Luciana Gómez Laverde

 For Luciana Gómez Laverde, studying law was never just about mastering theory. It was about understanding how legal systems shape the world around us. That conviction led her to the Dual Degree Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Bachelor in International Relations, and was put to the test during the recent Immersion Experience in Hong Kong.  

 Luciana joined peers from the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics (PPLE) for a week in one of the world’s most unique legal environments, attending classes at the University of Hong Kong and exploring the city beyond the lecture halls. Her time there challenged her assumptions and gave her deeper insight into Asia’s legal and political complexity.   

Before the trip, Luciana’s only reference point for the continent was Singapore. Given its colonial history and strong Western influence, she expected Hong Kong to feel familiar. Instead, “I was struck by how different the two cities are,” she says. The social, economic and political disparities made her realize just "how diverse Asia is as a legal and political space."   

That dissonance became one of the most valuable parts of the experience. Moving beyond assumptions is central to legal thinking, and Hong Kong offered Luciana immediate, real-world practice.  

Part of what made that possible was the global mindset she’d already developed during her time at IE University. Being exposed to diverse cultures and perspectives fostered an adaptability that proved essential during her immersion. "It helped me engage more openly and thoughtfully with a different cultural and legal environment."

What struck Luciana most was how abstract concepts from the classroom became visible in the city’s everyday fabric. "From public transportation systems to local businesses and urban organization, you can see how legal frameworks, political decisions and economic priorities intersect," she explains. "Even small details revealed how these elements come together to shape the city’s unique identity."

That clarity extended to Hong Kong’s "one country, two systems" framework as well. Through conversations with locals, the group began to grasp how the coexistence of common law and the Chinese legal system plays out in both courtrooms and the rhythms of daily life.  

Her willingness to engage on these topics is something she directly connects to her academic background. "IE University encourages independence and active involvement," she says, "and I felt that this mindset allowed me to approach conversations and experiences in a more analytical and confident way."

She was also aware of how the interdisciplinary approach taken in both her degree and the university as a whole shaped how she processed her experiences. Discussions touching on the interaction between law, politics and economic development were easier to contextualize because of the comparative and international lens the Dual Degree Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Bachelor in International Relations builds into its curriculum from the start. 

"IE University integrates law with business and emphasizes soft skills and an entrepreneurial mindset," Luciana reflects. "That combination allows us not only to understand legal systems, but also to think critically, adapt and operate effectively in complex, real-world environments."

Perhaps the clearest takeaway from Luciana’s week in Hong Kong was an understanding of why international immersions are essential to legal education. "They help bridge the gap between what we study and how systems function in reality, while also putting legal concepts into a broader cultural and societal context."

For Luciana, Hong Kong was more than just an international experience. It was proof that some of the most important lessons in a legal education happen far outside the classroom.