Second-year law student Andrew Clary is pictured with McGeorge School of Law alumnus Stefan Frank, ’08, who is a partner at Binder Grösswang. Photo courtesy of Andrew Clary.

This past semester, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Salzburg, Austria as part of McGeorge School of Law’s Salzburg Graduate Study Abroad Program. It was my first time traveling to Europe, and I chose this program because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, immerse myself in a new culture, and gain international experience that would shape both my personal and professional growth. Salzburg, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, felt like the perfect place to start this journey.

While in Austria, I interned at Binder Grösswang, a prestigious law firm in Vienna, working in their banking and finance department. The experience was both challenging and rewarding. I assisted with research on changes to EU laws and regulations to better help clients understand how these changes would affect their businesses, gained exposure to EU financial regulations and the ways in which they combat the movement of illegal funds throughout the EU, and had the chance to collaborate with talented legal professionals from around Austria and Europe. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to adapt different legal systems and approaches — skills I know will benefit me as I continue my studies and eventually enter the workforce. 

Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. Photo courtesy of Andrew Clary.

Beyond the internship, this trip was a series of “firsts” for me. Travelling abroad for the first time meant navigating unfamiliar transportation systems, trying (and often failing) to master basic German phrases, and savoring delicious Austrian dishes like schnitzel and apfelstrudel. Weekends were spent exploring everything Vienna has to offer from grand palaces or museums to small local coffee shops, hiking in nearby mountains, and taking a train to neighboring countries like Hungary, Germany, or the Czech Republic.

One of the most profound aspects of studying abroad was learning to embrace uncertainty.  From adjusting to cultural differences to getting lost on cobblestone streets, there were plenty of moments where I felt completely out of my comfort zone. But with each challenge, I discovered resilience and resourcefulness I didn’t know I had. By the end of my time in Austria, I felt more independent, confident, and open to new possibilities than ever before.

Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest, Hungary. Photo courtesy of Andrew Clary.

Studying abroad wasn’t just an academic or professional milestone — it was a personal transformation. It reminded me why I chose to pursue law: to navigate complex systems and connect with people across borders. Salzburg and Vienna taught me that growth comes from stepping into the unknown and embracing the journey, no matter how intimidating it may seem at first.

For anyone considering participating in McGeorge School of Law’s Salzburg Graduate Study Abroad Program, I cannot recommend it enough. It’s an experience that opens your eyes to the world, deepens your understanding of your chosen field, and leaves you with memories you’ll carry for a lifetime. 

By Andrew Clary, a second-year student at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.