Dean Jeffrey K. Walker Discusses Summer Study Abroad Opportunities at St. John’s School of Law

Each summer, the Law School hosts month-long Summer Study Abroad programs based at St. John’s Rome and Paris campuses. Students with an interest in international and comparative law – or simply wanting to expand their legal education experience overseas – enjoy a curriculum taught by law faculty members with expertise in the area. Field trips complementing the course of study allow students to experience the law in its expanding global context.

Law School Communications Director Lori Herz talked to Jeffrey K. Walker ― who heads the Summer Study Abroad program as Assistant Dean for Transnational Programs and Adjunct Professor of Law ― about this engaging student opportunity.

LH: The Law School is offering two Summer Study Abroad programs for 2012, one in Rome and one in Paris. Who are these programs designed for?

JKW: These programs are specifically designed for St John’s students or students from other law schools who want to study international and comparative law in a small class setting and in some of the great cities of Europe. We use Rome and Paris as our blackboards, so these are exceptional programs. And students really have an opportunity to work closely with faculty in a relaxed and very enjoyable environment.

LH: Who teaches the programs?

JKW: This year, St John’s faculty members will be teaching all three courses in Paris and two of the three courses in Rome. We are very fortunate that the third class in Rome will be taught by Elizabeth Defeis, former dean at Seton Hall Law School and a St John’s alumna, as well as one of the most highly regarded international lawyers in the profession. She will add a lot to the Rome program.

LH: Are the programs mainly classroom based or are there experiential learning components and opportunities as well?

JKW: We do a lot of site visits to local courts and government agencies in both Rome and Paris. Some of the faculty members also incorporate site visits into their teaching. In my European Legal History course, for example, we do five “walking lectures” to the Roman Forum, the Biblioteca Casanatense (an incredible manuscripts library), St Peter’s and a few other places. It’s perfect for Rome and where our campus is located.

LH: How do you think the Summer Study Abroad program curriculum enhances the curriculum law students pursue during the main academic year?

JKW: This is a chance to do small classes and intensive study on international and comparative law. Students can get six credits in these areas in a uniquely personal teaching environment.

LH: What are some common student questions or misconceptions about Summer Study Abroad?

JKW: The one question I always get is, “But if I got to Rome or Paris, I can’t do an internship, right?” The answer is a resounding, “Wrong!” The program runs from late May through late June. Most, if not all, Summer Study Abroad students come back and do a summer internship in July and August. So really, it’s a great combination. You get some intensive study in international and comparative law – and let’s be honest, some wonderful adventures in some great places – and you get a summer internship in, too. What more could you ask?

LH: Do you have plans to expand the program to different locations in the future?

JKW: Not specifically, although we are always investigating collaborative program possibilities with other schools. My focus right now is on Rome and Paris, where we have great programs and St. John’s owns some incredible campuses.

LH: What is the Summer Study Abroad program application deadline and where should students direct their questions about the program?

JKW: April 30th is the standard deadline. To learn more, students can see me or Maggie St Denis in Room 118-D, across from the Law School library entrance. You can also visit our FaceBook page at or on our website.