Internships Abroad, GRIP Learning to be depended on abroad

October 7, 2024
By Rindha Sudhini

GRIP: University of Minho Law School

I experienced a mix of excitement, curiosity, and early anxiety during my first few days as an intern at the University of Minho Law School. The internship promised autonomy in research—giving me the chance to make decisions and engage deeply with my projects—which I believe it delivered on, as I was able to do a lot of meaningful work over the summer. My primary task was conducting case analysis on international Artificial Intelligence regulation. I was really excited to spend a lot of the summer working on legal analysis, as this was a skill I had honed while enrolled in Penn's Master of Law program. My employer valued the research because it deepened the understanding of comparative law frameworks, and my contributions were expected to influence discussions at the law school.

Living in Braga did present its own challenges, but it was also an incredible learning experience. Although I knew it would be a big adjustment, actually encountering the cultural differences took patience and humility. It reminded me of when I first transferred to Penn—the initial discomfort eventually gave way to growth as I learned to appreciate my surroundings and the connections I formed. This time, I approached the experience with a more open mind, embracing the local community and savoring every aspect of the transition.

One unexpected aspect of the internship was the level of independence I was given from day one. While I had hoped for this kind of autonomy, it felt intimidating at first. With so many moving parts to my research and knowing that professors and students would be relying on my work, I initially felt overwhelmed. However, as I became more comfortable in the environment, I gained confidence in my research abilities and learned to trust my instincts more.

The work culture at the law school was incredibly stimulating. There was a strong sense of collaboration and mutual respect, which made me rethink my preferred working style. I had always believed I thrived in structured environments, but this experience made me realize I enjoyed a balance of independence and teamwork. The mentorship I received was invaluable as well. My mentor and I grew close over the summer, and her advice broadened my perspective on conducting legal research while solidifying my post-grad plans.

Looking back, I am proud of how I integrated into the legal team and took ownership of my project. This internship not only reinforced my interest in legal academia but also helped clarify my professional goals after undergrad.

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The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.