Has this ever happened to you? You are sitting in criminal law class distracted by the idea that you haven’t prepared for property class. You have a strong feeling it is your turn to get called on so you try to mentally prepare while checking your Facebook page to see what normal people are doing for the weekend, and your email to see if anybody emailed you about a job yet. Then you hear it, your name being called by the professor. You didn’t read and you have no idea what the question is. You think of the most profound thing you can and offer it to the professor. The professor then informs you (and the entire class) that someone already gave that answer, and it doesn’t answer the question. It is at this moment you realize how bad you just want to get away. Let me guess. That has never happened to you? It never happened to me either. It happened to a friend of mine. I was always prepared. If you (or someone you know) ever felt like escaping from law school, I may have the solution.
Spring is here, which means you need to be thinking of your summer plans if you haven’t already. If study abroad is not on your list of options for summer, you should add it now, especially if you are a 1L. I had the opportunity to study and work abroad during the summer after my 1L year. It is one of the best experiences from my time at law school. The benefits of study abroad will outweigh the cost for most of you.
The benefit of taking classes during the summer is that it decreases your workload in the future. The few credits you receive in the summer may not seem like much. Trust me; you will appreciate the lighter workload in the future. If you are going to take classes in the summer, you might as well take them abroad where you can spend your evenings exploring a new country. The alternative for some of you would be spending time at home catching up on reality T.V.
Study abroad courses are generally less strenuous than regular courses. That means you will have somewhat of a break from the headache of regular classes. If you are lucky, you may even get a break from the Socratic Method. You should talk to former students of the program you are considering to find out what you are getting yourself into before you choose a program.
I chose to attend a study abroad program offered by my school over the programs offered at other institutions. My school only accepts pass/fail grades from other institutions. I wanted the grade to improve my GPA. A pass/fail grade was of no use to me. My school’s program was based in Beijing and Shanghai China. Despite spending the first day or two without luggage, I had an amazing time. I would suggest packing underwear and toiletries in your carry-on just in case your bag doesn’t make your flight. That’s a different story.
I was able to do all the things a tourist would do, and go through day-to-day to life like a native. It was the best and worst of both worlds. Your experiences will give you great stories to tell and people will want to actually hear them. This means your resume will now be adventurous and cool. It gives you and the employer something interesting to talk about during your interview.
In these economic times it is difficult for students to find paid internships during the summer. This makes studying and working abroad a more viable option than sitting at home depressed over your decision to attend law school. How can I afford study abroad you ask?
You probably can’t, but you know someone who can. I took out a Graduate Plus Loan. Consider this trip as part of your legal education, because it is. Only you know whether you will be crying over an additional couple of thousand dollars when it is time to pay it back. For me, taking out the additional loan was worth the trip. I do not regret it at all. Talk to your school’s financial aid office to see if you qualify for summer funds. If that is not an option for you, you will need to revert to the old school tactics. Sell candy or cookies, ask your neighbors and friends to sponsor you, or ask your school about scholarships. Do whatever you have to do to make your dreams come true. That is what determined people do. Just make sure whatever you do is legal. You still have to pass a character and fitness test to apply to the bar.
In addition to studying abroad, I also worked abroad that summer. After my study abroad program in China ended, I flew to Amsterdam for a connecting flight to Vienna, Austria. I then took a bus to Bratislava Slovakia where I spent the summer working for The Human Rights League. See how cool that sounds. If I can sound cool, anyone can. Talk to your professors and see what your school offers. Encourage them to start a program if they don’t already have one. That can be the legacy you leave at your school.
Study abroad was a natural choice for me. I love to travel and I participated in a study abroad program in undergraduate school. You should consider what you want to gain from your law school experience and how study abroad fits in that picture. Talk to students and professors who have participated in study abroad programs. You only get two law school summers. Make the best of whatever you decide to this summer.
I wish you all a safe and happy summer.
