Font Size: A A A

Directory and Search Menu

Portals

Breadcrumbs

Studying in Arcachon

THINKING ABOUT GOING ABROAD?

Here are some comments from our students and alumni about the benefits of going abroad.

  • "Arcachon was great! I was able to see and do things I never would have gotten to do otherwise, and the credits I earned have really helped defray the load for my remaining semesters." - 2L Student
  • “Participating in the Arcachon program (and post-program tutorial) was by far my best decision in law school. In addition to getting the opportunity to learn substantive international law and travel abroad for the first time in my life, my experience in Arcachon made me a more attractive applicant for legal jobs.  Specifically, I was able to (accurately) tell interviewers that my time in Europe and Asia forced me to learn how to adapt and thrive when I am out of my comfort zone.  I am not implying that signing up for Arcachon will automatically lead to a lucrative firm job, but in my case it definitely helped. If you have any questions about the Arcachon program,  I encourage you to e-mail me at jwilliams@jrwilliamslaw.com or call at 612.486.5540.” - Joshua R. Williams ('06)
  • "The summer I spent studying abroad in Arcachon was one of my favorite experiences in law school. The course content was challenging but the setting offered a truly unique immersion in international law. I especially enjoyed the many school-sponsored trips, such as the visit to a courthouse in Bordeaux, and the world-famous Great Dune of Pyla (largest sand dune in Europe). Most importantly, the summer in Arcachon gave me an opportunity to make close and lasting connections with both the law professors who taught the classes and my fellow students. I think studying abroad also helped me in getting a job with a large international law firm after graduation. C’est tres bonne!" - Kara Westercamp ('09)
  • "The Arcachon program was a truly amazing experience. It was great to experience law courses in another venue, especially an international one. It gave me a whole new perspective on looking at the law and the way it works in the rest of the world. I got to experience that even before we went on the post-program tutorial in Egypt and Israel/Palestine, which was another level of intensity beyond anything I thought I would get to experience in law school. I had all but given up hope of seeing and doing things we saw on that trip; making it a meaningful part of my law school experience made it even more incredible!!" - Nick Dial 2L
  • “Participating in the Arcachon Program was one of the best things I did in law school. There's really no downside to the program. It's a productive way to spend a summer because you're earning law school credit, but it's also a lot of fun seeing some truly amazing parts of the world. It's also a great way to get to know your classmates better. The Arcachon Program provided me with a great education, wonderful cultural experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.” - Matt Kishinami ('06)
  • "Arcachon provided an incredible opportunity to form lasting friendships with classmates outside of just the first-year small section cliques.  It made the entirety of my law school experience much more memorable and enjoyable. Of all of my law school student loans, those accrued during the Arcachon Program are now the least painful to repay." - Joe Nichols, Arcachon '05 Participant
  • "I truly enjoyed teaching International Business Transactions in the Arcachon Program. It gave me the opportunity to interact intellectually and socially with a great group of students--all in a beautiful setting! Professor Wing's excellent coordination of the program ensures that all involved return to the U.S. with unforgettable memories of their wonderful experience in south-western France." - Professor Enrique Carrasco



     

International and Comparative Law summer program in
Arcachon, France

For more than 25 years, the University of Iowa College of Law has operated an intellectually stimulating and culturally rewarding international and comparative law study abroad program in Arcachon, France. Arcachon is a scenic seaside town that is ideal for study and exposure to French culture. We are located less than one hour from the major city of Bordeaux, an area well known for its rich history and touristic appeal.

Currently accepting applications.  Apply Online


The 2012 Program will run from May 12 to June 16, 2012.

back to top

Courses

American and French instructors will teach the courses. English is the language of instruction. None of the courses offered have prerequisites. The courses will take place at the Villa Regina Hotel, where students will also live. In addition to the wifi equipped seminar room where classes will be held, there is a solarium for additional study space. The program director and faculty utilize the program office in the hotel as well. Additionally, two research assistants complete the staff.

The schedule of classes can be found at the back of this brochure [pdf].

The following courses are offered for summer 2012:

Introduction to the Law of France and the European Union
(with an Emphasis on Labor Law) (2 s.h. credit)
After an introduction to the laws of France, the course will be devoted to the development of the law of the European Union, its characteristic features, and the role of its main institutions. This will be followed by an analysis of the European Union laws concerning the free movement of workers, equality between women and men, the status of trade unions, workers' representation at plant level, collective bargaining, layoffs, and procedures for informing and consulting employees in transnational undertakings.

Course Description [pdf]

Taught by Michael Amado [pdf], LLM, MBA (University of Paris I Sorbonne) Adjunct Professor of Law, University of Paris; Avocat a la Cour, Amado-Cabinet D'Avocats, Paris.

Law in the Muslim World
(2 s.h. credit)
This course will survey a selection of the various types of laws existing in the nearly 60 countries of the Muslim world. The subjects will include: Islamic law; unwritten customary law; civil law including constitutional, commercial, and criminal law; international human rights law, particularly women's rights, and a case study on the right to self-determination; and public international law relating to terrorism.

Course Description

Taught by Program Director Adrien Wing, AB (Princeton), MA (UCLA), JD (Stanford), University of Iowa College of Law Bessie Dutton Murray Distinguished Professor of Law.

Comparative Criminal Procedure
(France and the United States) (2 s.h. credit)
Starting with the initial investigation of a crime through the appeal, this course will examine criminal procedure in the United States and France.  Students will analyze the similarities and differences between the two systems through hands-on exercises and discussion.

Taught by Emily Hughes, AB (Michigan), MA (Yale), JD (Michigan), University of Iowa College of Law Professor and Bouma Fellow in Law.
 

back to top

Contact

Program Director

Professor Adrien K. Wing
The University of Iowa College of Law
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
adrien-wing@uiowa.edu
319-621-7674
319-335-9098 (fax)

Program Assistant

Kelley Winebold
kelley-winebold@uiowa.edu
319-335-9099

Student Point of View

For a student point of view, contact:

Alexandra Hemenway
Malick Djiba



back to top