International Students at UNH Franklin Pierce: Finding Safety and Belonging

International Students at UNH Franklin Pierce: Finding Safety and Belonging 
More Than Just Safe: A Student’s Perspective on Studying at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law 

Studying abroad is a journey full of anticipation, excitement, and yes, worry. For many international students, safety is one of the first things on their minds when choosing a school thousands of miles away from home. At the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, however, those fears quickly turn into feelings of belonging, comfort, and growth. 

Students from across the globe have found in Franklin Pierce not just an institution of academic excellence, but a safe haven to learn, express, and thrive. From the peaceful streets of Concord, New Hampshire, to the emotionally supportive classroom environments, the community here offers something special: a sense of home. 

A City That Lets You Breathe 
 

Life in Concord moves at a pace that invites reflection and calm; a far cry from the bustling cities many international students are used to. "Coming from a vibrant, fast-paced country like India, I found in Concord a quiet confidence where people greet you with warmth, and silence doesn’t mean indifference but comfort," says Esha Maken, a student enrolled in the LLM in Intellectual Property program. For her, it’s a place that allows you to focus on becoming the best version of yourself without worrying about your safety. 

Arushi Bisht, another LLM in Intellectual Property student from India, echoes the sentiment, describing Concord as a “quaint and peaceful city surrounded by natural beauty, offering a calm and welcoming environment.” Everything a student might need, from grocery stores and restaurants to social spaces, is within walking distance. "This proximity makes it easier to get familiar with the place and feel at home quickly," she shares. 

Sahr Fillie, an LLM student from Sierra Leone, emphasizes that Concord’s peaceful environment contributes to better study habits. “Life in Concord itself is peaceful and offers a quiet environment that is conducive to study. The campus is centrally located, making it easy to walk downtown where you’ll find all the stores and services you need,” he explains. 

Campus That Feels Like Family 
Safety at Franklin Pierce isn’t just about locked doors or well-lit walkways, though the campus offers those too. It’s about being seen, heard, and supported. “Whether it's voicing a cultural perspective in class or seeking support outside of it, I have always felt that my identity isn’t just respected, it’s welcomed with curiosity and care,” says Maken. 

Bisht adds, “The campus community at UNH Law is incredibly warm and inclusive. Faculty members and fellow students are polite, approachable, and genuinely supportive. This has not only made me feel safe but has also turned the campus into my comfort zone.” 

Fillie beautifully sums it up: “Law school demands hard work, dedication, and a great deal of focus and Franklin Pierce is no exception. However, these challenges are balanced by the compassionate, supportive, and close-knit community that defines this law school.” Professors, staff, and even peers are always within reach when help is needed, whether through career services, academic guidance, or personal support. 

Shantam Pyakurel, an LLM student from Nepal, finds joy in local community events like those at White Park, located next to the law school. He shares that these gatherings have become an avenue to feel connected. “They’re a delight and a great way to meet people,” he notes. Fellow LLM student, Eesha Parande of India, adds that it’s the little things that make a difference: “People smile at you, they’re friendly and welcoming.” 

Calm Parents, Confident Students 
Like many students traveling abroad, Maken and Bisht both recall how their families were concerned before the move. “Naturally, my family had questions and initial concerns; what every loved one worries about when you’re crossing continents alone,” Maken admits. “But within days of arriving, I found not just a law school but a circle of trust, professors who knew my name, staff who checked in, peers who became friends.” 

Bisht had a similar experience. “My family and I had some initial concerns about safety when moving to a new country. However, those concerns were quickly put to rest. The friendly local community, the secure and well-maintained campus, and the support systems at UNH Franklin Pierce provided immediate reassurance.” 

A Culture That Celebrates You 
 

Feeling safe also means feeling seen. Franklin Pierce understands that well. “What’s beautiful is that safety here doesn’t mean blending in but standing out,” Maken explains. “We come from different legal systems, cultures, and stories, and yet we find common ground in classrooms that celebrate difference and community spaces that feel like home.” 

Cultural associations like APALSA (Asian Pacific American Law Student Association), BLSA (Black Law Students Association), and HLSA (Hispanic & Latinx Law Student Association) play a key role in helping students build connections. Bisht points out, “These groups serve as vital support networks, helping students from specific ethnic backgrounds build community, access academic resources, and participate in cultural events and seminars that promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and awareness.” 

UNH Franklin Pierce also encourages international students to join in American celebrations like Halloween and Thanksgiving. “This allows us to explore American traditions and ensures we never feel left out,” Bisht shares. In addition to events sponsored by the law school, faculty and staff often invite international students to their homes to celebrate holidays or special events. 

Rooted in Respect, Growing in Confidence 
International students agree that Franklin Pierce offers something rare: the freedom to grow without fear. As Maken puts it: “Feeling safe, to me, isn’t just about locked doors or bright lights; it’s about knowing that your voice matters. Here, I have spoken about things that once felt too foreign to share. And every time I did, the response wasn’t silence, but engagement. That’s the kind of safety that stays with you.” 

A Word to Future Students 
 

When asked if they would recommend the school to others, the answer was unanimous. 

“These past few months have been filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences,” says Bisht. “I would wholeheartedly recommend UNH Franklin Pierce to any student considering legal studies abroad.” 

Maken agrees. “Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real, a space where you are challenged, supported, and truly seen.” 

For those contemplating the leap into legal studies in the U.S., the students at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law offer a collective assurance: this is a place where you’ll not only study law but also learn what it means to feel safe, heard, and truly at home. 

Here, you don’t just earn a degree. You gather people, memories, and a sense of home you never knew you needed. 

Applications for the specialized LLM programs in Intellectual Property and Commerce and Technology beginning in August 2025 will be accepted until June 1. Contact admissions@law.unh.edu or WhatsApp +1-603-513-5300 to learn more. Apply now to join the UNH Franklin Pierce community this fall!