Study Abroad Opportunities
A Cultural Immersion Experience
South Texas College of Law Houston offers opportunities for students to earn academic credits while studying in other countries. Challenging courses coupled with immersion in another culture provide students with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Study Abroad program is structured so students can return in time for a summer clerkship/internship or time off before fall classes resume.
Contact Info:
Summer Study Abroad Program
Planning for Study Abroad 2025 in Prague is underway, and students can save the date: May 23, 2025, to June 20, 2025.
Applications will open on Jan. 15, 2025, and close Feb. 17.
Summer 2025 Study Abroad Details
Prague, Czech Republic | May 23 – June 20, 2025
From its eclectic mix of architectural styles spanning several centuries, Prague offers some of Europe’s most beautiful sights. In addition to studying international and comparative law, take time to visit the largest ancient castle in the world, stroll across the historic Charles Bridge into Old Town Square and see the medieval Astronomical Clock, soaking in sights all along the way. Several long weekends allow for exploring the region and beyond.
Location:
Charles University Faculty of Law, Namesti
Curieovych 901/7 116 40 Prague 1.
Orientation: May 23, 2025
Classes: May 26 – June 20
Final Exams: June 20
Important dates: Applications accepted beginning January 15, 2025, through February 17, 2025, or until classes have been filled. The first general information session is Tuesday, November 14, 3:45 p.m. in Emilie Slohm.
Space in the program is limited to 40 students, and each class is capped at 20 students. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Questions:
Contact Tonya Anderson at tanderson1@stcl.edu or email studyabroad@stcl.edu.
$1,000 per credit or $4,000 for four (4) credits.
Tuition includes the $200 non-refundable application fee, orientation, transport passes, and closing dinner.
Tuition Includes:
Tuition includes the orientation program, transport pass, trip to Terezin Concentration Camp, court or government visits, use of facilities at the law library of the Charles University Law Faculty, and course materials supplied by the professors. Tuition does not include airfare, vaccinations, medical insurance, traveling expenses, costs associated with optional tours, or field trips to areas outside the home campus, housing, meals, or books.
Cost of Attendance components include:
- tuition
- fees
- books
- room & board (room costs are based on a 1-bedroom occupancy)
- personal/miscellanseous expenses, and
- transportation (round-trip coach airfare
Due Dates and Financial Aid:
The application and $200 application fee are due by February 17, 2025.
Enrollment is limited; therefore, early application is encouraged. Financial aid loans are generally available to students participating in this study abroad program. Students interested in obtaining loans for the study abroad program should contact the Financial Aid Office at their home school for additional financial aid deadlines.
Session: May 23 – June 20
Choose one morning course and one afternoon course to earn a total of four credits.
MORNING CLASSES: 9 am – 10:50 am
Comparative Pre-Trial Advocacy (by Prof. Rob Galloway)* – 2 credit hours
This intensive summer-study abroad program in Prague focuses on comparative pre-trial advocacy, examining strategies, procedures, and simulations dealing with pre-trial proceedings in both the American and European legal systems. Students will gain practical experience in drafting key legal documents and arguing motions in a simulated courtroom setting. The course will emphasize obtaining preliminary relief and motion practice, providing students with the tools and insights necessary to perform real-world litigation tasks. Comparative Pre-Trial Advocacy offers law students a unique opportunity to gain practical skills in pre-trial litigation while developing a global perspective on legal practices. Through a combination of academic study, hands-on exercises, and cultural immersion, students will enhance their legal expertise and broaden their international understanding in the heart of Europe. Assessment will be based on oral and written practical exercises.
*This course will qualify for credit toward the Texas advocacy concentration.
OR
International Cultural Heritage Law (by Prof. Derek Fincham) – 2 credit hours
This course introduces cultural heritage in international law, exploring the intersection of art and law caused by the movement and preservation of material cultural heritage. It covers how law, both domestic and international, addresses stolen art, looted archaeological items, underwater wrecks, and museum collections. It will highlight art protection in armed conflicts and the legal tools preventing intentional destruction and looting of ancient cultures. This course will conclude with a written final exam.
