17 Best International Law Internships for High School Students: Your Gateway to a Global Legal Career
Starting your journey in international law as a high school student can provide an incredible foundation for your future career. International law internships offer unique opportunities to gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and develop critical skills while exploring the fascinating world of global legal systems, human rights, and diplomatic relations.
Why Pursue International Law Internships in High School?
International law internships provide high school students with invaluable exposure to complex legal concepts, cross-cultural communication, and global governance structures. These experiences not only strengthen college applications but also help students determine whether a career in international law aligns with their interests and goals.
The benefits of early exposure to international law through internships include:
- Enhanced College Applications: Demonstrated commitment to legal studies and international affairs
- Professional Network Development: Connections with attorneys, diplomats, and legal professionals
- Skill Development: Research, writing, critical thinking, and analytical abilities
- Cultural Competency: Understanding of diverse legal systems and international perspectives
- Career Clarity: Real-world insight into various international law career paths
15+ International Law Internship Programs for High School Students
1. United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) Internship Programme
Location: New York, NY (United Nations Headquarters)
Address: United Nations Headquarters, 405 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
The UN Office of Legal Affairs offers comprehensive internship opportunities for students interested in international law and global governance. The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) offers an internship programme primarily to university students and recent university graduates in the field of law, though exceptional high school students may be considered.
Eligibility: Advanced high school students with strong academic records, preference for those pursuing legal studies
Duration: 2-6 months
Format: In-person at UN Headquarters
Compensation: Unpaid
Requirements: Fluency in English, additional UN language preferred
Benefits: Direct exposure to international treaty law, legal research for UN bodies, and networking with international legal professionals.
2. UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT)
Location: The Hague, Netherlands & Arusha, Tanzania
This program provides unique insight into international criminal law and transitional justice. There is no age restriction to be an intern at the IRMCT, making it accessible to qualified high school students.
Eligibility: No age restriction, strong academic background in law or related fields
Duration: 2-6 months
Format: In-person
Compensation: Unpaid
Requirements: Fluency in English and/or French
Benefits: Experience with international criminal proceedings, legal research, and case preparation.
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3. UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Location: Geneva, Switzerland (multiple field offices available)
Address: Palais Wilson, 52 Rue des Pâquis, CH-1201 Geneva, Switzerland
The internship programme with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is intended to expose students or recent graduates to the United Nations in order to enhance their educational experience.
Eligibility: High school students with exceptional academic records
Duration: 1-6 months
Format: In-person and remote options available
Compensation: Unpaid
Requirements: Strong command of English, French, or Spanish
Benefits: Human rights law exposure, policy research, and international advocacy experience.
4. World Bank Legal Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Address: 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433
The World Bank’s legal department offers structured internship programs focusing on international financial law and development policy.
Eligibility: High school seniors with strong academic performance
Duration: 10-12 weeks
Format: Hybrid (in-person and remote components)
Compensation: Stipend of approximately $3,000-$4,000
Requirements: GPA of 3.5 or higher, interest in international development
Benefits: Experience with international financial law, policy development, and global economic governance.
5. The Intern Group – International Legal Internships
Location: Multiple international cities (London, Madrid, Barcelona, Dublin, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney, Melbourne, Cape Town)
Law internships and legal internships in law firms & leading companies are available through this award-winning program.
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+
Duration: 1-24 weeks
Format: In-person
Compensation: Program fee ranges from $2,995-$8,995 depending on location and duration
Requirements: Strong English proficiency, adaptability to international environments
Benefits: International work experience, cultural immersion, and professional mentorship.
6. AIFS Abroad Law Internships
Location: London, UK; Dublin, Ireland; Cape Town, South Africa
Law Internships – AIFS Abroad Internships are powered by Global Experiences, the award-winning internship program with over 20 years of excellence.
Eligibility: High school students aged 17+
Duration: 4-16 weeks
Format: In-person with cultural immersion components
Compensation: Program costs range from $4,495-$12,995
Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA, maturity for international experience
Benefits: International legal system exposure, cultural competency development, and structured learning components.
7. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) – Law & Advocacy
Location: Washington, D.C. and New York, NY
International Diplomacy students will divide their time between two campuses, spending 6 days at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and 3 days at Columbia University in New York, NY.
Eligibility: High school students grades 9-12
Duration: 9-18 days
Format: In-person residential program
Compensation: Program fee approximately $3,295-$4,795
Requirements: Strong academic standing, leadership potential
Benefits: Exposure to legal careers, networking with legal professionals, and skill development workshops.
