Embarking on my internship journey in Paris, France, I delved deep into substantive legal work while immersing myself in the unique cultural rhythm of the country. From undertaking significant research on refugee asylum and child rights to collaborating on developing an app script to simplify the asylum process for child refugees, every aspect of my experience shaped my aspirations as an aspiring law student. 

Me on my commute to the office! I loved being able to walk to work because it created a routine for me. Doing so made me feel much more organized and immersed in the culture around me. I loved seeing the same people getting their coffee or croissants on their way to work each morning! It felt like I had become part of the community. 

To accompany my research into legal standings on immigration, human rights, and child refugees, I started to take notice of the political stances that were being made around Paris. I noticed this statement written on a wall right by the Sacre Coeur. My work at my internship had made my political knowledge more keen. I loved seeing how my personality and opinions were shaped through my vital work–this was something I got to bring home with me and will never be taken away! 

One of the most impactful aspects of my internship was the opportunity to work closely with a federal French asylum judge, dedicating 8-10 hours weekly to intensive research. My responsibilities involved analyzing current events and developments from the United Nations and European Union, synthesizing legal documents, and crafting summaries under the guidance of my supervisor.  

I am researching issues covered by the United Nations, the European Union, and reputable news sources! I always checked their websites during the week to ensure I didn’t miss any new developments. 

As I became more invested in the European political scene, I paid attention to the exhibits opening each weekend in hopes of finding one that aligned with my interests. One of the ones I found was featuring documents and stories from the women’s suffrage and feminist movement in France! I loved expanding my political knowledge and identifying differences between French and American cultures and social movements. It was a unique learning opportunity I could only get by spending extensive time out of the country! 

This research demanded attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality content that would inform and engage our audience. Moreover, actively contributing to our organization's online presence by sharing excerpts of my work across social media platforms enhanced my communication skills and amplified the impact of our efforts. 

One of my favorite opportunities from my internship was attending a presentation speaking on refuge and immigration in the Americas, Africa, and Europe. I attended it with my two coworkers, and we grabbed coffee afterward and debriefed what we had learned. It was an amazing experience to hear from a panel of experts on a topic close to my organization. 

I also expanded my learning by buying books at English-language bookshops around Paris. I loved to find different nonfiction books that were relevant to the work I was doing in Paris. I stayed invested in the political topics I was interested in and applied them to the culture I was experiencing! It was the perfect way to pass the time while I was traveling! 

Collaborating with my peers on developing an app script for child refugees further reinforced the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Working alongside two other aspiring law students, we navigated the intricacies of the asylum process, translating legal language into a simplified format accessible to children. From creating flow charts to crafting scripts with interactive elements, such as videos and questions, our collaborative efforts aimed to make the daunting asylum process more understandable and engaging for its young recipients. This project gave purpose to our work and reaffirmed our commitment to advocating for justice and equality. 

I would meet up with my two coworkers each week and work on the script for the app we were helping Kids Empowerment develop. We would meet for tea or coffee and work on translating different videos and making a flow chart for the asylum process. This work is what is pictured here! 

I went to lunch with the two girls I worked with every workday! We became fast friends and loved talking about our different projects, our lives in the States, and what interested us in a law path! I looked forward to a lunch break full of giggles and good conversation every day. I was doing work I cared about with the most amazing people: a rare and incredible experience. 

With all the traveling I was doing each weekend, I had a lot of time to reflect. I could also do some of my internship work virtually, so I would extend my weekends and work in different cities! I loved to sit outside and think about the new topics that came about at work and then reflect on them by journaling. I was working with dense topics and political issues, so reflection and downtime were important to prioritize! 

Reflecting on my internship experience, I am grateful for the mentorship and guidance from the federal judge, whose insights into refugee asylum and child rights deepened my understanding of these complex issues. Armed with a diverse skill set and a profound appreciation for the interplay between law, culture, and society, I am eager to embark on the next phase of my journey—law school. I am confident I can affect meaningful change in the legal profession and beyond through collaboration, cultural immersion, and a steadfast commitment to justice. 

This post was written by Layne Diffley, a CEA CAPA Spring 24' Alumni Ambassador from Belmont Abbey College and interned in Paris, France.