Study Abroad Programs: Why You Should Consider Them
by Francisco J. Rivera Juaristi W 20
ould you like to travel the world, experience new cultures, learn new things, grow as a person and as a professional, meet interesting
people, gain work experience, and get academic credit for it? Then you should definitely consider a study abroad program.
Long-term studies of these programs show that “study abroad positively and unequivocally in- fluences the career path, world-view, and self- confidence of students.” Even the U.S. Senate passed a resolution encouraging students to study abroad!
Shouldn’t I do a summer externship instead?
You can do both! Some study abroad programs include the possibility of adding an internship at the end of the academic component of the pro- gram.
If you intend to do an internship in connec- tion with your study abroad experience (which you should), you should choose a program that customizes your experience to fit your individ- ual goals. For example, I always have a lengthy conversation with each student interested in an internship in human rights in Latin America, to find out more about the type of experience the student is looking for and the type of work envi- ronment they seek. With this information, I am able to make suggestions and recommendations based on that particular student’s needs. Monica Davis, Program Manager for Santa Clara Law’s Summer Abroad Programs, makes it a point to tell prospective students how “Santa Clara Law has built relationships with nearly one hundred organizations, law firms, NGOs, and governmen-
tal entities across the world so that we can work to place students with an internship that best fits their interests. We do the hard work so that law students can do the real work.”
Combining an internship with a study abroad pro- gram makes even more sense for students inter- ested in pursuing a career in international law. For example, I used to run the internship program at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and whenever a junior staff attorney position would open up, we first looked at candidates who were current or past interns to see if any stood out. Sometimes, to get a job you simply have to be at the right place at the right time (i.e. when they are hiring). But even if you don’t get a job offer following your internship, you want to make sure to add those contacts to your professional net- work. You should also make sure to highlight your study abroad experience in your résumé, and be ready to explain how this experience enhances your degree.
Will I get a job in international law if I study abroad?
Maybe. There is no guarantee, but you will cer- tainly increase your marketability. The best candi- dates for international law positions are the ones that are (at least) bilingual and have some inter- national experience, preferably doing the type of work the position requires. Summer abroad pro- grams are beneficial for both of these purposes.
Isn’t it expensive?
It depends on the program and its location. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Plus, students may obtain financial aid from their law school or maybe even outside scholarships like Fulbright to cover some
ILSA Quarterly » volume 23 » issue 2 » December 2014
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