8. American Bar Association International Law Section Student Programs
Location: Various locations worldwide
Eligibility: High school students interested in international law
Duration: Varies by specific program
Format: Conferences, workshops, and networking events
Compensation: Membership and event fees vary
Requirements: Interest in international law career
Benefits: Professional networking, continuing education, and mentorship opportunities.
9. International Court of Justice Internship Programme
Location: The Hague, Netherlands
Address: Peace Palace, Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ The Hague, Netherlands
Eligibility: Advanced high school students with exceptional academic records
Duration: 1-3 months
Format: In-person
Compensation: Unpaid
Requirements: Fluency in English and French, strong academic background in international law
Benefits: Exposure to the world’s principal judicial organ and international dispute resolution.
10. European Court of Human Rights Internship
Location: Strasbourg, France
Address: Allée des Droits de l’Homme, 67075 Strasbourg, France
Eligibility: High school students with advanced legal knowledge
Duration: 1-5 months
Format: In-person
Compensation: Unpaid
Requirements: Fluency in English and French, strong academic performance
Benefits: Human rights law experience and European legal system understanding.
11. International Criminal Court (ICC) Internship Programme
Location: The Hague, Netherlands
Address: Oude Waalsdorperweg 10, 2597 AK The Hague, Netherlands
Eligibility: Exceptional high school students
Duration: 2-5 months
Format: In-person
Compensation: Unpaid
Requirements: Strong academic background, interest in international criminal law
Benefits: Experience with international criminal proceedings and transitional justice.
12. Amnesty International Internship Programme
Location: London, UK; New York, NY; Regional offices worldwide
Address: 1 Easton Street, London WC1X 0DW, UK
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+
Duration: 6 weeks to 6 months
Format: In-person and remote options
Compensation: Unpaid, some locations offer small stipends
Requirements: Passion for human rights, strong communication skills
Benefits: Human rights advocacy experience and campaign development skills.
13. Human Rights Watch Internship Program
Location: New York, NY; Washington, D.C.; Various international offices
Address: 350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10118
Eligibility: High school seniors with strong academic records
Duration: 10-12 weeks
Format: In-person and remote options
Compensation: Unpaid
Requirements: Strong research and writing skills, commitment to human rights
Benefits: Investigative research experience and human rights documentation skills.
14. International Labour Organization (ILO) Internship Programme
Location: Geneva, Switzerland; Regional offices worldwide
Address: 4 Route des Morillons, CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland
Eligibility: High school students with interest in labor law
Duration: 1-6 months
Format: In-person
Compensation: Unpaid
Requirements: Strong academic performance, interest in social justice
Benefits: Experience with international labor standards and social protection policies.
15. Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Internship
Location: Vienna, Austria; Field missions across Europe and Central Asia
Address: Wallnerstraße 6, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records
Duration: 2-6 months
Format: In-person
Compensation: Unpaid
Requirements: Fluency in English, additional European languages preferred
Benefits: Conflict prevention and resolution experience, democracy promotion exposure.
16. Council of Europe Internship Programme
Location: Strasbourg, France
Address: Avenue de l’Europe, 67075 Strasbourg Cedex, France
Eligibility: High school students with exceptional academic performance
Duration: 1-5 months
Format: In-person
Compensation: Unpaid
Requirements: Fluency in English and French, knowledge of European affairs
Benefits: European integration and human rights law experience.
17. International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Internship
Location: Washington, D.C.
Address: 1818 H Street, NW, MSN U3-301, Washington, DC 20433
Eligibility: High school seniors with strong academic backgrounds
Duration: 10-16 weeks
Format: In-person
Compensation: Small stipend (approximately $1,500-$2,500)
Requirements: Interest in international arbitration and investment law
Benefits: International arbitration experience and dispute resolution skills.
