A distinctive feature of a Christian law school is its commitment to upholding Christian values. While many individuals attend law schools with the aim of attaining power, wealth, and a prestigious reputation, the ethos of a Christian law school sets it apart.
This article summarizes why I went to Handong International Law School (HILS) and the lessons I learned after graduation.
In spite of the significant adjustments and cultural hurdles associated with international migration, my academic journey in a foreign land was truly enriching.
Discovering the steps I undertook and the strategies I employed to attain my objectives is a fascinating tale.
While every educational institution articulates its mission, vision, and purpose, the true measure of its success lies in its execution.
Institutions consistently strive for enhancement, but certain universities stand out for their accomplished track records.
Why is Handong International law scool unique?
Among these distinguished establishments is HILS, a Christian law school that has garnered an exceptional reputation throughout South Korea. It stands as a beacon of excellence, renowned for producing a cadre of polished legal professionals, several of whom hold recognition and licensure from various state BAR associations in the United States.
The academic curriculum doesn’t merely revolve around shaping lawyers; it is meticulously designed to cultivate future legal luminaries who embody qualities of integrity and virtue, serving as representatives of divine principles on Earth.
Sarah in Classroom
HILS stood out as my top preference when I embarked on my university search, and I was overjoyed to secure admission.
Despite the fact that my acceptance arrived after my second application attempt, I have no reservations about dedicating two years to nurturing my spiritual growth within my academic and personal pursuits.
During the orientation day, as we reveled in the excitement of receiving HILS souvenirs and the anticipation of embarking on a fresh academic endeavor, we were gently reminded of the significance of integrating godly values into our legal careers.
The Dean of the Law Faculty and other esteemed professors from the Law School conveyed their insights through brief speeches, offering us a glimpse of what to anticipate and how to prepare.
Reflecting on this experience now, I see it as a journey that commenced with elation and culminated in a sense of profound fulfillment.
Reasons why I went to a Christian law school
My aspiration to attend law school took root at the age of 12. As time passed, my certainty grew that I wouldn’t ultimately become a practising lawyer following my Bachelor’s degree.
However, my fervor for forging a path in the field of law remained unwavering. It extended beyond a mere occupation – it was a profound vocation.
An innate determination to denounce injustice fueled me, and I recognized that the most effective avenue for advocacy lay in the practice of law.
Having completed two master’s degrees in International Law – one from a government institution (University of Yaounde II) and another from a Christian university (The Protestant University for Central Africa) – my quest for a law school abroad was driven by a desire to further nurture my faith.
I held the firm belief that my chosen academic path should coincide with an environment conducive to the growth of my spirituality. It was crucial for me to find a setting where I could openly discuss and engage with matters related to Christ.
Outlined below are the expectations that guided my search.
1. To join my faith with my studies
Upon immersing myself in the pages of the Bible and delving into the stories of faith-driven figures such as Daniel (Daniel 1-9) and Apostle Paul (Acts 22:3), a profound realization dawned on me: it was indeed feasible to ardently serve God while pursuing a fulfilling career.
The conviction grew stronger that my life could be a harmonious fusion, with every talent and gift harnessed to magnify the glory of God.
Consequently, my primary aspiration was to connect with individuals who shared this perspective – those whose career aspirations transcended mere financial gain to embrace the noble pursuit of preserving and enriching lives.
Simultaneously, my yearning extended to finding a sanctuary where my musical worship could flourish even within the realm of academia. Having devoted years to expressing my love for God through participation in church praise teams, I was elated to discover that the law school boasted its very own praise team.
Without a doubt, I eagerly joined this musical assembly, and with each gospel song I sang, a profound sense of fulfillment enveloped me.
2. To improve my skills using a Christian law school perspective
Legal education is widely acknowledged as intricate across various countries. Lawyers are commonly regarded as sharp-minded individuals who excel in quick thinking and analysis.
While my Bachelor’s degree could have paved the way for membership in the Cameroon BAR association, I had made a resolute decision not to pursue a career as a litigator. I was acutely aware that certain types of cases would compel me to compromise my integrity.
I had long discerned my true calling – to be a legal advocate through the written word, particularly concerning refugee rights. This definitive choice significantly influenced my selection of courses, aligning them with this distinct path.
My anticipation was centered on honing my practical research skills to transform into a more proficient writer, enriched by a Christian perspective.
