First Stop, Türkiye
It’s really true what the poet Robert Frost says — "how way leads onto way” (Road Not Taken). In the ever-cascading benefits of having a Fulbright, my work at NLU Delhi with Dr. Yadav teaching an international legal skills class (with Turkish law students) led to an invitation to teach in Istanbul. After helping organize and teach the class, Dr. Feridun Yenisey invited me to become a member of the Professional Advanced Legal Studies (PALS) faculty. The PALS team, part of Bahçesehir University (specifically, BAU Global Institute for Global Understanding for the Rule of Law), met for a week in late June to teach a trial technique class.
Being part of the team that taught trial technique (in English) to Turkish law students was a rewarding and challenging experience! This was an immersive and experiential class led by experienced National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) instructors. Not only did I have to brush up on my trial skills, I got to learn and follow their prescribed method of demonstrating a skill, having the students try it out in small groups, and then giving specific, targeted and short feedback to each student. The law students were so brave and worked so hard — as a law student, it was so hard to put myself on the line when I learned trial techniques — but I can’t imagine doing it in second language!
Giving feedback at the grand finale, a full mock trial!
Every step of the way was fun, challenging and rewarding. The last day, when the students did a full mock trial, was exciting — seeing the students rise to the occasion, how they incorporated our feedback, and their obvious pride in their newly-developed skills.
And the side trips were fun too!
Turkish tea everyday before our 6 p.m. class!
Make it stand out
Sighseeing with my husband at the Grand Baazar. Luckily he could assist with the teaching, and is super-skilled at questioning as well as a natural teacher.
It’s always getting to know my host, the food, the culture, that stands out! We were grateful guests of Dr. Feridun Yenisey and his wife Dilek at their island home.
Enjoying the company of some students on the Sea of Marmara on our way to Dr. Feridun’s island home.
