Crossing borders, pursuing justice: my journey from Timor-Leste to The Open University

The first time I left Timor-Leste back in 2017, I was desperately hopeless that I wouldn’t be able to continue my studies. My lack of English language skills and knowledge of how to study in England made my studies unsustainable.  As the time passed by, I realised that education is the only key for me to grow; to be able to speak my mind and to contribute to the development of my country. 

So here I am, after so many years, now studying law at The Open University in England. 

I knew it would change how I saw the world, but I didn’t realise how deeply it would also change my understanding of justice. Studying in a foreign country has challenged me intellectually, culturally, and personally. It has pushed me to grow not only as a student of law, but also as a citizen committed to helping vulnerable people in my country, those who deserve justice regardless of their class or background. 

Law and nation-building in Timor-Leste 

Timor-Leste’s legal system is a mosaic shaped by Portuguese civil law, Indonesian legislation, and customary law (tara bandu) (Trindade, 2015). Many citizens, especially in rural areas, still rely on traditional mechanisms to resolve disputes, and access to formal justice remains limited (UNDP, 2023). Growing up in this environment, I saw law as more than a career; but as a tool for nation-building and protecting human dignity. Studying law abroad offered me an opportunity to learn new approaches while thinking critically about how to strengthen our constitutional framework at home. 

Learning in a new legal culture 

Studying constitutional law in England introduced me to the common law system, which emphasizes judicial interpretation and precedent, a contrast to the civil law foundation of Timor-Leste. Courses encouraged open debate through the Socratic method, which was initially intimidating but ultimately transformative. I also faced the challenge of mastering legal English, where even small terms like due process or equity carry nuanced meaning (The Open University, 2024). 

These experiences taught me that law is not just about rules; it is about reasoning, critical thinking, and understanding the social purpose behind legal principles. 

Cultural diversity and academic challenges 

Adapting to a new culture and academic environment was demanding. Differences in teaching style, language, and social norms, combined with academic pressure, required resilience. Being an East Timorese student abroad sometimes felt isolating, yet interacting with classmates from different countries enriched my perspective. I began to see law as both universal and local, shaped by culture, history, and social context (Trindade, 2015; World Bank, 2020). 

Law as a tool for social justice 

My greatest motivation is helping vulnerable and poor people who struggle to access justice. In Timor-Leste, poverty and inequality often determine whether citizens can defend their rights. Constitutional principles like equality before the law are powerful in theory, but their real impact depends on practical access and advocacy (Constitution of Timor-Leste, 2002). 

Every case I study reminds me of the people I aim to serve, farmers, women, and children whose lives are shaped by legal structures. For me, studying law abroad is preparation for bringing knowledge and skills back home to ensure that justice is inclusive and meaningful. 

Reflections on the journey 

Studying law in a foreign country has been both challenging and rewarding. Language barriers, cultural differences, and academic pressure have tested me, but I have grown academically, personally, and ethically. I have learned that law is a bridge between people, nations, and ideals, connecting principles of justice to the lives of those who depend on it. 

Looking forward, I hope to use my education to strengthen legal awareness and social justice initiatives in Timor-Leste, helping citizens understand their rights and supporting equitable access to the law. Law is not only a career; it is a responsibility, a way to ensure that justice reaches everyone, regardless of class, background, or geography. 

Conclusion: law across borders 

Dirce Da Costa Tilman

I’m Dirce, a first-year law student and mom of two wonderful children. It is a pleasure to be part of The Open University. Alongside my studies, I work part-time on weekends, navigating the challenges and joys of balancing family, work, and education.