The Advantages of Legal Internships Abroad
The opportunity to intern abroad provides a truly unique and invaluable experience. From gaining international experience to understanding the intricacies of foreign legal systems, these internships can provide unparalleled benefits. Three considerations for those pondering an internship abroad include:
International Experience
Having knowledge of and familiarity with international legal systems is an increasingly important consideration for employers. A history or track record of working with and understanding foreign law certainly stands out when applying for jobs. Interning abroad also increases the likelihood of finding employment in a different country.
Language Skills
Legal documents and communication must be translated from one language to another, allowing interns to sharpen both their foreign and domestic language skills . Additionally, applicants who can document speaking or writing experience potentially have an advantage over other applicants.
Cultural Experience
Interning abroad provides students and graduates the ability to learn and adapt to different cultures. This adaptability in turn deepens the understanding of how foreign laws and systems of government function. This understanding can help both individuals and employers better comprehend the law at home through the lens of a different country and culture.
While some of the benefits of interning abroad may seem apparent at face value, often the most significant benefits are not tangible. Exploring the world and experiencing new opportunities can only leave a positive impression.
The Top Locations for International Legal Internships
Abroad, the internships of law students are divided into several categories: the most common is the work experience in the companies of the respective country, alongside local lawyers (inbound), or the practice of foreign lawyers in the firms of their native country (outbound). The internship itself can be the continuation of the exchange program or an individual search from the student. In these cases, the internship can last between three and six months or go up to one year. Today, the most popular countries for internships abroad are England, Australia, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands; although for the latter, especially, it is recommended that the candidate speaks Dutch, and not only English, as locals appreciate the offer of services in their mother tongue. Therefore, for the student case, the investment may seem higher than for an internship at home due to the cost of living abroad, however, it has been psychologically proven that the possibilities we have to pay back are a more important factor than other benefits. On the other hand, this investment is recovered in a very short period of time by the salary of the work experience in another country. Internships abroad are an opportunity to be on the inside of, not only the work system of the foreign country, but also on the global market, as working in a globalized world means having different tools from those used in local markets. Also, the variety of people with which contact is established is wider offshore. Essentially, to be able to undertake the internship abroad it should be clear that the process of selection is usually rigorous, with a lot of competition due to the high demand. Therefore, it is important to start the process of process as soon as possible, inform oneself about the requirements of each unit or firm and have good recommendations so that the internship can contribute really to the development of a career.
How to Find a Legal Internship Abroad
Securing a legal internship abroad requires a keen approach and a strategic mindset. Start early by identifying target countries and firms of interest, researching visa requirements, and understanding the language proficiency needed. Once you have a list of potential firms, tailor your applications specifically to them. This means adjusting your resume and cover letter for the country in question (remember that spelling is different and the rules around cover letters may also vary from country to country) and demonstrating that you are familiar with the firm itself and the work they do.
It is vital that your CV be in the correct format for the country in question as these can vary from region to region. In addition, always include a cover letter with your application. Use it to demonstrate why you are attracted to working for the firm and how you fit in with their culture. In your job application be very clear on why you want to work for the company and how you see yourself contributing to their team. Crucially, avoid copying and pasting from existing application forms or CVs. You want your personality to shine through and a generic CV will show a lack of effort.
Networking is essential when applying for positions abroad. Don’t shy away from contacting alumni who have worked abroad, and ask them to share their experiences. Likewise, reach out to your university. In some cases, programs exist at your school for those who want to study abroad so you could be offered assistance in securing work experience abroad and possibly even financial support.
One of the best ways to secure a position with an international firm is to apply for a vacation scheme through your school as many overseas employers will view this as an indication of your commitment to working in their country. Indicate this on your CV. While most Western countries (US, EU, Australia etc.) are comfortable handling international applications, it can often be harder to secure a position as a non-EU foreign citizen for countries outside of Europe, Australia and North America. As such, reaching out to firms in Far East Asia, South America and Africa may be more challenging. However, it is not impossible.
Finally, there are a number of different options to explore when it comes to internships abroad. You could look at working for an NGO or charity, or even tutoring to support your travel. While these options may not be directly related to law, it is worth exploring them as it may give you experience of life in a different country or region.
