For students at Gonzaga Law that would like to study abroad, Florence has long been an option, as well as, a six-week program in China that has seen increasing popularity over the last few years. This year, a new affiliation with Pacific McGeorge School of Law and Denver Sturm College has opened up an alternative summer program in Antigua, Guatemala, with both classroom and externship opportunities.
Classes Will Be Offered in Spanish and English
The new Guatemala global learning program offers bilingual, intercultural legal education during the summer. Students with a wide range of Spanish language proficiency are welcome to study in Guatemala, regardless, of their level of Spanish proficiency. Students will have the option to study comparative or transnational law courses in Spanish and English. An intensive Spanish language tutoring program will also be available for students. The program is designed to ensure that students return to the United States with stronger international law knowledge, Spanish language skills, and cultural competency.
International externship opportunities
Students with sufficient Spanish language skills will have the opportunity to continue this unique learning experience through being placed in an externship. Externships and field placements will focus on a wide variety of international and social issues in Guatemala, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Chile.
Preparing students for the future of law
This program will help to prepare law students effectively for a multicultural practice in the United States or in Latin America. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic population in the United States has increased 43% in the past decade alone. These demographic changes, and projected changes in the future, make this program extremely relevant to students who that are preparing themselves for a career in law.
Deadlines and application details
Students who have a good academic standing and are looking for a great summer abroad program are encouraged to apply by March 1. Accepted students will begin classes on May 25 and go till June 15. The program cost will include four semester unit hours that will transfer over to their Gonzaga Law School degree. Students are welcome to apply for study abroad scholarships to help compensate for the program fees.
“[This program is] a fantastic new opportunity for Gonzaga law students to study law, language, and a culture that is so important to our global community and marketplace,” explained Gonzaga Law program organizer and professor, Brooks Holland.
