International Law Internships Abroad & Human Rights

Our legal internships and human rights internships are open to people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and motivations. Booking is simple: just check the requirements and submit your application. Speak with a Project Expert to help find the perfect law volunteer opportunities that fit your personal goals.

Curious if this is the right match for you? You’re likely a great fit if you’re:

• looking for law internships for undergraduates to gain real-world professional exposure
• a first-year law student wondering where to gain experience you can’t get in a classroom
• eager to take on a human rights internship to build your practical skills
• searching for an exciting, impactful twist on a gap year abroad
• a graduate or professional seeking global legal volunteer opportunities to explore future career paths
• wanting to better understand legal, human rights, and social issues in under-resourced communities

Adding international work experience to your resume will provide a competitive edge, giving you concrete evidence for college applications, essays, and future interviews. Most importantly, it helps you discover what fits before you commit to a lifelong career path.

You don’t need prior experience to join—just curiosity and commitment. You’ll develop your skills within a secure, well-supported framework, working alongside local partners, professional lawyers, and our local teams. Your day-to-day tasks might include conducting legal research, reviewing active cases, and delivering educational presentations. You’ll also collaborate on vital campaigns to raise awareness and support sustainable, community-led initiatives.

Want to explore options beyond a Law & Human Rights Project? Check out our international development projects or social work projects, or view our full list of internships abroad to start planning your trip now!

Yes, many international human rights internships are open to Pre-Med Students, gap year travelers, and graduates from diverse academic backgrounds like political science or international relations. While some advanced legal aid placements require active legal training, many placements will welcome passionate individuals to help with research, advocacy campaigns, and community outreach.

Most of our Law & Human Rights Internships run throughout the year, so we can easily accommodate anyone looking for legal work experience in the summer. Volunteer & Intern programs are ideal for undergraduates interested in summer law internships, and our High School Programs offer internships at law firms for high school students.

Applying for a legal internship in the summer last minute? Read our blog about volunteering abroad on short notice, and what you need to consider.

Interning abroad significantly enhances your resume by demonstrating global cultural intelligence, adaptability, and a proven dedication to social justice. It provides you with real-world case management and legal research experience that differentiates your applications for law school or competitive firm positions. Additionally, you will build an international network of professional mentors and human rights advocates that will serve you throughout your career.

A global internship delivers the concrete outcomes you need to confidently step into your next stage of education and career. You’ll return with unique international work experience that gives you an undeniable edge in interviews, essays, and future applications.

Our participants consistently report gaining:

• core professional skills—including teamwork, communication, and time management developed under real-world pressure
• practical legal expertise in a specific focus area, working alongside qualified professionals
• a deeper global perspective—building intercultural empathy by collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds
• a measurable boost in confidence and resilience by stepping safely outside your comfort zone

These real-world outcomes actively accelerate your personal development, ensuring you return home more capable and clearer about your direction.

“I had the most amazing time in Argentina. I made memories that will last a lifetime. I met people who gave me perspective on my own life and my own direction. I felt inspired and challenged by the work I conducted and it has given me a new insight into my future career. The Human Rights Project is what you make of it and for any of you considering it; I would dive in head first and not look back.”

Aoife F, Human Rights in Argentina

At Projects Abroad, our first aim is to benefit the communities we work in. You can be assured that your internship is ethical and well supported. Here’s just a few elements of our work that set it apart from other internship programs.

Be fully supported by staff

On our human rights and legal volunteer opportunities, you’ll work alongside professionals. You can observe them in their everyday work, ask questions, and hear more about their experiences. You’ll be given tasks that stretch and challenge you, but you’ll be supported to ensure you get real results. This is an incredible opportunity to learn through doing, while being mentored by experts.

Projects that have an impact

All our projects are well researched, targeted, and sustainable. We aim to make a difference to the local community for the long term. Your internship is an opportunity to genuinely make an impact on the lives of others.

I never expected the incredible opportunities that I was about to have while working at the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office (PAHRO). I learned more in my month of interning then I ever could have imagined. It was the first time in my life I felt like I was doing tangible work, and at the same time, I was actually touching the lives of people.

Emily D, Law & Human Rights in South Africa