For Ellen Park '26 and Aniq Chunara '26, spending a semester in The Hague, Netherlands, was more than an ordinary academic experience, it was a transformative immersion into the hub of international justice.

The pair participated in UCLA Law in The Hague, a semester-long externship program through The Promise Institute Europe, that places students in full-time positions at prestigious international organizations in The Hague. During these externships, students also complete a two-credit course taught by Kate Mackintosh, executive director of The Promise Institute Europe, who has worked in human rights, international criminal justice and civilian protection for three decades.

“I love teaching this class and seeing the huge impact it has on our students,” says Mackintosh. “Their experience in The Hague, combined with our study trip to Geneva, introduces them to a world of international legal practice that broadens their sense of what’s possible in their future careers."

The three-day Geneva study trip that offers students a unique opportunity to visit the United Nations and other international organizations is a highlight of the program. During the trip, students meet legal professionals from various international institutions and observe the UN Human Rights Council and other bodies in action.

While the Geneva trip provides valuable exposure to international law in practice, externships give students first-hand professional experience.

For her externship, Park, who is a Double Bruin, worked at the Registry of an International Tribunal, serving as in-house counsel for the court.

“I joined The Hague program because I believe it’s important for us to stay engaged with the international legal community,” Park says. “International law can promote accountability and greater justice and, as legal scholars, we have a duty to learn from the wealth of history and information available to guide our future as a nation. The Hague program is a unique opportunity to join before students even graduate, and to gain hands-on experience with the support of UCLA."

Chunara spent his externship at the International Court of Justice, where he supported research on international sovereignty issues and assisted with hearing preparations for high-profile proceedings.

"I joined the program because I wanted to witness firsthand how international courts function, contribute to meaningful legal work, and explore how different legal traditions collaborate and clash on the world stage," Chunara says.

As global challenges increasingly require international legal solutions, the UCLA Law in The Hague program represents more than a study abroad opportunity, it's a gateway for the next generation of leaders to help shape the future of international justice while still in law school.

“The UCLA Law in The Hague program is a rare and transformative opportunity that offers students unparalleled exposure to international law in action,” Chunara says. “If you’re curious about how international law is shaped and applied or want to grow as a lawyer beyond the borders of the U.S., I can't imagine a better opportunity.”

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