Brussels, Belgium – Studying law in Europe offers advantages over studying in the United States, according to Kristopher Milicevic, who attended law school in both countries. As a dual citizen of the US and Italy, Milicevic had the opportunity to study in any European Union member state. He obtained a law degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2011 and an LLM in international business law from Ghent University in Belgium in 2023.
Reflecting on his experiences, Milicevic concluded that if given the chance, he would not choose to study law in the US again. One major factor is the cost of education. The annual tuition fee at Ghent University was around $6,400, while at UNLV it was $40,900 for non-residents. The substantial difference in costs made him question whether the quality of education he received in the US was worth the expense.
In addition to the financial aspect, Milicevic observed a difference in teaching methods between the two regions. In his American law school, competition for grades and prestigious positions was fierce. Students were not typically encouraged to collaborate and solve problems together. Conversely, in Belgium, group work was emphasized, enabling students to establish deeper connections with their peers. The grading system in Belgium also seemed more equitable, with a score of 15 out of 20 considered a success.
Moreover, Milicevic highlighted the issue of safety. As an American student, he constantly felt the fear of becoming a victim of a mass shooting on campus. UNLV had experienced a shooting incident in the same building where Milicevic attended classes during his undergraduate years. In contrast, studying in Belgium, he never harbored the same fear. While Europe is not immune to gun violence, the rarity of mass shootings compared to the US made him feel much safer during his time in Ghent.
To Milicevic, the benefits of studying law in Europe outweighed the drawbacks. The collaborative learning environment, lower cost of education, and enhanced sense of safety all contributed to his preference. As a parent, he plans to advise his daughter, who is also a dual citizen, to pursue her university studies in Europe.
In conclusion, Kristopher Milicevic’s experience studying law in Europe versus the US reveals the advantages of European education, including lower costs, emphasis on collaboration, and heightened safety.