Mining: reparation and legislation

During her Bachelor of Law degree at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Julia interned at the state’s Prosecutor’s Office, later working there as an assistant after her degree. Julia worked to provide environmental reparations to victims of mining disasters. Her efforts contributed to mining companies providing compensation to those affected by the internationally known dam disasters in Brumadinho and Mariana. 

Julia wanted to expand her knowledge of law at Cambridge. “The Master of Law degree at Cambridge attracted me due to the flexibility of what I could study. There was a range of subjects, some of which I already used in my daily work.”

The Chevening community fuelled Julia’s ambition. “I reached out to scholars who had studied in Cambridge, and they shared practical advice on courses, academic life, and settling into the city. Their guidance helped me to feel more prepared, and many of them continued to support me after I arrived.”

The Chevening community provided an international network in Cambridge for Julia. “During my Master’s, I was part of a group of Chevening scholars in Cambridge, and Chevening organised an event that allowed us to connect and build friendships across a range of nationalities.” 

Connecting with Brazilian Chevening scholars across the UK gave Julia reassurance and long-lasting friendships. “Our network was an essential source of support before, during, and after our time in the UK. I’m still in close contact with several of my fellow Cheveners.”

Julia enjoyed the international perspective of her degree. “It was interesting to see how different countries approach international law because although it’s the same law, countries often have completely different views on it.”

Through Cambridge societies, Julia enriched her knowledge of environmental law outside of her degree. “I took part in the Pro Bono projects for the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the Environmental Defender’s Office, an NGO. They focused on environmental law, human rights, and indigenous people’s rights.”

Her interest extended beyond law and into the thriving cultural landscape in Cambridge. “I explored all the museums in Cambridge, especially the Fitzwilliam Museum.”

Now, working as a consultant in the Extractives Team of the UN, Julia reveals that “My plan for the next few years is to help maximise the impact of the Team.”

She further reports: “I don’t think I would have had the confidence to apply to a job in the UN if I hadn’t gone to Cambridge and met people there who have worked for the UN.”

Cambridge helped Julia to realise her unique perspective. “A lot of people in my state have knowledge about mining; it’s something day-to-day for us. But then I saw, for other countries and for other people, that’s not the case.”

Julia has returned to Minas Gerais in Brazil so she can be inserted in the reality that she wishes to change through her work. “Cambridge taught me that I have a unique lived experience. Staying in Brazil is a way that I can carry that forward in my job and transform my lived experience, and the knowledge it has cultivated, into impact.”

As a Chevening mentor, Julia encourages all Brazilians who want to make a change in their local community and further afield to apply to Cambridge through the Chevening scholarship.

Julia’s tips for applying are based on authenticity. “You don’t need to seem perfect in your application—you can be vulnerable by explaining which areas of your personal and academic life you would like to improve at Cambridge.”

Storytelling is essential for a compelling application. “Take the time to reflect on the problem you want to solve in your home country and frame your essays around that problem, how your chosen UK courses connect to that, and how it all fits into your career plan.”

Julia’s journey illustrates the power of lived experience and a diversity of perspectives. At Cambridge, she nurtured not only her knowledge in law, but her ability to communicate and bond with an international community.