International Journey to McGeorge

When Saphalta Shrestha ’26 boarded her flight from Kathmandu, Nepal, bound for Sacramento, she got closer to a dream inspired by her father, a lawyer whose quiet dedication to helping others shaped her sense of purpose.

“One of the main reasons I pursued law was my dad,” she said. “Growing up, I watched him help people through his work and that really influenced me.”

Now pursuing her Master of Laws (LLM) in Transnational Business Practice at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, Shrestha will graduate in 2026 and is already building the foundation for a global legal career.

Finding Home at McGeorge

California had always drawn her in, but it was McGeorge that sealed the decision. 

“I wanted to study in California, so I was researching universities,” she said. “When I found McGeorge, I noticed it had one of the highest bar passage rates, and that really caught my attention. But, what truly convinced me were the people.”

From her first email exchange, the warmth of the McGeorge community stood out. “The graduate and international programs team was so responsive,” Shrestha said. “They made me feel like they actually cared. Like they wanted me to be here.”

“My classmates are like family,” she said. “Everyone uplifts each other. We’re not competing, but we’re learning and growing together.”

Learning through a new lens

Transitioning from Nepal’s academic system to the Socratic, discussion-based approach of U.S. law schools was both challenging and eye-opening.

“Back home, we didn’t really study before class,” she explains. “We’d just go in and learn what the professor taught that day. But here, you have to prepare ahead of time and really think critically.”

The difference, she says, has transformed the way she learns.

“This is the first time I’ve felt like I’m truly studying at a university,” she said. “The professors here are friendly, approachable and they genuinely want us to succeed. I never feel intimidated to ask questions.”

That encouragement has given Shrestha the confidence to participate in class discussions, explore new ideas and even enjoy what once felt daunting.

“The Socratic method is so new to me but it’s fun. It makes you see issues from different perspectives,” she said.

Building community and confidence

Outside of class, Shrestha has found her rhythm through McGeorge’s many student clubs, networking events and mixers.

“The school organizes so many activities, it’s not just professional growth but personal too,” she said. “It’s where I’ve met people, built friendships and felt part of a community.”

That sense of belonging extends beyond campus. “The people in the U.S. are so welcoming,” she says. “Even when I was lost or confused, strangers would stop to help. It’s something I really appreciate.”

As graduation approaches, Shrestha plans to apply for Optional Practical Training to gain hands-on legal experience in the U.S. before returning to Nepal.

“I want to bring back what I’ve learned here: the skills, the perspective, the confidence, and use it to make a difference back home,” she said.

For Shrestha, McGeorge has been more than a place to study law. It’s been a space to grow, to adapt and to belong.

“This experience has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect,” she said. “I’ve learned that when you step out of your comfort zone, that’s where real growth begins.”