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Learn what access to justice looks like in practice
Join the BABSEACLE International Legal Studies Externship in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Working on projects themed justice education and community legal education. Open to law and non-law students.
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Law, in the communities that need it most.
The program offers students from law and non-law backgrounds the chance to take part in projects on justice education and access to justice.
Externs gain in-depth knowledge of BABSEACLE and its partners, the areas we work in, and the legal and non-legal issues behind our projects. You are directly involved in the work, so you see why these initiatives exist and what they achieve. For many externs, it changes the way they see law and the way law and society meet.
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What you will gain
Real working experience in the NGO field, while making a contribution that matters.
Practical legal experience
Support access-to-justice projects and contribute to community legal education in real-world settings.
Cultural exposure
See how legal systems adapt to different cultural contexts, and take part in cultural and wellness activities.
Meaningful impact
Help advance Community Legal Education programs that serve underserved communities.
Networking with our partners
Build connections with partners in the legal sector across Asia and globally who work on access to justice and pro bono.
Your base: Chiang Mai
Set in the mountains of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its cultural depth and history. It is home to the ancient Lanna Kingdom heritage, traditional wooden temples and a rich artistic community.
Outside work, you will be surrounded by scenic countryside and street markets full of local crafts and food. You will also join cultural activities, such as traditional ceremonies, local customs and festivals when available. This gives you a deeper sense of the social context in which law operates, and how cultural values shape Thailand's legal systems.
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Work as part of BABSEACLE team
Team work
Externs are a crucial part of the BABSEACLE team and come from all around the world. You will join projects that build your knowledge of access to justice.
Team building
Projects need you to work well in groups and on your own. The program also includes hikes, jogs and walks, cultural activities, awareness and fundraising events, cooking nights and community teaching projects.
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Hear from previous externs
Students from our earlier groups share what they did, what they learned and how the experience changed their view of law.
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Choose your placement
All placements start on 1 June 2027 in Chiang Mai. The longer you stay, the more activities you join.
1 month
Activities included
- Orientation
- Hike to Pha Lad Temple and visit to Suthep Temple
- Visit to Chiang Mai Provincial Court
- Visit to Chiang Mai University Law Clinic
- Justice-related Community Teaching 1
- Reflective presentation
6 weeks
Activities included
- Orientation
- Hike to Pha Lad Temple and visit to Suthep Temple
- Visit to Chiang Mai Provincial Court
- Visit to Chiang Mai University Law Clinic
- Justice-related Community Teaching 1
- Cooking class
- Reflective presentation
2 months
Activities included
- Orientation
- Hike to Pha Lad Temple and visit to Suthep Temple
- Visit to Chiang Mai Provincial Court
- Visit to Chiang Mai University Law Clinic
- Justice-related Community Teaching 1
- Cooking class
- Visit to the Women’s Correctional Vocational Training Center
- Justice-related Community Teaching 2
- Reflective presentation
Activities depend on the availability of BABSEACLE's partners and its pro bono and access to justice initiatives at the time, so details may change.
What your fee covers
- Volunteer visa: paperwork for a 90-day volunteer visa.
- Transportation: to and from the office, and to out-of-office activities.
- Cultural and wellness activities: experiences organized by BABSEACLE during your stay.
- Training and materials: all resources for your legal work and professional development.
- Supervision and mentorship: ongoing guidance throughout your placement.
- Local support: a local team to assist you during your stay.
- Administration and coordination: all the behind-the-scenes work for a smooth externship.
- Support for justice initiatives: your participation helps sustain our work.
Not included
- Accommodation
- Flight tickets
- Visas
- Transportation (other than listed)
- Food
- Personal incidentals
Ready to make a difference?
Spaces are limited. Register for the June 2027 externship and see access to justice at work.