Study Abroad Opportunities

Pre-law students cannot ignore how important it is to have a solid understanding of human behavior and diverse cultures within the United States and abroad.  In fact, it is a wonderful, enriching experience for a pre-law student to study abroad!  Although there are specific pre-law track study abroad programs available, including parliamentary internship and pre-law certificate programs around the world, any study abroad program would be a worthwhile experience.  Studying abroad may even permit a student to gain proficiency in a foreign language, which may not only garner the attention of law school admissions committees, but can lead to greater marketability once in practice as an attorney.  It should be noted, however, that if a pre-law student decides to study abroad, they should meet with an advisor to discuss potential impacts on their law school application process, and, if interested, to acquire recommendations or pre-law track study abroad programs.

NOTE: With these and any study abroad programs, be sure to meet with Lori Citti, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Study Abroad located in Levering Hall to discuss same.

Pre-Law Focused Study Abroad Programs

IES Center – Amsterdam, Netherlands
One tremendous, entirely pre-law focused program: Law, Culture & Society, with an optional Pre-Law Certification Program.  Seminar Law & Legal Practice in an International & Comparative Perspective, where seminar leader is a U.S. citizen and former attorney in the States now licensed to practice overseas.  Program includes visits to various legal and law-related organizations in Amsterdam and The Hague, e.g.,  International Court of Justice, Dutch parliament, a Dutch law firm, a Dutch court hearing. 

Weblinks: http://www.ishss.uva.nl/Law-Culture-Society/index.html & https://www.iesabroad.org/IES/Programs/Netherlands/Amsterdam/Academics/amsterdamPreLaw.html

Arcadia University – throughout the world
Focus on Parliamentary Internship Opportunities.  Locations in 1) London, England; 2) Dublin, Ireland (affiliated w/Institute of Public Administration (IPA) – Irish organization that focuses on public sector development; 3) *Edinburgh, Scotland (enacting its own laws for the first time since 1707); & 4) *Cape Town, South Africa (fall out of apartheid); & Canberra, Australia.  Arcadia also has Law/Legal Studies programs throughout the UK including at universities in Sussex & Glasgow where a JHU undergrad can take actual law school courses at the affiliate School of Law.

Weblink: http://www.arcadia.edu/abroad/default.aspx?id=6995

DIS  - Copenhagen, Denmark
At least 5 programs of potential interest to a pre-law student:
1) European Culture & History; 2) European Politics & Society; 3) International Business:  4) Migration & Identity; 5) Sustainability in Europe; 6) Global Economics; and 7) Human Trafficking in Europe (Summer only).  Excellent course selection, field work & trip opportunities.  

Weblinks: http://www.dis.dk/Academic2/index.php & http://www.dis.dk/AcademicSU/index.php#

Syracuse University – throughout Europe
At least 3 programs of potential interest to a pre-law student (note these are all Summer programs):
1) "Human Rights & Conflict Resolution in Europe: Legal & Political Perspectives" (Strasbourg, France - the seat of the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights); 2) "Comparative Health Policy & Law" (touring London, Amsterdam & Geneva); 3) Law in London: Internships; and 4) Advocacy in Action: International NGO Practicum (London). 

Weblink: http://suabroad.syr.edu/programs/summer/program

For further information on any of the above, contact:

Ana L. Droscoski, J.D.
Assistant Director, Office of Pre-Professional Programs & Advising
The Johns Hopkins University
300 Garland Hall
3400 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21218
410.516.4140
adrosco1@jhu.edu