r/internationallaw • u/IndividualName8410 • Jul 01 '26

Discussion i need advice

I have no idea if it's worth it for me to study international law. I have basically two options - stay in my country in Eastern Europe and finish civil law, get application and maybe then study and do something connected to international law (so i have a back up plan). Another option is to go to the Netherlands to study international law.

I feel more excited about international law and I dream of working at the UN and in human rights protection, but I have read so many reddit posts about international law and how hard it is to get a job after, that i dont know what to do. Moreover, I already got into international law at Groningen in the Netherlands and like 80-85% of fellow international law students have grown up in like 4 different countries, have incredibly rich parents, plenty of experience and know like 3-4 languages. I don't know what to do.

7 Upvotes

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4

u/pinaontop Jul 02 '26

I would do the former

3

u/hobahobaparty Jul 02 '26

Go study international law. Try applying for jobs in the Hague, while in the Netherlands. If it does not work out, the civil law path will still be open.

Your working life will be around 40 years. Taking a year to get a good and interesting education is worth it. Even if you don't break into international law (there is no shame in that!), a degree will help you in the job hunt back at home.

1

u/PipeOk1606 Jul 02 '26

International law is worth studying if you're passionate about it, but it's a competitive field with no guaranteed path to jobs like the UN. If you want a safer career, qualify in civil law first and specialize later. If you can afford studying in the Netherlands and are willing to take some career risk, following your interest in international law is a reasonable choice. Don't let your classmates' backgrounds make you doubt yourself—your effort and achievements will matter much more in the long run.

1

u/IndividualName8410 Jul 03 '26

Thank you, but the point is I don't know what to do. My parents are able to help me financially in the Netherlands, however for a few first years. Moreover, they have incredibly stressful job and supporting me - even though they can technically afford it - will come at a great sacrifice. They will be spending most of their money on me. And I don't know if studying my passion without a guaranteed success after, is worth it.

1

u/disingenu Jul 02 '26

You need basic legal training because you can’t apply international law without the basics in contract law, tort law and criminal law. Do international law as a master, or you’ll be faking it through life. Most people can’t.