American University, Summer Law Program in Chile

  Argentina

• Buenos Aires: 
Buenos Aires

  Chile

• Santiago: 
Santiago
• Valparaiso: 
Valparaiso
• Vina del Mar: 
Vina del Mar

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 1 - June 28, 2009

Description: The Summer Program in Chile will give students a comparative view of the common and civil law systems as practiced in the USA and in Chile respectively. Students will also acquire knowledge of the legal aspects of trade and investment in Latin America and a better understanding of the social and political developments of the region in general and of Chile in particular.

Latin America has become an important commercial partner of the United States. As trade agreements between the two regions continue to grow, your knowledge of Latin America's legal systems will become more and more useful in your legal profession.

The program provides an opportunity for both law students and attorneys to learn from some of the best Chilean law professors and experts in the field and meet practitioners and policy makers from Chile.

Highlights: In 2008, site visits included:
* The Supreme Court. Students attended oral arguments before the Santiago Court of Appeals and had the opportunity to stay for deliberations. The President of the Supreme Court greeted the students and answered questions from them about the Chilean legal system. One of the justices explained the oral hearings and opened the floor for questions from the students.

* Congress. Students had a lecture by one of the Congress' legal advisors on the Chilean legislative process. After touring the building, students had lunch in the Congress' dining hall. There was a question-and-answer period with a Chilean Congressman on Chilean social, economic issues, and foreign policy.

* La Moneda (Government building). Students were greeted by 5 policy advisors of President Bachelet who answered questions from our students.

* Villa Grimaldi. Students visited the site of this former detention center used during part of the the military dictatorship. The visit was guided by a former detainee.

In addition, the program hosts, at no additional cost, a weekend trip to a ski resort in Valle Nevado and a weekend trip to the beach cities of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso.

Degree Level: Masters Degree

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: $8,100

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 30-40

Application Process Involves:

• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

American University, Washington College of Law's Mission Statement: At the Washington College of Law, you meet the world where you will practice your profession. The world has become essentially borderless, where economic, political, and social changes require innovative legal analysis and solutions. The Washington College of Law (WCL) equips students in unique ways to navigate this new reality. A top law school that provides an excellent legal education in all areas of the law, WCL has renowned programs in experiential learning (clinics and externships), international law, law and government, intellectual property, business, and gender. These vital programs create an environment rich with opportunities for you.

Year Founded: 1896