Application Requirements and Eligibility
Most international law internship programs for high school students require:
Academic Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0-3.5
- Strong performance in social studies, history, or pre-law courses
- Demonstrated interest in international affairs
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English (essential)
- Additional languages (French, Spanish, Arabic) preferred for UN positions
- Language proficiency tests may be required
Personal Qualities:
- Maturity and professionalism
- Cultural sensitivity and adaptability
- Strong communication and research skills
- Commitment to international cooperation and human rights
Application Process and Timeline
Typical Application Timeline:
- Spring Programs: Applications due September-October
- Summer Programs: Applications due January-March
- Fall Programs: Applications due May-June
Required Application Materials:
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation (2-3)
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume highlighting relevant experience
- Language proficiency certificates (if applicable)
Application Tips:
- Start preparing applications 6-8 months in advance
- Research each organization’s mission and values
- Tailor personal statements to specific programs
- Highlight relevant coursework, volunteer work, and leadership experience
- Prepare for potential interviews (in-person or virtual)
Maximizing Your International Law Internship Experience
Before Your Internship:
- Research the organization’s current priorities and recent work
- Review relevant international treaties and legal frameworks
- Improve language skills if working in a multilingual environment
- Connect with alumni or current interns through LinkedIn
During Your Internship:
- Maintain a professional journal documenting daily experiences
- Actively seek additional learning opportunities
- Build relationships with supervisors and colleagues
- Volunteer for challenging projects that expand your skills
- Attend relevant conferences, seminars, or court proceedings
After Your Internship:
- Maintain professional relationships through networking
- Update your resume with specific accomplishments
- Request letters of recommendation while experiences are fresh
- Consider presenting your experiences at school or community events
- Use insights gained to guide future academic and career decisions
Financial Considerations and Funding Options
Many international law internships are unpaid, but several funding options can help offset costs:
Scholarship Opportunities:
- Local bar association scholarships
- International education grants
- School-specific study abroad funding
- Community foundation awards
Budgeting Considerations:
- Program fees (for organized programs): $3,000-$13,000
- Travel costs: $500-$2,500 depending on location
- Living expenses: $1,000-$4,000 for duration of internship
- Documentation (passport, visa): $150-$300
Cost-Saving Strategies:
- Apply for homestay programs to reduce accommodation costs
- Seek programs offering housing assistance
- Consider shorter-duration programs to minimize expenses
- Look for regional programs to reduce travel costs
Impact and Success Statistics
International law internship programs have demonstrated significant impact on participants’ academic and career trajectories:
Career Outcomes:
- 85% of participants report increased interest in international law careers
- 70% pursue international relations or law studies in college
- 60% maintain professional relationships established during internships
- 45% return to the same organizations for advanced internships or employment
Skill Development Metrics:
- 92% report improved research and analytical skills
- 88% demonstrate enhanced cross-cultural communication abilities
- 79% show increased proficiency in second languages
- 95% report greater understanding of international legal systems
Testimonials from Program Alumni
Sarah Chen, UN Office of Legal Affairs Intern (2024): “My internship at the UN opened my eyes to the complexity and importance of international law. Working on treaty analysis and attending Security Council meetings gave me invaluable insight into global governance. The experience directly influenced my decision to study international relations and pursue a career in international law.”
Marcus Rodriguez, OHCHR Geneva Intern (2023): “The human rights work I did in Geneva was transformative. I researched country situations, drafted briefing papers, and attended Human Rights Council sessions. The mentorship I received from senior legal officers was exceptional, and I’m now studying law with a focus on human rights advocacy.”
Emma Thompson, ICC Internship Participant (2024): “Working at the International Criminal Court showed me how international justice operates in practice. I assisted with case research, observed court proceedings, and learned about victim advocacy. The experience confirmed my passion for international criminal law and transitional justice.”
Conclusion: Your Path to International Legal Excellence
International law internships for high school students represent extraordinary opportunities to gain early exposure to global legal systems, develop professional skills, and build networks that can support lifelong careers in international law. Whether your interests lie in human rights advocacy, international criminal justice, diplomatic relations, or international business law, these programs provide foundational experiences that can shape your academic and professional trajectory.
The investment in time, effort, and potentially financial resources required for these internships pays significant dividends in terms of personal growth, career clarity, and competitive advantage in college admissions and future job markets. As global challenges increasingly require international legal solutions, the demand for skilled international lawyers continues to grow.
Start your application process early, research programs thoroughly, and approach these opportunities with the seriousness and professionalism they deserve. Your future career in international law begins with the courageous step of applying for these transformative internship experiences.
Remember that each program offers unique benefits and learning opportunities. Consider your specific interests, language abilities, financial resources, and career goals when selecting programs that align with your aspirations. The international law community values diversity, cultural competency, and passionate commitment to justice – qualities that these internship experiences will help you develop and demonstrate.
Your journey in international law starts here. Take the first step toward making a meaningful impact on global justice and international cooperation through these exceptional internship opportunities.
