arbitration.
What kinds of academic activities and visits were included in your programme?
We had a moot court competition and went on academic trips to places such as the Istanbul Bar Association.
How did you find the cultural experience and what was different from Ireland?
Culturally, Istanbul is very different to Ireland, and I definitely experienced a bit of culture shock! What stood out to me most in this respect were the calls to prayer that played throughout the city every day. I also noticed differences in teaching styles between Ireland and Turkey. For example, lecturers cold called on students a lot, which was something I wasn’t used to.
How would you describe the overall experience, both academically and socially?
The experience was both academically and socially enriching. It not only allowed me to study a topic I have a deep interest in but also experience one of the greatest cities in the world with some amazing, like-minded people. I made some great friends during SELS and still talk to many of them regularly.
Would you recommend SELS to other students?
Overall, as cliché as it sounds, SELS was a once in a lifetime opportunity and is something I would recommend to any law student.
Iren: SELS Turin (Food Law and Sustainability)
Which ELSA programme did you participate in, and why did you choose it?
I had the exciting opportunity of taking part in the 4th edition of SELS Turin on “Food Law and Sustainability! Prior to it, I hadn’t really considered the possibility of a career in Food Law, particularly because I wasn’t sure what it presented, however most participants found themselves in similar situations.
What activities did you participate in?
The programme began with introductory lectures and slowly progressed to more thorough themes, such as coffee and wine law throughout Europe. Besides the classes, we regularly visited museums and wine cellars and had the opportunity of attending one of the top Italian gastronomical schools, where we took part in lab experiments and cooking workshops.
How did you find the difference in culture, both academically and personally?
I found the Italian culture (and food) fascinating! They loved having their fun and never said no to a good time, but when it came to academics it was vital for them that everyone be engaged so we could all gain as much as possible from the event. Additionally, the cultural differences between participants are what truly made the experience so memorable.
Would you recommend SELS to other students?
Yes 100%, It is an eye-opening exposure to a field that is completely new to most of us, along with a chance to make so many friends and learn so much from and about people of all sorts. It is a truly fantastic opportunity, and I would encourage all students to participate.
Matthew: WELS Komotini (Refugee & Migration Law)
Which ELSA Law School did you attend and where was it located?
Last year, I had the pleasure of taking part in the Winter ELSA Law School on Refugee and Migration Law in Komotini, Greece. Located in the Northeastern region of the country, Komotini is a small Greek town filled with Orthodox Christian and Muslim communities that have co-existed in harmony for centuries.
What academic content and lectures did you take part in?
We received many fascinating lectures from experts with first-hand knowledge in the field of Refugee and Asylum Law, while also visiting the Reception and Identification Centre in Evros where we learned about the issues that faced those awaiting the results of asylum applications.
What was the social programme like during your law school?
There is an action-packed schedule of social activities. We enjoyed a trip to a local beer factory and participated in a traditional Greek dancing and karaoke night.
How did this experience affect you personally?
I was lucky to be given the opportunity to create unforgettable memories while making new friends from across Greece and Europe, who I remain in contact with.
Would you recommend WELS to other students?
I would highly recommend that anyone with an interest in the law should apply for WELS as it not only allows you to deepen your legal knowledge but enables you to enjoy special experiences with so many amazing people from across the continent.
Darragh: WELS Prague (Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity) & SELS Budapest (Sports Law)
What ELSA programmes did you attend?
I had the opportunity to participate in both the WELS Prague on Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, as well as SELS Budapest on Sports Law. Both were fantastic opportunities to learn about new aspects of the law in a new culture.
What kinds of academic activities and visits were included in WELS Prague?
The WELS Prague programme offered focused lectures on AI, cybersecurity, and the legal challenges arising from emerging technologies. We also visited leading firms such as KPMG, Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, and Doležal & Partners, gaining practical insight into how the developments in AI influence legal practice. A session with the Prague‑based startup YORD further illustrated the legal dimensions of supporting tech innovation.
How would you describe the overall experience both academically and culturally?
The programme provided us with the opportunity to experience Prague’s culture while providing an opportunity to make connections with law students from across Europe. It combines academic depth with social engagement, creating a well‑rounded and memorable experience. This experience influenced my decision to apply for SELS Budapest, where I studied sports law in a similar style programme, which I thoroughly enjoyed and found very beneficial.
Would you encourage other students to participate in an ELSA programme?