Sarah at the law faculty library and campus
3. To build a strong community
In a lighthearted manner, I often jest with my friends and family, claiming that if I were meant to fulfill my purpose alone, God would have crafted only me.
While this statement generally brings smiles to their faces, it serves as a personal reminder that I’m intended to exist within a community.
There’s no doubt in my mind that attending this law school provided a natural and accessible platform to connect with fellow Christian legal professionals and establish new friendships. I eagerly looked forward to immersing myself in diverse cultures and openly sharing my own.
As I contemplate the day of my graduation, I can confidently affirm that opting for a Christian law school has proven to be the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made.
What I learned after Law school
The question in your mind now is, did I accomplish those goals? I can boldly say I didn’t in all aspects, but I learned more things than I had anticipated.
1. You can practice your faith anywhere
The initial reason that brought me immense satisfaction was the unfettered ability to openly practice my Christian faith. I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom, completely at ease discussing God with anyone, irrespective of the timing.
The privilege of engaging in “family group” discussions with our professors frequently arose, providing a platform to express our viewpoints on Scripture.
Every Friday marked a cherished tradition within the law school department – a collective session known as Christianity and Law (CnL). During these enlightening lectures, the Faculty Dean expounded upon numerous biblical truths intertwined with the legal realm.
Following this instructive class, students convened in smaller groups led by specific professors.
What is the family group?
Initially, all students, spanning Juris Doctor Levels 1, 2, and 3, as well as Master’s students like myself, are divided into groups numbering in the dozens or more. This arrangement persists for a year. These private group gatherings take place in designated spots within the faculty, fostering an environment where students can openly exchange their insights on the Dean’s lectures with their respective professors.
This setup also served as a wonderful avenue for students to engage with their professors on a personal level.
The professor often posed general questions and exhibited genuine concern for the welfare of each student.
These familial discussions endured for an hour, creating an atmosphere of enjoyment and camaraderie where we could converse about matters of faith without apprehension. I found immense delight in every Friday due to these interactions.
On occasion, as a united group, we ventured out for lunch with the professor, city-nature tours, with their spouses, and their children, sometimes in their absences.
Sarah and family group friends
There always appeared to be an accessible moment to offer Biblical encouragement to someone.
While I often chose to dine alone due to financial reasons, it was not uncommon to observe groups of friends or classmates sharing meals at the university cafeteria.
My first year with Deal Lee’s group was awesome, while Prof. Murdock’s group in the second year was full of lots of activities.
I really miss those kind professors. We celebrated both the Professor and students’birthdays and special events as a team with a cake, snacks and drinks.
Law school clubs
There were various clubs within the faculty that students could join, providing equal opportunities for engagement.
For instance, I was a member of the “Hilsian” journalism group, where we were tasked with covering faculty events through written articles. These pieces were collected and published in the Hilsian newspaper, fostering a sense of belonging among fellow writers and enabling the exchange of creative writing concepts.
Likewise, I participated in the Law and Development Club, which involved journeys to Southeast Asian nations to interact with Korean missionaries and contribute to development initiatives.
During these trips, we also had the chance to visit legal institutions, participate in law conferences held by universities and national institutes, and engage in conversations with local lawyers. Professors actively supported students in each club, creating an additional avenue for building relationships and connecting with them on an approachable level.
Overall, a significant number of professors at HILS were easily accessible and consistently encouraging. They readily extended prayers and assistance to students whenever the need arose. Their welcoming demeanor was reflected in their open-door policy, inviting students to seek guidance and counseling.
I highly appreciate the generosity displayed by many of these professors, even beyond the confines of our time at the institution.
HILS Praise Team
Participating in the praise team stands out as one of my most gratifying experiences.
I found immense joy in lending my voice to the Friday CnL lectures or Tuesday devotions.
A distinctive feature of HILS was the pre-midday devotion sessions every Tuesday, where not only the Dean but also other law professors shared the gospel. Each of these gatherings commenced with brief prayers and uplifting praise moments.
Given the abundance of skilled musicians and instrumentalists within the praise team, we operated on a rotational basis over the course of weeks. Our repertoire encompassed a blend of hymns and predominantly popular contemporary gospel songs.
Personally, I held a special fondness for the songs by Chris Tomlin and Hillsong United that we performed. A wide grin naturally adorned my face when we concluded classes by singing the HILS anthem together.
