International Justice 101
November 12th, 2013Brandeis provides several avenues for undergraduates to get a taste of international law. Students have unique access to a variety of opportunities from a semester-long immersion to a three day internship. Whether living in Europe or interning in Africa is your style there are resources at Brandeis to help you get there. Check out how you can get involved below!
#1. Brandeis in The Hague
From biking cobblestone streets and shopping at farmer’s markets to tulips and canals the Netherlands is possibly the most amiable country in which to learn about crimes against humanity. The Brandeis in the Hague Program offers students the opportunity to spend their Spring semester or summer immersing themselves in international justice. Students gain hands on experience by visiting tribunals, participating in mock trials, and interning at prestigious institutions. Past internships include: the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the International Criminal Court, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and various defense teams for leaders convicted of war crimes. Approximately 10-15 rising First-years, Sophomores, and Juniors are accepted each year.
Several students have chosen to complement the Hague Program with a second study abroad experience in countries such as Brazil, Senegal, and Uganda. The Brandeis in the Hague Program offers an incredible opportunity for students to immerse themselves in international criminal law while living and traveling in Europe.
Here’s The Hague program website for more info: http://www.brandeis.edu/abroad/brandeisprograms/hague/index.html
Click here to learn about student internships in The Hague:
http://www.brandeis.edu/now/2013/may/internationalcourt.html
http://www.brandeis.edu/now/2013/april/hague.html
#2. Sorensen Fellowship
Have a particular project or organization you’re passionate about? Consider applying for the Sorenson Fellowship next year. Sophomores and juniors selected receive a $4000 stipend for a summer internship. ($3500 for domestic internships.) After returning to campus, students take a course to reflect and publish an article based on their experience. The Sorensen Fellowship offers an incredible opportunity to intern domestically or abroad in an area of interest and a holistic approach of both pre-departure preparation and post-internship reflection.
Learn more about the Sorensen Fellowship at:
http://www.brandeis.edu/ethics/atbrandeis/sorensenfellowship/index.html
For an example of how this fellowship can lead to a future career in international law check out Daniel Koosed’s (’08) reflections on his internship at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania as a Sorensen Fellow:
http://www.brandeis.edu/ethics/pdfs/ecsf/ecsf2007_Koosed.pdf
#3. Brandeis International Institute for Judges
Students looking to get a glimpse of how the international judiciary functions can apply through a competitive process to intern at the annual Brandeis International Institute of Judges, held every 18 months. Interns have the opportunity to document the conference and help it run smoothly. The BIIJ is attended by judges serving on international courts and tribunals from across the globe. Past interns have greatly appreciated the experience to interact with professionals in the field.
Check out this link for more information on BIIJ:
http://www.brandeis.edu/ethics/internationaljustice/biij/index.html
Click here to read the BIIJ interns’ reflections on their experience:
http://www.brandeis.edu/ethics/internationaljustice/biij/2013/InternThoughts.html#expandcollapse
Need more?
Subscribe to the newsletter International Justice in the News published by the Ethics Center:
http://www.brandeis.edu/ethics/internationaljustice/internationaljusticeinthenews.html