Aniq
Meet Aniq Chunara '26 who gained valuable experience in international law through the UCLA Law in the Hague program through UCLA Law The Promise Institute Europe. Learn more about Aniq's journey below. ⬇️
What drew you to law school, and specifically to UCLA Law?
"I came to law school with the goal of serving as a bridge between communities, legal systems, and institutions. Growing up in a small Texas town with immigrant parents, I was drawn to the ways legal frameworks shape opportunity, justice, and reform. I chose UCLA Law because of its strong emphasis on public service, its international and comparative law programs, and the vibrant, diverse student community that welcomed me from the start."
What made you decide to join the UCLA Law in The Hague program?
"I joined the UCLA Law in The Hague program because I wanted more than just a classroom understanding of international law. I wanted to see how international law lives and breathes in the real world. The Hague, specifically the International Court of Justice sits at the intersection of legal tradition, human rights, and diplomacy, and working there gave me a rare opportunity to engage with law not just as a tool for justice, but as a living system shaped by competing values, histories, and political realities. Joining The Hague program was a reminder of why I came to law school in the first place: to help bridge the distance between global legal frameworks and their real-world impact in thoughtful, tangible ways."
Tell us about your work and experience while in the UCLA Law in The Hague program. What did your work focus on?
"I worked at the International Court of Justice under Deputy-Registrar Monsieur Jean-Pelé Fomété, where I supported research on issues involving international sovereignty, the Judicial Fellows Program, and the administration of various hearings. My work involved analyzing prior ICJ jurisprudence, assisting with the coordination and execution of key proceedings, and contributing to internal research projects. It was a powerful learning experience that strengthened both my research skills and my understanding of how public international law is practiced at the highest level."
Would you recommend the UCLA Law in The Hague program to other students, and if so, what would you say?
"Absolutely! The UCLA Law in The Hague program is a rare and transformative experience, one that offers more than just academic insight. It immerses you in the realities of international legal practice, challenges you to think across borders, and gives you a front-line view of how law functions at the global level. If you’re serious about international law, or even just curious about how global systems work in practice, I can't imagine a better opportunity!"
Learn more about the externship program:
https://law.ucla.edu/news/ucla-law-hague-offers-students-hands-international-law-experience