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I am Abdulkarim Aldhayyaf, originally from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where I was born and raised. After spending my entire life in the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, I made the decision to embark on a new adventure — relocating to Fribourg, Switzerland, to pursue an LLM in Compliance at the Institute for International Business Law (IBL), University of Fribourg. With my wife and five-month-old daughter by my side, this journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, shaping both my professional career and our personal lives in ways we could have never imagined.
A journey of discovery and career evolution
My professional journey has been marked by important transitions. After high school, I began working as a technician for Saudi Electricity Company, but I quickly realised that the challenging weather and harsh conditions of working in power plants weren’t what I wanted for my future. I had a deep desire to expand my horizons, and so I initially pursued mechanical engineering studies in the US. However, due to financial considerations, I returned to Saudi Arabia, where I discovered a new passion — law.
While working in the banking sector, I completed my law degree, which eventually opened doors to the field of compliance — a natural fit for my interests in legal frameworks and regulatory systems. I now work for one of the leading healthcare providers in the Middle East. When my company’s scholarship programme presented an opportunity for further specialisation in compliance, I knew I had to apply.
Abdulkarim Aldhayyaf. Source: University of Fribourg – Institute of International Business Law
Finding the right LLM programme
When I began searching for a master’s programme, I knew I needed something that wasn’t limited to a national legal perspective. Many programmes I found were focused on specific local legal systems, which wasn’t suitable for my goal of applying my knowledge back in Saudi Arabia.
The LLM at the University of Fribourg was different — it had a truly international scope, aligning perfectly with my ambitions. The IBL’s global approach to compliance could give me the tools to advance in my field and think critically and globally. The structure of the courses has broadened my understanding of how compliance systems work in various contexts, helping me contribute to improving processes at my company and beyond.
Adapting to a new academic system
Studying at the IBL in Switzerland has been a transformative experience. The academic structure here is very different from what I was used to in Saudi Arabia and the US. At the IBL, instead of following the traditional model of having a few courses stretched over an entire semester with exams at the end, the programme features multiple, shorter courses with exams immediately after each one concludes. This unique system initially posed a challenge, but I eventually realised its benefits. The information remains fresh, and I’m able to fully immerse myself in each subject without the burden of multiple exams accumulating at the semester’s end.
Bringing my family along
One of the most meaningful aspects of this experience has been sharing it with my wife and daughter. When we first decided to relocate, my wife was hesitant about leaving her family behind in Saudi Arabia, but Switzerland has captured her heart. The nature, the mountains, and the fresh, crisp air have all made this move easier and more enjoyable.
One of the most memorable moments was our arrival in Zurich. We had seven suitcases, a stroller, and a baby to manage, and the thought of how we’d handle everything was overwhelming. But a kind stranger helped us with our luggage, showing us that even small gestures can make a world of difference. It was a perfect example of how welcoming Switzerland has been to us.
Indeed, Switzerland is a wonderful place for a young family, and we’ve found ways to make the transition smoother, even relying on Switzerland’s vibrant second-hand market to keep up with our daughter’s ever-changing needs.
We also spend our weekends exploring Fribourg ‘s picturesque streets. We take long walks through the old town, stop at charming local cafés, and admire the stunning architecture and natural beauty that surrounds us. This city is perfect for family life — small enough to feel cosy and welcomed, but big enough to keep discovering new places every week.
Source: University of Fribourg – Institute of International Business Law
The perfect place for family and study
Switzerland has far exceeded our expectations. Fribourg offers a perfect blend of high-quality education and an exceptional quality of life. My wife and I often find ourselves enjoying the simple pleasures, like sitting in a café and watching the seasons change. The beauty of the city, with its historic buildings and serene landscapes, is something we both deeply appreciate. My wife has even started thinking about studying here, though we’re still working through the logistics of daycare for our daughter.
Looking ahead
As I continue my LLM studies, I am filled with optimism about the future. This programme is giving me the tools and knowledge to expand my career opportunities, and the international focus will certainly make me more competitive back in Saudi Arabia. I would encourage anyone considering studying abroad to take this leap — it has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
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