ISAIL is a broad exchange program which includes bilateral academic and cultural exchanges between chapters of different countries; book donation projects and information exchanges; the Jessup Sister Program; student liaisons; and computerized information exchanges through the ILSA-list and ILSA’s World Wide Web site (http://www.kentlaw.edu/ilsa). The ISAIL program is a professional and cultural exchange. It is an integral part of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, where liaisons and Jessup Sister Schools assist members of Jessup teams from approximately sixty countries. The ISAIL program is also an integral part of ILSA’s Career Development Program which collects and disseminates information about internships worldwide and summer study programs at other schools. Ultimately, the purpose of the ISAIL program is to promote international cooperation and understanding among the world’s legal systems.
The work exchange component of the ISAIL program is designed specifically for law students and is structured on the basis of reciprocity. To participate an ILSA chapter must secure a paid legal Traineeship in its community. The work exchanges, or Traineeships, are then matched with applicants and Trainees from other nations. Upon securing a Traineeship, each qualifying member of that ILSA chapter may apply for a Traineeship abroad. The total number of Traineeships offered each ILSA chapter will vary depending upon the qualifications of that chapter’s applicants applying for foreign Traineeships.
Under the ISAIL program, a Traineeship differs from an Internship in several ways. Internships are non-paying, or nominal, legal positions offering a general learning experience. In contract, a Traineeship must cover at least costs of living and must be an intensive training activity in the student’s particular area of interest in international law. Traineeships are also much more competitive. Internships do not satisfy the requirements of eligibility for the reciprocity aspects of the ISAIL program.
ISAIL is a year-round program, although most Traineeships will take place during the summer months. Some Traineeships will be available during the fall or spring semester to accommodate students from countries with different academic schedules or those who cannot accept a Traineeship during the summer for other reasons, and many domestic legal practitioners offer Traineeships throughout the year to accommodate their firm’s needs.
To participate in the ISAIL program, a student must be a member of the International Law Students Association either by virtue of membership in his or her local chapter, or as an individual member of ILSA. Chapter members may also apply if their chapter secures a Traineeship. Qualified individual members may apply for any job for which they are qualified. However, chapter members will receive first priority for jobs if equally qualified with an individual member.
