Be a TRAIL-blazer: Nithya Grace Fenn

What’s your name and where are you from?
My name is Nithya Grace Fenn and I was born in the USA but I grew up in Kerala, India.

What’s your academic background?
I obtained my undergraduate degree from National Law University, Jodhpur in India. My specialisation was International Trade and Investment Law. The five-year program I was enrolled in also involved courses on basic economics, sociology and history.

How did you hear about the WTI?
In the summer of my third year of my undergraduate degree, I attended the Centre for WTO Studies - World Trade Institute Joint Academy on International Trade Law and Policy. We were also told about the MILE and TRAIL+ programs.

Why did you choose the TRAIL+ programme?
The TRAIL+ program offers exactly what any lawyer interested in working in the field of international trade law and policy needs: a comprehensive understanding of economics as well as the opportunity to learn any sub-field of international economic law from experts in the relevant discipline.

What do you like about the TRAIL+ programme?
The faculty are phenomenal. We are extremely fortunate that leading practitioners frequent  the WTI to give lectures and seminars as well as interact with the students. The WTI Moot which takes place at the WTO every year is also a brilliant opportunity for us and the effort that goes into organizing it is not lost on the students. 

How has life in Bern been so far?
Bern is an extremely hospitable city. It is very easy to settle in once you are here, thanks to the administrative staff at the WTI! Visiting the Gurten with the rest of the students and enjoying the Christmas markets were some of the best experiences!

What are your plans for the future and how will a degree from the WTI help you in achieving them?
I'd like to intern at the WTO and be given the opportunity to work there in the future. The WTI puts its students on equal footing with top tier universities in the world if they wish to compete in this particular field. There is no other program like it.

Would you recommend the TRAIL+ programme?
Without a doubt. More than anything, the faculty and staff at the WTI are committed to ensuring excellence - students are treated with respect; feedback is appreciated and acted upon - and the Institute demands the best from us in turn. 

Thank you for the interview!

***Information regarding the coronavirus pandemic and what it means for the beginning of the new semester at the WTI***

The spread of the coronavirus does not only affect our regular daily lives but also has a significant impact on the global trading system. The WTI is at the cutting edge of the latest developments in global trade policies. As a student at the WTI, you will be able to deepen your knowledge of how this crisis will shape the future of the trading system through the teaching and expertise of an excellent in-house and external faculty.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the MILE and TRAIL+ advanced master programmes will start as scheduled in mid-Sep­tember. We look forward to welcoming students in Bern. However, if students cannot, or pre­fer not, to travel in September yet, the WTI is pleased to announce that all courses of the first semester will be offered online. Students starting the MILE or TRAIL+ programme online can proceed with their studies in Bern at any time during the first semester. This will depend on the future status of travel restrictions.