Navigating a Double Degree in Global Governance and Law: Oliver Kovos’s Journey

Introduction

Oliver Kovos, a fifth‑year student in the Global Governance and Law double‑degree program at UT, shares his personal story—from the moment he was attracted to a bright‑lit university stand at a fair in Barcelona to his recent exchange experience in Prague. His insights illuminate the day‑to‑day life of students pursuing an international, interdisciplinary education.

Choosing the Path

• First impression: A university fair in Barcelona, blue lights, and an eye‑catching stand sparked his curiosity.
• Motivation: Wanted a career with an international outlook, beyond traditional law.
• Decision: Opted for a double degree because it would combine legal knowledge with a broader perspective on global issues.

The Double‑Degree Experience

• Curriculum: Two parallel tracks—Law and Global Governance—require selecting a specialization in the second year (politics vs. economics). Oliver chose the politics track, aligning with his interest in social issues, international conflicts, and politics.
• Workload: Described as “tough” and demanding high discipline; success depends on clear objectives, scheduling, and perseverance.
• Benefits: Provides academic excellence, a diverse skill set, and the ability to tackle complex, interdisciplinary problems.

Exchange in Prague

• Destination: Charles University, a top institution in the Czech Republic.
• Cultural immersion: New city, different language, vibrant student life, and modern social‑science campus.
• Personal growth: Met incredible people, experienced a distinct culture, and balanced studies with exploring the city.
• Challenges: Weather was unpredictable; adapting to a new environment required flexibility.

Decision‑Making Process

• Self‑knowledge: Knowing personal preferences (e.g., staying in Europe, wanting to step out of comfort zone) guided the choice of Prague over Paris.
• Evaluating options: Considered language, career relevance, and cultural fit for each potential exchange location.
• Long‑term view: Treated each “small” decision as a building block for future professional life.

Balancing Work and Life

• Campus life: Barcelona’s Pedralbes campus offers a quiet, residential setting, while the city center campus provides easy access to social activities.
• Time management: Discipline and a structured schedule are essential to juggle two degrees, internships, and extracurriculars.
• Social aspect: Students often skip a limited percentage of classes (about 20%) but stay engaged through study groups and events.

Advice for Undecided Students

• Explore interests: If you enjoy law but also have passions for politics, economics, or social issues, a double degree can accommodate both.
• Focus on strengths: Choose the specialization that resonates with you (politics vs. economics) to stay motivated.
• Embrace uncertainty: Small decisions may feel insignificant now, but they shape your academic and professional trajectory.

Final Degree Project

• Topic: Comparative analysis of the Benelux and the Open Balkan initiatives—two regional integration projects.
• Process: Independent research, extensive reading of scholarly papers, drafting, and iterative revisions.
• Reflection: The project embodies the cumulative effect of many decisions made throughout the double‑degree journey.

Personal Reflections & Light‑hearted Moments

• Superpower wish: Ability to see the future to better plan career paths.
• Song of university life: Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” (paraphrased as “I can do it with a broken heart”), capturing the mix of stress and productivity.
• Class‑skipping anecdotes: Strategic use of the allowed 20% absence, occasional skips for concerts or hackathons.

Conclusion

Oliver’s story demonstrates that a double degree in Global Governance and Law offers a rich, international education, but it demands self‑awareness, disciplined time management, and thoughtful decision‑making. The experience—highlighted by an enriching exchange in Prague—prepares graduates for versatile careers in a globally connected world.

A double degree blends legal expertise with a global perspective, rewarding students who know their interests, stay disciplined, and embrace diverse experiences.