I am overwhelmed with pride and gratitude as I take some time to think back on my experience at Robert Gordon University's Grampian Community Law Centre (GCLC). Being an international student from Nigeria, I was nervous and excited about the possibility of doing an internship abroad. But what I have learnt over the 3 months has gone beyond my wildest dreams. Through this internship, I have been able to expand my cultural perspectives and get a deeper grasp of law in practice, which has helped me improve both personally and professionally.

Immersion in the Scottish judicial system was one of the most remarkable features of my internship at GCLC. I originally found the rules and processes in Scotland to be pretty difficult since I come from a place where the legal system is somewhat different. Nonetheless, the GCLC's encouraging atmosphere and the knowledgeable solicitor’s advice made the learning curve tolerable and fruitful.

The Law Centre's commitment to offering the neighbourhood's residents easily accessible legal services really pleased me. By seeing the solicitors' interactions with clients from various backgrounds, I gained insight into the value of cultural awareness, patience, and empathy in the legal profession. These encounters have shown how universal legal concepts are, despite their ability to change to meet the demands of many societies and legal systems.

My practical experience at GCLC was priceless. I was able to work on a range of projects, including helping to prepare case files and doing legal research. This practical experience really helped me close the knowledge gap between the classroom and the actual world. Having drafted legal papers, seen court processes, and attended client meetings, I have developed a sophisticated grasp of the practical applications of legal theory. Another significant aspect of my internship was the opportunity to use the CLIO Management Software for Law firms. This was my first time coming across such a unique platform and I am so proud to state that I can confidently make use of it proficiently.

Aside from the legal work, one of the most fulfilling parts of my internship was getting to know my peers and colleagues on a professional level. It was quite simple for me to fit in with the team at GCLC because of how kind and helpful everyone was. Open communication was encouraged in the collaborative setting, which made it possible for me to express my thoughts, ask questions, and get helpful criticism. In addition to learning how to tackle legal challenges, I also learnt how to explain complicated topics in a way that non-legal people might understand. I will continue to place a strong focus on empathetic, transparent communication in my future legal profession.

I particularly valued the cross-cultural interaction that occurred when I was interned at GCLC because I am an international student. I was able to learn about Scottish customs and culture by interacting with clients and co-workers. I was able to contribute elements of my own culture in exchange, which gave our conversations a special depth. Through the sharing of thoughts and viewpoints, my experience was enhanced and became more than simply a professional ordeal

My self-assurance has increased about my legal knowledge and my ability to adjust to new situations. My past experiences, together with my accomplishments, have equipped me with the resilience and resolve to take on new difficulties head-on.

The significance of social justice in legal practice has been another important lesson learnt from this internship. My conviction that the law is an effective vehicle for change has been strengthened by my work at the GCLC. I have seen the profound effects that having access to legal counsel and representation can have on a person's life, particularly for those who may not otherwise be able to pay for it. My resolve to pursue a career that strikes a balance between my desire to serve the community and achieving professional success has been reinforced by this experience.

In summary, my experience at the GCLC has been a voyage of personal and professional development rather than merely a learning opportunity. As I continue my law studies, I depart with a renewed feeling of purpose, appreciative for the experience and lessons learnt.