I would highly recommend WELS or SELS to anyone considering these programmes, as they offer a valuable and unique opportunity.
Cyle: SELS, Istanbul (Mergers & Acquisitions)
Which ELSA Law School did you go to and how did you find it?
I travelled to Istanbul, Turkey for a SELS. The programme hosts were incredibly welcoming and passionate about sharing their culture and hospitality. Each morning, we were collected from our hotel and brought to the university, where the host group greeted us with chai tea and traditional Turkish coffee. The speakers they invited were engaging and eager to connect with students, offering valuable insights from their professional experiences.
Overall, it was a deeply rewarding adventure, full of cultural discovery, meaningful connections, and unforgettable experiences.
What topic was your law school focused on?
I participated in the ELSA Summer Law School on Mergers & Acquisitions.
The programme explored key aspects of M&A practice, including:
- Due Diligence
- Mergers:
- Acquisitions
- Arbitration in M&A
- Moot Court
What type of classes or workshops did you take part in? Did your programme include visits to law firms, institutions or other professional settings?
As part of the SELS Trip, we attended three scheduled classes each morning.
These sessions were structured like university lectures and were delivered by academics as well as lawyers from some of Istanbul’s leading firms. They shared insights from real M&A deals they had worked on, helping us connect theory with practical experience.
In the afternoons, we explored Istanbul through guided tours. One highlight was visiting the Istanbul Arbitration Centre (ISTAC), where we toured the offices and met professionals involved in mediating M&A disputes. We also visited the Istanbul Bar Association, where we had lunch with members of the board and learned about the Bar’s history and current challenges.
On the final day, we participated in a Moot Court workshop and competition. The case centred on a company seeking to withdraw from a merger while proving it had not breached its Good Faith clause. Working in teams, we researched, prepared our arguments, and presented them before a judge. Our team won the competition, and some ELSA mugs, making it a memorable and rewarding experience that allowed us to collaborate with new people and apply our advocacy skills.
In what ways did this experience contribute to your academic or personal development?
It’s one thing to study an area of law you’re interested in, but it’s another to travel abroad and meet like-minded students, lawyers, and academics who work in that field every day. Hearing and learning directly from them is an invaluable opportunity.
This experience has equipped with an understanding of how M&A deals operate and given me a confidence that it’s an area of law I want to pursue.
Would you recommend the SELS programme to other students? Why?
I would highly recommend SELS to anyone who enjoys travelling and meeting new people. It’s a rare opportunity to explore a city guided by locals and experience their favourite spots firsthand. The connections you make with university students from across Europe are invaluable and often become some of the most lasting takeaways from the trip. It has truly been one of the most memorable times of my life, and one I would love to take part in again.
Aoibhe: WELS, Trento (Transnational and international Criminal Law and Procedure)
Where did you go and how did you find it in comparison to Ireland, both culturally and academically?
I studied in Trento in Italy and the lectures were very different to Ireland. They were a lot longer and more engaging with lectures often giving more opportunities for students to speak and engage which I liked. We had expresso breaks in between which was lovely.
What topic / Legal area was your course was focused on?
My course was focused on transnational and international criminal law and procedure.
During the week, I learned about many challenges and developments in transnational criminal law, including:
- Gang crime
- The UN
- The European Arrest Warrant
- The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO)
- Al and Cybercrime
- Human Trafficking
- Transnational Organised Crime
- White Collar Crime
In what ways did this experience contribute to your academic or personal development?
It helped me be more open to others’ opinions as many of the modules involved discussing theories behind criminal law. Not every country has the same view on certain law so hearing from 19 different nationalities and gathering other perspectives is important for developing a more critical understanding of the law
Would you recommend the WELS/ SELS programme to other students? Why?
Yes, definitely. It opens up opportunities for international careers and helps to develop your independence as a person. It also allows you to experience different legal systems and cultures, broaden your perspective, and build valuable connections with students from around the world.
Message to the Student Voices
A sincere thank you to each and every person who contributed a testimonial. Your willingness to share your experiences is greatly appreciated, and I am very grateful for the time and effort you took to do so. I hope your stories will inspire and encourage more people to take the opportunity to participate in a SELS programme and experience the many benefits it can offer. Thank you again for helping showcase the value and impact of SELS through your own words.
VP for Seminars and Conferences Daniel Bakare
ELSA Ireland 