AFTERNOON CLASSES: 11 am -12:50 pm
Global Lawyering Seminar* (by Prof. Katerina Lewinbuk, International Programs Director) – 2 credit hours
This course is a collaborative research seminar that is designed to foster an in-depth study of legal issues related to comparative & global lawyering. In the course, students will engage in open dialogues about the global & comparative issues in legal ethics and profession and the role, image, and regulation of lawyers in different countries and legal systems. Additionally, the course will allow each student to learn how to design and implement a major research project, which will culminate in a paper of publishable qualitywith supporting analysis and appropriate citation.
*This course will qualify for the STCL Houston substantial writing requirement.
OR
Civil Litigation in a Comparative Context (by Prof. Haley Palfreyman Jankowski) – 2 credit hours
This course will instruct students on the principal rules and practices of civil procedure used in the major legal systems, introduce various problems faced by these systems, and proffer contemporary efforts to reform and find solutions to those problems. We will study examples from many of the world’s legal systems including, among others, the U.S., U.K., Continental Europe, and East Asia. The course is highly interactive and will follow a discussion format with assigned readings. Students will be expected to attend and actively participate in class, complete all assigned formative assessments (AKA “reaction papers”), and complete a graded final exam at the end of the term.
Dr. Fincham joined the South Texas College of Law Houston faculty in 2010, and teaches Legal Research and Writing; and Art Law. Prior to joining the faculty, he was a Westerfield Fellow at Loyola University in Orleans. He is a frequent faculty advisor to moot court teams at the College. After earning his J.D. at Wake Forest University he undertook comparative research at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, earning his Ph.D. in 2008 for his thesis: “Preventing and Repairing These Losses: The Response of the United States and the United Kingdom to the Illicit Trade in Cultural Property”.
Fincham serves on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Cultural Property. He has presented talks on his research to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, at Stanford Law School, the University of Siena, the University of Leicester, and elsewhere.
Rob Galloway is a distinguished Professor of Law and Vice President of Advocacy at South Texas College of Law Houston, where he holds the W. James Kronzer, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Advocacy position. With a career spanning over three decades, Galloway has established himself as a prominent figure in legal advocacy education and competition. He served as the inaugural President of the National Association of Legal Advocacy Educators (2020-2022) and has held key positions in various legal associations, including the ABA Competitions Committee. Prior to full-time academia, Galloway practiced law as a Senior Partner at Thompson & Knight LLP in Houston and later ran his own practice. He has been a regular presenter at national advocacy conferences and has taught Appellate Advocacy at Baylor Law School’s Academy of the Advocate in St. Andrews, Scotland for more than a decade.
Haley Palfreyman Jankowski is a professor at South Texas College of Law Houston. Her research interests include civil procedure and international law. Before joining the faculty at South Texas, Professor Jankowski practiced appellate and complex commercial litigation at Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe LLP. She was also a member of Orrick’s Business & Human Rights practice group and helped advise an international human rights body on the normative standards guiding companies whose technologies are abused in conflict. She received her BA from Brigham Young University and her JD from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School.
Katerina Lewinbuk, director of International Programs (onsite Director for Prague 2025), joined the South Texas College of Law Houston faculty in 2006. Prior to that, she taught at DePaul College of Law and School of Commerce in Chicago, Illinois, and was an Associate Attorney at the law firms of Baker McKenzie and Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP.
Professor Lewinbuk is a double-Fulbright Senior Specialist grant recipient (Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic and Facultad Libre Derecho de Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico) and she has further taken her talents abroad by teaching and presenting in different law schools in Ireland, Turkey, Republic of Georgia and United Kingdom, just to name a few. Professor Lewinbuk has also served as Legal Research & Writing Program Director and taught at the International Law Institute in Washington, D.C. The program prepares international LL.M. students to enter law schools throughout the United States and it also provides an overview of the U.S. legal system to judges and practicing attorneys from all over the world.
