Looking to boost your resume and explore how law is practiced around the world? See how Abigaelle, from Howard University, gained real-world experience during her Legal Practice internship in South Afric. Her time abroad not only deepened her understanding of international law—it also helped her develop the skills she uses today.
Hi Abigaelle! What can you tell us about your internship?
As a Legal Practice intern in a NGO that focused on human rights and youth empowerment, I supported research and community outreach initiatives focused on access to justice, human rights, and legal education in underserved communities.
Besides this, I assisted in organizing community dialogue sessions and workshops aimed at raising legal awareness and promoting civic engagement. I also collaborated with staff on the development of multilingual educational materials to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for diverse audiences.
When I first arrived in Cape Town, to commence my Legal Practice internship, I expected my role to be more structured and task-oriented—focused - mainly on completing assignments and observing how the organization operates. However, as I developed familiarity and context, I realized that my role was much more dynamic and relationship-based than I anticipated. Building trust with team members, understanding the cultural nuances of the communities we serve, and learning to adapt to a more fluid work environment, was all central to my experience.
Did you have to overcome any challenges?
One unexpected situation I encountered at my internship placement was being asked to help facilitate a community dialogue event with very little notice. Initially, I assumed my role would be mostly behind-the-scenes - helping with logistics and observation - so being asked to step into a more visible and interactive role challenged my expectations. I was nervous, unsure if I had the cultural knowledge or credibility to engage meaningfully in that space.
However, I leaned into the challenge by preparing quickly, asking questions, and observing how others led with sensitivity and respect. When the event started, I found that my ability to listen actively, communicate clearly, and bring a different perspective helped bridge small gaps between participants from different backgrounds. What surprised me most was that some attendees approached me afterward to thank me for creating a welcoming atmosphere and helping them feel heard.
This situation shifted my view of what I was capable of and reminded me that sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone leads to the most powerful learning. It also taught me that cultural competence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being present, adaptable, and genuinely respectful of others’ experiences.
How did this internship impact your professional development?
After completing my Legal Practice internship in South Africa, I felt a deeper appreciation for my own culture and lifestyle, especially in terms of the resilience and strength that communities demonstrate despite many challenges.
The most significant change was my increased awareness of how interconnected social, economic, and political factors shape people’s experiences and opportunities. This understanding has made me more empathetic and motivated to contribute positively to my community and beyond. I now see my own culture not just as a background, but as a source of identity and power that can be harnessed to advocate for justice and positive change.
This internship abroad also played a significant role in helping me work towards my long-term goal of becoming a military lawyer. Being in a new country and working in a culturally diverse environment has strengthened my adaptability, cross-cultural communication, deep listening abilities and problem-solving skills - all of which are critical in the legal field, especially within the military, where service members often operate across borders and within multicultural teams.
One specific skill I’ve gained was learning how to navigate sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism, especially when working with individuals from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Legal Practice internship sharpened my ability to conduct research, analyze policy impacts on real communities, and communicate clearly across multiple platforms - skills that are foundational to legal advocacy and public service. It has also reminded me of the importance of humility, continuous learning, and building trust with the people I serve - values I plan to carry throughout my legal and military career.
How has your internship influenced what you’d like to do next?
After this internship, I feel more empowered to be successful in my field because I gained practical experience and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within social justice and human rights work.
Working directly with communities and seeing the impact of advocacy efforts has strengthened my confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully. I gained confidence in advocacy and developed strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that will benefit my future career
After completing this internship, I am motivated to continue progressing both personally and professionally by deepening my knowledge and skills in human rights advocacy and social justice. In the long term, I plan to pursue further education - such as advanced coursework or certifications - that will strengthen my legal and policy analysis abilities. Additionally, I aim to build and maintain strong professional networks with mentors and peers who inspire growth and collaboration.
Personally, I will continue developing my communication and leadership skills to be an effective advocate and change-maker. Overall, this internship was a valuable step forward on my journey, and I am committed to sustained learning and impactful action.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
My advice for someone starting an internship in a culturally diverse setting would be to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Be curious about different customs, values, and communication styles, and don’t be afraid to ask respectful questions when you’re unsure.
It’s important to practice active listening and observe carefully how people interact before jumping in. This helps you adapt your behavior in a way that’s respectful and effective. Also, be patient with yourself and others; cultural competence is a skill that develops over time through experience and reflection.
One major shift in my expectations was recognizing that learning doesn’t only happen through formal tasks. It often happens through conversations, cultural observations, and moments of collaboration. I’ve also learned that asking questions and showing genuine curiosity is not a sign of weakness, but a strength that helps build cultural competence and confidence.
If I could give advice to myself or others starting out, I would say: be patient, stay open, and release the need for everything to feel familiar or comfortable right away. Growth happens in the in-between moments, and the more you embrace discomfort as part of the process, the more impactful and rewarding your experience will be.
Lastly, embrace humility. Recognize that you’re a guest in a new environment, and your role is to support and learn from the community, not to impose your own ways. Building genuine relationships and showing respect go a long way toward making your internship rewarding and impactful.
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