Study Abroad
traveling does not. If you are clear about your re- sponsibilities and expectations, then your study abroad experience will be that much more mean- ingful.
Can’t I have a similar educational experience right here in my home school?
Not likely. The right study abroad program will help you develop skills and give you experiences a classroom setting simply can’t provide. For ex- ample, the best study abroad programs include site visits to various foreign and international le- gal institutions, where you can talk to practicing attorneys, judges, government officials, and other professionals who work in different international law organizations, some of whom may also serve as guest lecturers in the program. You will be ex- posed not only to the type of work they do, but also how they go about doing it, which is likely to be influenced by their culture and customs.
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Part of the benefit of participating in a study abroad program is to see the world from a differ- ent perspective. A simple walk down the streets in Tokyo, Turkey, or The Hague will help you gain a better understanding of cultural differences, ex- pose you to different sights, sounds, and tastes, and challenge you to adapt to new environments. These so-called personal “soft skills” you develop abroad will enable you to adjust to multi-cultural work environments back home.
OK, but how do I choose the right program for me?
Do your research. Monica Davis observes that most students “tend to select summer abroad programs based on one of two criteria: (1) sub- ject area or (2) location.” If you already know that you want to pursue a career in international busi- ness law, human rights law, international criminal law or any other international legal field, then it makes sense for you to choose a program that is best suited to provide you with that special- ized legal education. On the other hand, if you are not sure what area of the law interests you, then summer abroad program are the perfect op-
ILSA Quarterly » volume 23 » issue 2 » December 2014
portunity to explore some of them and find out if you like them.
If you are more concerned about the location of the program than the subject area, I would still encourage you to do your research about the aca- demic portion of the program. Ideally, the best program for you would be one that exposes you to a legal field and a country you find interest- ing. Also, research the professors that teach the courses and find out their areas of expertise and their work experience. After all, if you make a good impression with them, these professors may be able to recommend you for employment or at least be part of your professional network.
Also, if you want to learn about the type of work people do in international organizations like the U.N., you may want to choose a program that includes site visits to U.N. agencies. No interna- tional law book or course can replicate what it is like to actually be at the U.N. in Geneva, at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in Costa Rica, or at any of the numerous international courts in The Hague.
If you are not convinced, ask someone who has studied abroad. Most will be happy to tell you about their life-changing “abroad” experiences, and I’m sure some may even have positive things to say about the “study” part.
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