Professor Lewinbuk attended Moscow State University, Minnesota State University, and received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois Chicago (“JMLS”) (Cum Laude). She is licensed to practice law in Illinois, Texas, and in the District of Columbia. Additionally, Professor Lewinbuk is fluent in both English and Russian.
Vice President, Advocacy, Professor of Law, and W. James Kronzer Jr. Distinguished Professor of Advocacy
Students make their own housing arrangements for Prague. An internet search for “apartments in Prague” provides multiple links to companies that provide short term rentals. The law school is located in Prague 1 near Old Town (Stare Mesto) in Josefov, right on the river at the Cechuv “Most” (Most means bridge). The physical address of the Law Faculty building is:
Charles University Faculty of Law, Namesti
Curieovych 901/7 116 40 Prague 1
Students are provided with transport passes at orientation that are valid on trams, buses and public transportation in Prague, so it is not necessary to live in the immediate vicinity of the law school. The college does not endorse any particular housing agents, but past students have made positive comments about their experiences with housing agencies in Prague such as: www.vrbo.com (select Europe, Czech Republic, then Prague), www.presitgeapartments.cz, and www.lovingprague.com. Costs for housing will vary based on location and desired amenities.
Transportation:
Arranging air and ground transportation to and from Prague is the student’s responsibility. Several airlines serve Prague through European hub cities such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris and London. Locally, transportation to most areas of the city by tram, trains (Metro) and bus is inexpensive, reliable and easy to navigate.
Accessibility:
Facilities in Europe are not as accessible to individuals with disabilities as American facilities are. Individuals with special needs should contact the program at 713-646-1701.
South Texas College of Law Houston may cancel the summer program in the event of compelling circumstances, including unrest or instability in the host country, international medical situations, or insufficient enrollment. Students will be notified of program cancelation through their STCL student email accounts.
Responsibility and Modifications:
South Texas College of Law Houston will not be responsible for personal injury or for loss or damage to personal property. Students are expected to maintain or obtain medical insurance coverage for accidents or illness that may occur during their participation in this program, including repatriation expenses.
Applications will open January 15, 2025. The application deadline is February 17, 2025.
Admission is open to any student at STCL Houston who is in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.70 and who has completed the first year of full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study.
Applicants should:
- Submit an online application for admission
- Pay the $200 non-refundable application fee online
An application is not complete without these items. Applications will be accepted on a first-come basis, so early application is encouraged. Space in the program is limited to 40 students; classes will be capped at 20 students.
All fees/costs are in U.S. dollars. These fees do not include transportation, lodging, sightseeing, meals, insurance, books, supplies or other materials for the program. Costs, other than tuition and items specifically designated in this brochure as included, are the sole responsibility of the student.
