- What was your main reason(s) to go abroad?
The main reason I wanted to go abroad was to gain international experience in the legal field. I had recently graduated from BostonUniversity with a business degree, concentrating in International Management and Law. I wanted to build upon what I learned and I knew the best way to do that would be through an internship.
I also wanted the opportunity to experience another culture and make new friends in my year before law school.
- What was your most memorable experience on your internship?
I would say my most memorable experience by far would be giving a speech in the House of Lords Tea Room for Lord Taylor of Warwick’s Christmas reception. In a large, decorated room, about 250 people stood and listened as I described and discussed my role in the internship, life ambitions, leadership and my future career goals to help people overseas. Afterwards, I spoke with dignitaries from all over the world who were moved by my speech. It was a genuinely rewarding and rare opportunity that I will remember and cherish forever.
- What was the biggest cultural difference that you experienced abroad?
Perhaps the biggest cultural difference I experienced in London was ‘tea time’. I have never had so much tea in my life! My new friends often socialized over a cup or two, so after my first month I was starting to get the hang of it. I was always laughed at for drinking my tea plain, without milk. After much persistence from others, I tried it and I’ve been drinking tea ‘the British way’ ever since! Even now that I’m home, I must have at least a couple cups of tea per day.
- What made you choose Cultural Embrace as the program provider to go abroad with?
I chose to use Cultural Embrace for my internship because they provided the best opportunities available. They helped me find the exact internship I was looking for. I was able to work in the House of Lords of Parliament for six months! They have a large array of programs which are well worth the prices and discounts offered. The staff is also extremely helpful. After my first phone call, I noticed they were knowledgeable and ready to assist me in any way possible.
- What are your plans now that you have returned?
Now that I have returned home to the US and been accepted to law school, I have been actively preparing for my legal studies in the fall. I will be concentrating on Human Rights, International and Environmental law. I have also been very proactive in upgrading my French language skills. I will be applying for a very competitive dual JD degree that will provide me the opportunity to take the bar exam in the US as well as study International Law in France so that I can take the bar equivalent to practice law in the European Union.
- Is there any advice that you want to give to others that want to travel on a future Cultural Embrace program?
My advice would be to visit the Cultural Embrace website to read about the many extensive programs they have to offer. Cultural Embrace is very unique in that they are extremely knowledgeable about the internships they sponsor as well as having extensive partnerships in the hosting countries that may interest you. They have the insights and reach to provide a range of opportunities that will provide the reward of a lifetime. I would not have had such a wonderful experience at the House of Lords otherwise! The chance to go abroad, experience a new culture, and to try something new and exciting was worth it. Cultural Embrace made everything so easy – from the initial inquiry, to arranging living quarters to being there for any of my questions. They made me feel comfortable in my new surroundings and I cannot thank them enough for making my internship experience so valuable, stress-free and, most of all, enjoyable!
Picture Courtesy of: http://www.barbara-follett.org.uk/images/shared/house_parliament.jpg
