Innsbruck, Austria summer study abroad program for law students

Summer Study Abroad Program in the Alps

In 2023, St. Mary’s University and its European partner, the University of Innsbruck, will mark the 36th year of the St. Mary’s Institute on World Legal Problems in Innsbruck, Austria. The dates for 2023 are TBD.

Since 1986, students from more than 130 American law schools and several European and Asian law schools have participated in the Institute, whose courses are conducted in English. One of the longest continuously operated summer law study programs offered by any American law school, the Institute continues in its commitment to offer a First-Class International Law Education in a World-Class Location.

Pay Deposit

Students in good standing at any ABA- or state-approved law school are eligible to enroll.

Studying Law Abroad

Participants visit local government offices and the state seat of government, and guest lectures typically are presented by European professors. Scholars traveling in Europe and lawyers abroad on international business often are invited to share insights with the classes or deliver special lectures on important international topics.

Students have the opportunity to converse with foreign scholars and Austrian lawyers on several occasions. Austrian students will participate in classes, off-campus visits, and social events, along with their American colleagues.

Browse through photos and videos of places Innsbruck students have visited on day trips, find updated information, and learn more:

INNSBRUCK ON FACEBOOK

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ABA ACCREDITATION

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SIZE OF ENROLLMENT

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FOREIGN STUDENTS

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PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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FACILITIES AND CONTACT

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FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION

Summer Program Tuition and Costs

The tuition in Innsbruck is the same as at the home campus of St. Mary’s University, which currently is $1,350 per credit. There are no special fees, but students must purchase any books required for their courses.

In addition to tuition, students must pay for transportation, housing, and living expenses. Last summer most students found that a round-trip flight from the United States to a major European city cost about $1,200 to $1,800. Many students purchase a Eurail pass to enable them to travel by train. Some persons spend considerably less for rail travel, and others more.

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SUMMER STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP

The Sarah Thompson Memorial Fund honors the memory of Sarah K. Thompson, a former St. Mary’s Law student who loved to study the law and experienced her first time traveling in Europe. Sarah was also involved in her church community, helping the elderly and doing Pro Bono. She was very supportive of her classmates,family, and friends. The main purpose of this memorial scholarship is to continue the memory of Sarah, since she tragically died in an accident during her 3L year. Because Sarah thoroughly enjoyed her participation in the Innsbruck Study Abroad program, her parents funded this scholarship so that another law student could benefit from Austria in the same way Sarah did.

The Flint Fund was established by Professor Richard Flint and Sister Grace Walle to assist St. Mary’s law school students who wish to attend the Innsbruck program.

Because some of its members attended the Innsbruck program, ClaytonRamirez, PLLC established the ClaytonRamirez, PLLC Law Innsbruck Scholarship to assist students who want to study in Innsbruck.

The Founders “Institute on World Legal Problems in Innsbruck” Scholarship honors the professors who founded the program in 1986.

The Shield-Ayres Foundation established The Robert Moss Ayres, Jr. Memorial Scholarship as a way to support law students who could otherwise not afford to participate in the Innsbruck program. Marshall Ayres Bowen (J.D. ’18, M.A. ’18), one of the trustees of the foundation, attended the program in 2016 and recognized the value it added to his legal education.

The Ariens Family Scholarship was made possible by the generous support of Professor of Law Michael Ariens, a veteran director and faculty member of the Innsbruck Program and of St. Mary’s University School of Law. (Application coming soon).

Finally, the Emiliano Infante Segrera Scholarship is offered through the generous support of Emil R. Infante (J.D. ’00), who attended the program while he was a law student.

Apply now.

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MORE DETAILS

Course Information

The acceptance of any credit or grade for a course taken in the Innsbruck program is subject to determination by the student’s home law school. Students are urged to consult appropriate administrators at their own schools regarding the limitations on acceptance of credit earned in this program.

The American Bar Association requires every law school to state that “it is unlikely that participation in foreign summer programs may be used to accelerate graduation.” Students interested in acceleration must explore that issue with their home institutions in light of ABA Standard 304.

Classes meet Monday through midday Thursday. This schedule allows students time to travel on weekends to such destinations as Rome, Paris, the French Riviera, Venice, Vienna, Zurich, Munich, Prague, and Budapest.

Class Times

The class schedule for 2023 is TBD.

Class List

The class list for 2023 is TBD.

Student Performance

Regular class attendance is required. A student who misses more than one-fourth of the scheduled class meetings is automatically withdrawn from the course, and grades may be reduced for excessive absences. The grade in each course is based upon a final examination or paper. A portion of the final grade (not exceeding more than one-third of a letter-grade level) may be based on class participation, if the professor indicated on the syllabus. The grading scale is: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, and F. Academic regulations are set forth in the Law School’s Student Handbook.

Request Information

Please fill out this form to request more information about studying law in Europe this summer.

Apply to the Innsbruck Program

The recommended application deadline for 2023 is TBD.

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