Questions:
Contact Tonya Anderson at tanderson1@stcl.edu or email studyabroad@stcl.edu.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Prague 2024 Study Abroad Program. From academic and extracurricular to cultural and historical, the value of the experience far exceeded its cost. If given the opportunity, I would do it again, many times over. – Jesse Givens, 3L, Class of 2025
I don’t think South Texas Law could have picked a better city for the Summer Study Abroad Program. Prague is absolutely breathtaking and there is so much to do! I loved learning about the Czech culture and history, and I’ve made lifelong friends through this experience. I liked Prague so much that I’m going back through their Exchange Program! – Lauren Loader, 3L, Class of 2025
Prague is truly the heart of Europe and provides a charming backdrop for the study of law. During my time in The City of a Thousand Spires I not only enhanced my knowledge of the law but was also able to become a student of history. I truly believe my month in the halls of Charles University’s Faculty of Law has made me a better and more global citizen. I truly believe that this experience is one that I will carry with me throughout my legal career. – Asha Hayes, 3L, Class of 2025
Prague is highly underrated! Prior to studying abroad, I looked forward to traveling all over Europe, not realizing that Prague would become my favorite destination. I enjoyed every aspect of Czech culture including the outdoor recreation, the easy-to-navigate transportation, and the vibrant nightlife. Because I lived in an apartment hotel without a kitchen, I was especially impressed by the variety of food options that were available and the affordability of dining out. Everything I needed was in close proximity to where I lived in Old Town, and I could easily walk or navigate public transportation when visiting other areas. As an added bonus, I formed lasting friendships and core memories with the people that I met along the way. Prague is a magical place, and the Study Abroad Program is a wonderful opportunity to experience it and earn course credit! – Anna Ortiz, 3L, Class of 2025
South Texas Law’s study abroad program in Prague expanded my knowledge about the global legal system and appreciate the Czech culture while doing so. From exploring Prague Castle to watching the Lumineers, the memories I made with my peers will always hold a special place in my heart! – Alexis Acevedo, 3L, Class of 2025
My time in Prague was truly one of the best experiences of my life. The city had so much to offer, from their unique culture, beautiful landmarks, and amazing people. It felt as though everyday was a new experience with different things to discover. One day would consist of exploring castles and the next we would just be walking the streets feeling as though we were locals. Another amazing thing about studying abroad in Prague is how easy it is to explore different cities nearby, just a train ride away. I had the opportunity to visit Vienna, as well as Budapest while studying abroad, but I must admit that Prague is by far my favorite. I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to visit again! – Alexandria Hale, 3L, Class of 2025
There are few words that explain how magical and enchanting Prague is. This program provided me the ability to learn about international law in a city that is truly the Paris of Eastern Europe. Everyday I got to walk on cobblestone past beautiful parks, passing the astronomical clock and studying at the Charles University of Law are only a few of the incredible moments that made my trip unforgettable.You will meet people from all over the world and the most delicious cuisine. Come make memories that will last a lifetime. – Memona Niazi, 3L, Class of 2025
Academic Requirements and Application Information
Admission is open to any student at STCL Houston who is in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.70 and who has completed the first year of full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study.
Contact Tonya Anderson at tanderson1@stcl.edu or studyabroad@stcl.edu with questions or for more information.
Study Abroad Q & A
Complete the application and pay the application fee online using the URL from the program brochure or website. We will verify good standing or request Letters of Good Standing for South Texas College of Law Houston students. If you plan to receive Financial Aid for the study abroad program, stop by the Financial Aid office first to schedule an appointment to speak to a counselor about your aid eligibility and requirements to receive aid.
“A Letter of Good Standing will be issued only if a student has made satisfactory arrangements for settlement of his/her account and is not considered at Academic Risk. No student may become a visiting student at another ABA-approved law school at any time such student is on Probation or under Special Academic Supervision.” In addition to the academic status requirements, South Texas College of Law Houston students must also have completed at least 30 semester hours at the end of the semester immediately preceding enrollment in the study abroad program.
The minimum GPA requirement is 2.7 cumulative GPA and 30 STCL Houston semester credit hours.
You will need a current, valid passport to travel abroad. A visa or residence permit may be required for full semester programs when the duration is longer than three months.
Visit the website https://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html for complete details on obtaining a passport.
Unless your existing medical insurance policy covers you while overseas, you will need to purchase a separate policy to cover medical emergencies, including coverage for medical evacuation or repatriation expenses should it become necessary. Several companies offer this type of insurance and it is relatively inexpensive.
In the South Texas College of Law Houston-sponsored summer programs, grades earned will transfer as letter grades and will be averaged in the student’s cumulative grade point average.
Students regularly enrolled at South Texas College of Law Houston may receive credit toward graduation by taking courses as a visiting student at another ABA-approved law school, or in a study abroad program, by obtaining advance written approval on a form available in the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar in conjunction with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs must approve the student’s overall plan and each course to be taken prior to the student registering at the other law school. A Letter of Good Standing will be sent to the other law school only if a student has made satisfactory arrangements for settlement of his or her account and has a cumulative grade point average of 3.000. No student may become a visiting student at another ABA-approved law school at any time such student is on Probation or under Special Academic Supervision. See the Student Handbook for complete rules regarding visiting other schools for academic credit. If approved to visit another ABA-approved law school, all grades received as a visiting student or at a study abroad program not sponsored by South Texas College of Law Houston are recorded on a pass/fail basis and are not included in the student’s cumulative grade point average.
