National Jurist - January 2009 - (Page 43)

Program Guide 44 44 48 Africa The Americas Asia, Australia & the Middle East The British Isles Eastern Europe Northern Europe Southern Europe d 50 54 55 60 Program, cost and your own comfort level are just a few things to consider when choosing a study abroad program. Also, hear how five law students spent their time overseas, from Austria to Egypt. By Michelle Weyenberg Living in a dormitory with other American students has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages: You don’t have to arrange your own housing using an unfamiliar language. And, you can usually be certain that your accommodations are at least habitable, said Andrea Monk, a second year at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Among the disadvantages: institutional food (think greasy, low-protein “dorm food” with few vegetarian or “healthy” options) and constant noise. And, as one participating student put it, “You don’t learn Spanish by sitting around talking to other Americans.” Overall, most law students interested in a study abroad program should think about the quality of education they will receive. Patty Roberts, director of Madrid Summer Study Program at William & Mary Law School, said besides that quality, cost and comfort level rate pretty high up on the list too. “The benefit is gaining that more global perspective,” Roberts said. “A program can be used to explore areas that students don’t have any interest in practicing.” Realistically, cost is a major factor in whether you decide to take a three-week or six-week course program. Another factor is how many credits you’ll receive. January 2009 THE NATIONAL JURIST 43 Katie Ball, a second-year at Seton Hall University School of Law, took trips almost every weekend during her time abroad. Her stay in Cairo was highlighted by a group tour of the Pyramids of Giza, and getting friendly with the local wildlife. “You may be paying more, but you will be getting more credits,” Roberts said. Typically all the revenue from the student fees go toward the cost in running the programs — paying faculty and directors. In exchange the students get room and board credits. Some study abroad program fees include most course materials. Consider how much they will have to pay over room and board and course materials. Fees might also go towards field trips and social events. “It goes back to looking at the quality of the educational experience they are going to get,” Roberts said. “If a student doesn’t have a preference, then I think generally they can pick a continent and then look at the various programs and consider duration of program and cost.” But as far as quality, look for programs that are taught by professors of the home country. This will give you a more indepth experience. And finally, Roberts suggests that you find your own personal comfort level in different environments. “Then find a program that fits your needs to have a positive experience,” she said. Read more as Monk and other law students chronicle their 2008 summer study abroad trips.

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of National Jurist - January 2009

National Jurist - January 2009 Contents Hot Button: Affirmative Action Entertainment: A Road Trip Through Law School News: American Justice, Kaplan Survey, Part-time Ranking The Firm Report: Diversity Law School Online No label No label Fordham Student Honored for Public Interest Work Former Law Student's Life Lives on After Her Death Most Influential People in Legal Education Most Innovative Law Schools Your Guide to Studying Abroad Career Hotline Texas Tech Law Grads Explore Dispute Resolution Evaluating First-Year Exams Disturbing the Peace

National Jurist - January 2009

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