The Drawbacks of International Legal Internships
With any travel experience comes a set of challenges that last a lifetime and the same goes for international legal internships. Whether it be communication challenges, money managing challenges or cultural challenges, in a completely foreign setting, these challenges prove the ultimate learning experience. Here are a few challenges you may face when moving abroad:
Language barriers: Not everyone you meet abroad will speak English and some legal industries operate in different native languages. If this is the case, you should do your best to learn the local language.
Appropriate etiquette: Do some research on what is appropriate before moving there. In other countries , physical contact is less prevalent and women may not be able to shake hands. Use common sense.
Culture: Different cultures have different approaches to the law and how people interact within it. You should learn the laws and how they differ from your home country as well as how to navigate them accordingly.
Living space: You may not be able to stay with your family while interning abroad. Talk to your organization about accommodation.
Cost of living: Some cities abroad are expensive to live in and some countries are stricter on needed permits than others. Research any travel restrictions or immigration requirements on the government website.
Working hours: Are working hours different abroad? Check with the organization you plan to work for to find out if their working hours align with what you’re used to.
Many opportunities await individuals willing to step outside of their comfort zone. Suffering a few bumps in the road here and there is all part of the learning experience and will help you look back fondly at the time you spent studying or working abroad.
Getting Ready for Your Legal Internship Abroad
Before embarking on your legal internship abroad, there are certain legal documentation necessities to take care of in preparation. Obviously, you will need a passport to travel to a foreign country, but depending on which country you’re going to, you may also need a visa (or executive permit) to allow entry into that country. Whether you need a visa or not for your internship abroad depends on your citizenship and the country you’re going to. You should check with the embassy of the host country as soon as possible after acceptance into your internship program to find out what type of visa is required, when and how to apply for it, and what supporting documentation will be needed. It is a good idea to make a couple of visits to the embassy to find out who needs to see you, as not all consular staff can give you the information you need. Your school’s study abroad office may be a resource to help you obtain necessary legal documentation for your internship abroad. Keep in mind that your internship abroad may require you to obtain a work visa and/or work permit to engage in that higher education experience; however, under certain conditions, unpaid internships may be exempt from the work-permit requirement abroad. The next step is to check with the school where you’re going for specific health and inoculation tips or recommendations. Additionally, check out your government’s advice regarding travel health notices. Now, you’re ready to travel abroad and get to work. Now’s the fun part.
The Benefits of International Legal Internships
The long-term career advantages of completing a legal internship abroad can be profound, impacting employability, professional network, and global legal expertise.
The distinct advantage of legal studies is that they prepare students for a wide range of challenging and rewarding careers both at home and abroad.
In a globalized economy, the language skills, ability to talk and work with all kinds of people and cultural knowledge gained from an international internship are invaluable assets to have on your resume.
Employers also prefer those who have completed internships among candidates. Internships allow students to gain insight into the many different facets of the legal industry and provide real-world experience that positions them as skilled problem-solvers.
Completing a legal internship abroad also helps students make connections with individuals who share their professional interests, creating opportunities to further their careers.
Law students who have interned abroad have also found that they have developed both their academic skills and interpersonal abilities, both of which are invaluable in any job .
An international legal internship allows students to get a jump on their competitive law school classmates who haven’t taken the opportunity to gain relevant work experience during their studies.
Law students who have studied abroad for a year or two have also found that it has enhanced their critical thinking and writing abilities, which are highly sought after by employers.
While relevant work experience can help students stand out to potential employers, there is sometimes a perception that students who have completed an international internship may not be as competitive for jobs in their home country as their classmates who have completed internships in their home country.
However, leadership in the Canadian Bar Association says they have not heard of any law students not getting on-track articling jobs due to an overseas internship. Canadian legal employers understand the value of other experiences, such as working in an overseas office as part of an international placement program.
Having legal qualifications from a foreign country that are recognized by bodies in the home country is also an advantage in an increasingly competitive market.
Although language skills are not a priority in some areas of law, they can be effectively used to build your practice or your firm’s client base.
