Anna Bobrovska
Business & Management
HND Legal Services (Law)
“My biggest highlight of College was when I completed my HND and realised how much I had grown professionally and personally.”
After moving to Aberdeen, Ukrainian lawyer Anna joined NESCol to retrain and rebuild her career in Scotland.
Anna Bobrovska moved to Scotland in 2022. In Ukraine, she had achieved her master’s degree and was a qualified lawyer with over 15 years of experience, including as a managing partner of her own law firm.
However, when Anna came to Aberdeen, she couldn’t continue to practice law as the legal systems are different in Ukraine and Scotland.
She said, “I had built my career representing clients and dealing with complex matters in my home country. When I arrived in a new country, I suddenly found myself at the beginning again.”
Anna now faced the daunting challenge of needing to retrain in Scottish law in a different language.
She said, “I wanted to understand the Scottish legal system and build my career in Scotland but going back to education in a foreign country was frightening.
“I was starting a new chapter in a new legal system without knowing the language well enough to feel confident.”
Returning to education
Anna first enrolled on an ESOL course at NESCol to improve her English skills, before progressing to HND Legal Services in 2024. Despite her fears, Anna thrived at College, developing her knowledge and confidence.
She said, “Starting my studies at NESCol was one of the most challenging and, at the same time, one of the most important decisions I have made since coming to Scotland.
“I enjoyed learning about Scottish law and seeing how it differs from the Ukrainian legal system.
“However, the people have been the best part of my experience, both the lecturers and their support, and the opportunity to meet students from different backgrounds.”
Support at NESCol
Anna praised the support she received from her lecturers, and how their guidance helped her overcome the challenges of studying in English.
She said, “There were difficult days when I wanted to give up but the support I received at NESCol helped me to not to lose faith in myself.
“I realised that I was not alone. The lecturers were very supportive and approachable and did much more than teach us legal subjects. They created an environment where it was possible to ask questions, make mistakes, learn from them and try again.
“What made the biggest difference to me was the individual approach of the teaching staff. They saw not only a student but a person with their own experiences and backgrounds.
“They encouraged me when I doubted myself and with every assignment, class and exam my confidence grew. My biggest highlight of College was when I completed my HND and realised how much I had grown professionally and personally.”
Next steps
Anna has now progressed into third year of a law degree at Robert Gordon University (RGU). In the future, she plans to continue developing her expertise and start her career.
She said, “I would like to establish myself as a legal professional in Scotland, combining my previous international legal experience with my knowledge of Scottish law.”
Advice for students
Anna’s advice for other students is to never let fear hold you back from starting a new chapter of your career or life.
She said, “Do not be afraid to start something new, even if it feels difficult at first. Believe in yourself, ask for help when you need it and make the most of the support your lecturers offer.
“Completing my HND is much more than an academic achievement for me. It represents the journey of rebuilding my professional life and proving to myself that starting again is possible – even if you are afraid.
“NESCol gave me the foundation and confidence to continue my career in Scotland and take the next step in my education at university. I will always be grateful to the teaching staff for their professionalism, patience and believing in me when I struggled to believe in myself.”
Study at NESCol
Studying English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) can open doors to further education or employment.
Explore full-time and part-time ESOL courses at NESCol
An HND in Legal Services will prepare you for work in a legal office or for further study at university level.