You should contact the program director to obtain advance permission to bring a family member or friend. Assuming there is sufficient housing available and that you cover the costs of that person’s meals and accommodation, it may be possible.
Prague, Czech Republic – Students make their own housing arrangements in Prague. The International Programs staff will assist in identifying possible housing options upon request.
The Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1992 mandated that a student can receive financial aid for study abroad if the student is enrolled in a program approved by the home institution. Moreover, the student would be eligible to receive “grants, loans, or work assistance without regard to whether the study abroad program is required as a part of the student’s degree.”
Types of financial aid:
Federal Direct Student Loans
A student attending an approved study abroad program while enrolled at STCL Houston can borrow a Federal Direct Unsubsidized and/or Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan. A student must complete the FAFSA and be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible.
STCL Houston Scholarships
Institutional Scholarships such as the Dean’s Merit are not available for study abroad.
National Scholarships
The National Security Education Program (NSEP) and the Fulbright Program funded by the Federal government have grants and fellowships for graduate students for study and research overseas. Students should be aware that government organizations in other countries such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offer funding opportunities.
Amounts are budgeted to cover tuition, fees, books, round-trip coach airfare, housing, personal and miscellaneous expenses. Apply directly through the financial aid office at your law school to determine aid eligibility and requirements.
Most programs have one or more long weekends built into the program for travel. See each program’s calendar for specific dates available for weekend travel. Consult your financial aid counselor to see if aid for that type of expense is awarded.
If you plan to travel within the United Kingdom or Europe on long weekends or before or after the program, it could be a worthwhile investment. Consult your financial aid counselor to see if aid for that type of expense is awarded.
Generally, you will be notified within two or three weeks of your application being submitted or after grades from the preceding semester are recorded (whichever is later). Some programs may wait until the application deadline has passed and process the applications in batch.
Once the application deadline has passed and you have been notified of your acceptance into the program, you can begin making your travel arrangements. Early booking can often result in substantial savings. However, financial aid proceeds are not available sooner than 10 days prior to the start of the program, so you will need to pay for your tickets in advance and be reimbursed when financial aid proceeds arrive. We strongly recommend that you consider purchasing trip insurance for your airline tickets in the event that world wide events necessitate a change in your travel schedule.
If the State Department issues a Travel Advisory or Warning for an area where one of our programs is being held, students will have the opportunity to withdraw from the program and receive a full refund of tuition paid. We can not refund the cost of airfare, which is why trip insurance is recommended. Unused housing fees would also be refunded in this case. Likewise, if the program is canceled for any reason, students would receive a full tuition refund, but are responsible for any travel expenses incurred such as non-refundable airfare and housing deposits.
You are responsible for purchasing your airline tickets for travel. If you arrange a group of 10 or more who want to travel together, you may find discounted tickets through a consolidator. Often these types of tickets are non-refundable, so again, look into trip insurance.
Only the professors and former students know for sure. However the courses are designed to be of academic rigor comparable to what you would experience in similar courses. Most programs require written examinations for each course.
Most programs charge a flat tuition rate based on a set number of hours and you are required to take the courses as set forth in the program materials. Where the choice to enroll in less than the full amount of credits offered, there may be a significant impact on financial aid eligibility. You should contact the program director and your financial aid counselor if you want to take less than the required number of credits.
You need special permission from the program director to miss orientation. Attendance at all regularly scheduled classes is expected of each student. You may contact the program director to see if your request can be accommodated.
Due to ABA residency requirements, it is unlikely that participation in a foreign summer program may be used to accelerate graduation. Check with the Registrar’s office about your particular situation.