2. Don’t expect the university alone to find career opportunities
Regarding the second aspect, my academic journey provided me with a solid theoretical foundation in law. HILS was meticulous in guiding me towards selecting courses aligned with my interest in refugee rights and international law.
Throughout this academic pursuit, I was fortunate to collaborate closely with experienced professors, whose mentorship extended to supervising my thesis.
Furthermore, the law school orchestrated workshops on significant global occasions such as “Refugee Day.”
These events served as platforms to engage with refugees in Korea, allowing them to candidly share their personal narratives. As someone deeply interested in this field, the opportunity to directly interact with these individuals and listen to their stories in person was truly invaluable.
However, I encountered limitations in translating my theoretical knowledge into practical experience. As one of only two Master’s students, the law school faced challenges in arranging extended internships that would facilitate hands-on practice.
My initial aspiration was to intern at a refugee-focused organization while concurrently working on my thesis, but the logistics of achieving this balance for a duration of six months proved unfeasible.
Why was I disappointed?
1. Organizations were unwilling to hire a foreign intern
This stands out as the most challenging phase of my law school journey.
Given my non-aspiration to pursue a career as a practicing lawyer, the quest to secure a suitable internship organization proved to be an arduous task. Despite protracted searches, the career office eventually facilitated a connection with a Korean refugee rights organization situated in Seoul.
Regrettably, the opportunity granted was limited to a mere two weeks, involving tasks of minimal scope.
The landscape of refugee rights promotion and safeguarding posed intricate challenges within the context of Korea, primarily stemming from the influx of refugees in 2018. The diversity of perspectives among Koreans regarding the appropriate response added an additional layer of complexity.
Consequently, identifying an organization that was amenable to accepting interns was far from straightforward.
During this abbreviated work stint, I was exposed to the persisting refugee-related issues and gained insights into the combined efforts of both governmental bodies and select private organizations to address the unpredictable nature of the crisis.
2. My lack of Korean language skills
An additional unfortunate reality, for which I don’t entirely fault the school, was my limited proficiency in the Korean language.
Naturally, every intern was required to possess a high degree of competence in speaking, writing, and comprehending Korean. My proficiency level fell short of this requirement. Although I had attained TOPIK Level 3 certification, I found myself unable to effectively contribute.
This language barrier constituted my most significant constraint, and it stands as my most noteworthy piece of advice. I would strongly advise against enrolling in a law school or any educational institution in Korea unless there’s a firm or company connection in place for practical experience.
Simultaneously, prioritizing the acquisition and practice of the Korean language is crucial if the intention is to work in the country.
Theoretical studies devoid of practical application indeed carry limited value.
What did I do?
Conversely, I strongly recommend taking a proactive approach.
Upon recognizing the challenges I faced in securing a practice opportunity, despite submitting numerous applications to both domestic and international human rights organizations, I decided to broaden my horizons.
I initiated a search abroad and successfully secured a volunteer role at an international refugee rights organization called Sameskies, situated in Malaysia.
This led me to travel to Malaysia and engage in work on-site for a few weeks, followed by an extended period of remote work spanning over a year.
3. Some people consider friendships only during law school
In my concluding reflection, I encountered numerous students who engaged in fellowship primarily as per the school’s requirements.
For many, the willingness to sustain these connections after graduation seemed limited. I attribute this phenomenon to cultural disparities, where some individuals, particularly Koreans, tend to gravitate towards spending time within their own circle and conversing in their native language.
Navigating conversations with them posed challenges at times, despite the faculty’s directive to adhere to an English-only principle.
The substantial language barrier hindered meaningful interactions, and it became evident that some were less receptive to forging connections with foreigners.
Conversely, one facet that stood out to me was the faculty’s deliberate efforts to foster unity among students and professors. These initiatives resonated with intentionality and held a unique significance. The establishment of family groups, aligning students with their professors, was a notable example.
Furthermore, the faculty orchestrated a series of special events, providing occasions for both students and professors to celebrate collectively.
What is the Teachers’ Day event?
As an illustration, one distinctive event that epitomized the law school unity was the “Teachers Day” celebration.
During this occasion, each family group was tasked with crafting presentations, ranging from songs to dances, as tokens of appreciation for their family professors.
These evenings were infused with joy and mirth, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie.
The professors, often taken aback by the delightful surprises their respective groups had orchestrated, couldn’t help but revel in the heartwarming gestures.
Beyond the surface, these gatherings served as bridges of connection and opportunities for mutual appreciation, acknowledging the unwavering dedication of the professors.
