After the big trip...
Replies: 7 - Last Post: Oct 21, 2012 11:20 PM Last Post By: waxybrushes
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After the big trip...
Hi all,I intend to travel around for about 8 months. I will travel through South America, learning Spanish on the way, among other things. Then (possibly) Australia, and finally I will go to Asia, to end up in China to learn Mandarin.
I have been entertaining the idea for some time to work abroad in the field which I have studied for, if only for a year or so. I prefer to work in a European country, since I'm from Europe myself, but I like to keep my options open.
Now, the problem is that I have studied law here, and I don't know what my chances are abroad with that education, or what country would have more favorable opportunities for me. I've been thinking about doing law volunteer work somewhere (volunteer at a law firm, or helping with human rights) to increase my chances, although I don't know if doing volunteer work really is such a plus on my CV.
Any tips or advice about where to look for jobs, or opportunities are greatly appreciated.
Btw, only my Dutch and Engelish are on a good enough level to work with, although I'm willing to learn a new language, as my itinerary shows ;)
Edited by: frozen_fruitcake
Edited by: frozen_fruitcake
1
I would have thought you would realize that the law is different in every country. Therefore a law degree obtained in a given country is only relevant to that country. For example, assuming you have a law degree from a Netherlands unversity, you would have to start all over and obtain a degree in the USA to practice law in that country. A lawyer from one state in the USA cannot even practice law in another state without passing the local bar exam to do so.So in a sense, your law degree is worthless in any other country unless they want a lawyer to deal with the laws of your home country. So for example, if you lived in the US and provided consultation to potential immigrants to the Netherlands, it would make sense. Assuming of course you were up to date on the Netherlands immigration laws. Whether there is a need for such or not is of course another question.
2
Yes, although I´m painfully aware of that, I really don´t think a job abroad is out of the question for me altogether. I have a vocational degree, not one from a university, and my education has been a broad one, covering more areas of the law, one of which is international laws.So yes, the fact that I chose law may complicate things, I will not give it up that easy
3
I don't think you should entertain any notion that this 8 month trip of yours is going to give you some sort of language proficiency that will be useful for business. It won't. I am a former translator and if you want to make use of a language in a job you need business proficiency and that will take years especially for a language like Chinese.I don't think trying to work in another country at this level is a good idea. The opportunities simply won't be there for you as someone with no work experience. If you want to work in another country, take the usual route. Get a job at an international firm in your country. Then build up your experience and apply for a transfer somewhere. I know a few attorneys who have done this and they are doing very well. But you need to put in the time to do this. Good luck.
5
As I read I was thinking what 1 and 3 above wrote. Travelling around South America is no way to learn Spanish.. Law usually gives people good critical thinking skills, but as for specific jobs - well its country defined. You might have the skills to get an job in an international company, or a job which deals with international issues, but that will probably happen in your own country.6
2 comments. First, I'm lost on this idea that volunteering would be a bad thing for your CV and that your CV is so far more important than you as a person that if it can't enhance your CV, you shouldn't do it.Second, I disagree with the person above. It takes 6 months to become fluent in a language if you go to the country and immerse yourself. To learn technical terms for a trade will take longer, but certainly not "years". It all depends on how you go about doing it and how much dedication you put into it. If you're Dutch, I find it strange that you're only proficient in 2 languages.
7
OP, if you do pro bono work/consulting that would be an asset to your CV, particularly if you produce some results.Re. using a law degree abroad, some have found it useful for teaching positions in China, others have a practice/consultancy related to laws in their home country. http://www.chinalawblog.com/ may be of interest to you in general.
Best of luck with your ambitions and travels.
