From Rio to Graz: law student Lara Ferraz on a multicultural campus

Lara Ferraz comes from Brazil and studies at the University of Graz during the summer semester. Photo: Uni Graz/Schweiger

"There are more international students at the University of Graz than at my home universities in Rio de Janeiro and Recife," enthuses Lara Ferraz about the multicultural campus life. And what other differences between Brazil and Austria does she notice? “The weather is a lot colder here,” grins the law student. The teaching, on the other hand, is more similar than she expected.

The law student is spending the summer semester at the University of Graz, where she is concentrating on her area of specialisation, climate justice. “Climate change is very present,” notes Lara Ferraz. “I recognise its high relevance in all areas.” She wants to continue working on this topic professionally in Brazil after completing her master's degree. She is still considering where exactly: ‘Either in a law firm or as a researcher.’
How did the Brazilian discover the University of Graz for her student exchange? “My research advisor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro has worked on some projects with professors from here and they established a partnership between the two universities. That gave me the opportunity to participate in the exchange program,” explains Lara Ferraz. The South American feels very welcome and at home at the university. She is also impressed by the city: “Graz is just the right size, I can easily walk everywhere.”

Andreas Schweiger

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