International Law Spring Program Offers Students Unique Opportunity

2007 International Law Spring Program students Paul Sharp, Matt Lui, Gwen Feeney and Warren Ng of Law ’09 in London, England.

When Paul Sharp, Law '09, was considering which law school he wanted to attend, the International Law Spring Program in particular piqued his interest. "It was actually something that drew me to Queen's," he said.

Each year, about 50 law students spend an eight-week term in May and June completing one of two integrated academic modules in international law at the Queen's International Study Centre (ISC). The ISC provides students with the opportunity to earn credits toward their law degrees at the historic Herstmonceux Castle, located near London, England. The program includes a field trip to continental Europe, visits to London law firms, an international law career day, and a distinguished array of instructors comprised of law professors and international practitioners.

In the spring of 2007, Paul completed the Public International Law module. Over the course of that term, he received a broad exposure to all elements of public international law in "courses [that] were all taught by exceptional instructors." They included notable practitioners involved with the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and human rights lawyers. "We would often meet up with them [outside of class]," he said. "They all had amazing stories to tell about their careers in international law."

After several weeks of classroom lectures, ISC students take one-week field trips to experience a more hands-on approach to international law. "This is where the program really sets itself apart," said Paul, who visited institutions in The Hague, Geneva and Paris. "It was almost surreal to sit in on the trial of the former Prime Minister of Kosovo at the ICTY, and see international law unfolding before my eyes."

Aaron Libbey, Law '09, participated in the International Business Law module, in which he focused primarily on commercial arbitration and international trade and finance. The courses - taught by various experts in their fields - provided the ideal backdrop for him and his colleagues to meet prominent CEOs and international lawyers.

International Business Law students also have the opportunity to travel, visiting Brussels, Paris and Geneva on field trips. “This was one of the most incredible parts of the entire experience,” said Aaron. “[Visiting] some of the most important international law centres in the world and [exploring] some of the most beautiful cities with a great group of friends and fantastic and engaging professors.”

Both Paul and Aaron agreed that living and studying at Herstmonceux Castle was a wonderful experience. "The village of Herstmonceux is only a 20-minute walk away [from the Castle]," said Paul, who would often head to town or to nearby Eastbourne with friends to visit local shops and relax.

"The castle is impressive and beautiful every time of day," said Aaron. "The novelty just doesn't wear out."

"Studying international law overseas...certainly helped me to frame legal issues in a new way," said Paul. "It was very interesting to rethink familiar issues given this context, and to examine new points of law that only exist in the international sphere."

For more information about the International Law Spring Program, come out to the Information Session on Monday, October 15 at 4:30 p.m. in Macdonald Hall, room 001.