STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES
Summer Program
Beginning in 2005, students at The John Marshall Law School have been able to participate in a summer course in the Czech Republic. The course is offered for two weeks in Prague and Brno and is coordinated by Professor Michael Seng. Lectures are offered by Czech professors, attorneys and government officials. The focus of the course is on European Union Law and the transition that has taken place in the Czech Republic since 1989 from a Communist one-party system to a democratic government that is a partner in the European Community.
2009 Study Abroad Information, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Study Abroad click here.
Trip Abroad Testimonial
From The Decisive Utterance, Volume 46, No. 1 September 2008
Czech It Out! By: Lauren L. Waninski
Juris Doctor Candidate, May 2009 and Trip Participant
While nervousness and anxiety were surrounding the John Marshall law students in the library, a group of 10 female students had Europe in the back of their minds. Thanks to Professor Michael P. Seng, students at John Marshall have been given the amazing opportunity to explore the Czech Republic, while learning about the often forgotten area of European Community Law. Because this course is designed for a small group of students, the hands-on opportunities and experiences were endless.
The two week course focuses mainly on the comparison and contrast between American and European law. Students were lectured from many top European officials, professors, and justices. The lectures included topics on Czech history, EU law, commercial law, and criminal law. Prof. Seng also took the students to visit a JMLS alumnae working in Prague.
During the stay in Prague, Prof. Seng was honored for his work with the Charles University, Faculty of Law, and the John Marshall students were presented with the prospective to edit the articles written by the Czech law students.
After a morning full of learning, students were given the chance to explore the history, politics and law of Prague. Prof. Seng used his many Czech contacts to plan many fun-filled days in such a magical history-filled city. Activities included shopping in the touristy Wenceslaus Square, strolling the pedestrian-only Charles Bridge, and exploring the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad).
The students were then whisked off into the Czech countryside to visit many historic medieval castles and towns, including Český Krumlov. While visiting this small city in the South Bohemian Region, students toured the castle, ate dinner in an old medieval cavern, and rafted down the Vltava River.
The next stop on the trip was Znojmo, located in South Moravia. Prof. Seng joined the students for late night of wine tasting 30 feet underground in a wine cellar. Students were able to buy authentic Czech wines and ship them back to the United States.
Studies and lectures resumed in the second largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno. Prof. Seng took the students to the Czech Constitutional Court and to meet Czech law students at the Masaryk University, Faculty of Law. JMLS students were invited out to dinner to meet fellow JMLS students studying in the Czech Republic and some Czech and Slovak students preparing to study a semester at John Marshall.
The final leg of the trip found the students in Kraków, Poland. While in Poland, the group was able to enjoy infamous Polish food dishes, such as kiełbasa (Polish sausage) and pierogi. Prof. Seng took everyone to visit the Main Market Square for dinner and shopping.
The trip to Europe proved to be an enlightening academic and cultural experience for many of the JMLS students. Prof. Seng is one of JMLS' most hidden resources, and is truly a professor that is more than willing and able to help students with any international and constitutional areas of study.
Prague Castle
 The John Marshall Law School Student Group visited Cesky Krumlov during the June 2007 Trip.
The John Marshall Law School 2005 Student Group at a reception at John Marshall in June 2006.
Students with Justice Ludvik David at the Czech Supreme Court during the summer 2007 program.
Dan Griffin, first John Marshall exchange student in Prague at The University of Economics, Prague visiting with Judge Sheila Murphy at the Czech Bar Association, December 2005.
Students can earn up to three credit hours for the course. They are required to write a research paper as part of the course requirements. Prior to leaving for the Czech Republic, students attend lectures on the European civil law system in Chicago. Optional side trips are available for those students who want to take advantage of the opportunity for additional travel in the Czech Republic and Central Europe.
Past Programs Itineraries
2005 2006 2007
Czech Summer Trip Participants
2005 2006 2007 2008
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