Studying abroad is a great way to experience a different culture and enhance your law school resume at the same time. It can provide you with a unique perspective and a backdrop to contrast the US legal system with those abroad. Of course you should not study abroad solely because you think it will boost your application and you should not waste valuable time and space in your personal statement discussing how your time abroad was “life changing” because that will NOT enhance your application. If you are interested in studying abroad, however, and want to know if it can have the ability to enhance your application, here are some things you should consider:
- The institution. When choosing a study abroad program, consider whether you would be directly enrolled in a foreign university with a foreign language component. Speaking a foreign language is always an asset and attending a foreign university (as opposed to a US University with a campus in a foreign country) allows you to immerse yourself in a foreign culture and language more fully.
- Course options. What types of courses you would have the opportunity to take while studying abroad should be part of something you consider when deciding if and where to study abroad. Whether the program offeres classes on political and legal systems in other nations, for example.
- Internship opportunities, volunteer work, service-learning. What other types of opportunities can studying abroad provide for you besides the classes you take? A hands-on experience will you give you more substantive material to discuss in a personal statement and resume.
- Research. Does the opportunity allow you to engage in direct or independent research while you are there? Problems Without Passports and SIT Nicaragua are some examples!
Any questions about studying abroad and how it relates to your law school application can be directed to prelaw@usc.edu!
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