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ELAW Fellow in Oregon

By Agnes Gajdics

Being curious about other legal systems and cultures, and dedicated to protection of the environment, you can imagine my thrill when I learned I’d received a fellowship from the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW), funded by the Trust for Mutual Understanding.

This is my first time in the U.S. and it is nearly time to return home to Budapest!

During my ten-week fellowship at ELAW’s office in Eugene, Oregon, I have taken an intensive English course at the University of Oregon’s American English Institute. The program has enhanced my academic writing and enriched my vocabulary. My fellow students are from 24 countries, including Saudi Arabia, China, and Brazil. I also sit in on environmental law classes at the University of Oregon School of Law.

I have worked as an attorney at the Environmental Management and Law Association in Hungary (EMLA) for one year. EMLA was established by Hungarian and American charter members. We are a nonprofit non-governmental organization that advances the rule of law and promotes sustainable environmental management. We cooperate with many international organizations, including the World Resources Institute’s The Access Initiative (TAI).

Here in Eugene, I meet weekly with ELAW staff, learn new approaches for my cases, and conduct legal research.  I also share insight into Hungarian environmental legislation and jurisdiction with my colleagues.

I have learned about American culture, history, and explored some of Oregon’s most beautiful natural areas–the Cascade Mountains, deep-blue Odell Lake, and the Oregon Coast’s lighthouses and bright sunshine.

Last week I was a panel participant at the University of Oregon’s Public Interest Environmental Law Conference.  I met environmental lawyers from all over the world, exchanged views, and built partnerships for future cooperation.

EMLA welcomes requests for information from researchers in the U.S. who are interested in environmental law and environmental democracy in Hungary.  Together we can make the world a more just and beautiful place.

In the Cascade Mountains

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A Guest Blog Entry by Agnes Gajdics, EMLA, Hungary