In 2017, we devised a creative surprise for our professor – a song. We customized it by altering the lyrics to incorporate his name. While maintaining the original melody, we artfully depicted our group activities through the modified lyrics.
The heartfelt effort left a lasting impression on me, and I was equally delighted when fellow group members shared their involvement in the endeavor.
When the moment arrived to unveil our heartfelt composition, our professor’s face lit up with a joyful smile.
As tradition dictated, the law school’s expansive commencement theater resonated with resounding applause, echoing the enthusiasm and appreciation of all family groups present.
HILS banquet
Of all the experiences, the annual banquets held a special place in my heart. These gatherings marked the culmination of each year with a grand joint faculty dinner, hosted at exquisite venues.
The atmosphere was elegantly festive, as attendees donned formal attire and converged to dine and share in fellowship.
Set against the backdrop of impending graduation, these banquets assumed the dual role of a farewell occasion and a day of gratitude.
It was a beautiful fusion of bidding adieu to one chapter while expressing gratitude for the journey that had led us to that moment.
In those cherished moments, we united in prayer and captured lasting memories through photographs with both our dear friends and esteemed professors.
Simultaneously, it served as a time of collective prayers, binding our hearts and aspirations in a shared spiritual communion.
Amidst the fellowship, the banquet offered a sumptuous feast, providing an opportunity to indulge in delectable cuisine while engaging in lively conversations.
Bible Study meetings
An equally remarkable aspect that I must not overlook is the Bible study group discussions. Some of the professors’ wives generously opened their homes to us students, creating an inviting space for our gatherings.
They designated a specific day and time, allowing us to convene and engage in Bible discussions in a manner reminiscent of conversing with our own mothers.
These sessions often came complete with home-cooked meals or delectable baked treats, further enhancing the welcoming atmosphere.
Beyond the spiritual enrichment, these occasions became platforms for forging connections with fellow students on multiple levels.
Through the lens of shared biblical exploration, we bonded and shared our insights, creating moments that I wholeheartedly cherished.
At times, our gatherings took on a more relaxed tone as well, with sessions dedicated to watching Christian movies.
I fondly recall instances when we viewed films like “War Room” and inspiring movies that championed courage and faith.
Beyond this, we embraced the opportunity to commemorate significant milestones together, such as birthdays, fostering a sense of unity and friendship that extended beyond the academic realm.
HILS Sports Day
One of my most unforgettable memories intertwined with the entire faculty was the sports day event.
On this day, both students and professors congregated at the university’s sports facilities to engage in various friendly competitions.
Sports day was a harmonious blend of skills and interests, catering to a diverse range of preferences.
Whether it was basketball, football, or running, there was an open invitation for all to participate. Personally, I relished the opportunity to play basketball, even if running wasn’t exactly my forte.
The event reflects equality and friendship. It’s a time of laughter, and the joy of learning new games. Amidst the friendly competition, the emphasis is on nurturing our mental well-being and physical health.
Furthermore, the vibrant spirit of HILS extended beyond the confines of the campus. Some Saturdays witnessed the formation of student groups that embarked on picnics, city tours, or simply moments of relaxation. There was an undeniable energy driving us towards active engagement, ensuring that there was always something enjoyable to partake in.
While I could never fully capture all the valuable lessons I gained during my time at HILS, one thing is clear: the benefits far outweighed any drawbacks.
Law school graduation ceremony
My graduation day was a source of profound happiness. I felt a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that I had followed God’s calling for my life. The wealth of knowledge I had acquired surpassed even my own expectations.
Walking in my graduation robe, a smile gracing my face, I carried an overwhelming gratitude to God for granting me the privilege to be a part of Handong International Law School. The memories I had made and the people I had met held a special place in my heart.
The span of two years felt incredibly brief, and I find myself yearning to embark on another educational journey.
As I sat down to dine with friends, family, the esteemed law faculty, and my fellow course mates, a profound emotion welled up within me. Almost teary-eyed, I recognized that it marked the conclusion of one significant journey while heralding the commencement of another.
Looking around the table, I couldn’t help but reflect on the experiences that had led me to this point.
Without a doubt, my time at HILS has illuminated my academic path like no other, making it the pinnacle of my entire career journey
Thank you, HILS, for everything.
Above all, I remain grateful to God for directing my career. I am using my knowledge as an online Refugee Rights Correspondent. Thank you, HILS.
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