INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Trinity’s annual Summer Human Rights Program is an advanced course in international and comparative human rights law, as well as an introduction to international criminal law and humanitarian law.
The program begins with one week in The Hague, Netherlands, a major U.N. host city and the home of the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. While there, you will visit the courts, hear from judges and lawyers at those courts, and get a firsthand look at significant human rights bodies. You will learn from Trinity professors and guest lecturers about important foundational principles of international human rights law, humanitarian law, and criminal law. You will also have the opportunity to visit many important cultural sites, such as the Binnenhof (Dutch legislature), the Mauritshuis (museum home to many Dutch masters), royal palaces, and more.
Next, you’ll travel to Strasbourg, France to participate in the annual summer session at L’Institut International des Droits de l’Homme (International Institute of Human Rights). As a participant, you will spend four weeks examining contemporary issues in international human rights law, humanitarian law, and criminal law, supplemented with discussion of those issues from a Christian perspective with Trinity professors and guest speakers. Your lessons will be taught by leading academics and practitioners from around the world, and your classmates will hail from more than 80 countries. Strasbourg is the seat of the European Court of Human Rights, the Council of Europe, and the European Parliament—all of which you will visit—as well as a lively hub of French art, culture, and cuisine.
The Summer Human Rights Program provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn about international human rights in the heart of European democracy. Visits to sites that contribute to the modern view of international human rights are included in the cost of the trip. Outside of class, you can explore the beautiful Alsace region and surrounding areas. Paris, Zurich, and Munich are only a few hours from Strasbourg by train, and other destinations are a short flight away.
Program Dates: June 17 – July 22, 2023
Course Details: Six units of JD or MLS (Human Rights Track) elective credit will be granted for successful completion of the program.
L’Institut International des Droits de l’Homme, founded in 1969 by Nobel Peace Prize recipient René Cassin, is an association that works for the promotion and protection of human rights through research and training. The institute seeks to ensure the application of international human rights law, contribute to the establishment of democratic regimes worldwide, identify practices and policies that strengthen the protection of human rights, and train prevention techniques of human rights violations.
Professor Andrew DeLoach J.D., California Western School of Law B.A., University of California, San Diego F.C.A., International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism & Human Rights |  Professor Stephen P. Kennedy Ph.D, University of Southern California M.Div., Talbot Theological Seminary B.A., University of Southern California |
For more information about this study abroad program in Europe, please contact Professor Andrew R. DeLoach at [email protected]
JD Students: $5,940
MLS Students: $4,500
Audit/Visitor: $1,350
The program cost includes six semester hours from Trinity Law School, lodging in The Hague and Strasbourg, ground transportation from The Hague to Strasbourg, some meals, one or more required textbooks, and all fees for the International Institute of Human Rights. Airfare is not included; however, students who purchase their flight by March 4, 2022, will receive a $1,000 reimbursement. Summer financial aid can apply. For more information, please contact Jennifer Tracy at [email protected] or 714-796-7121.
Trinity students who have completed 27 units or more are eligible to participate in this course. Non-Trinity students who are enrolled in a Juris Doctor or Master of Legal Studies program at another school may apply to participate for transfer credit.
All interested students should contact the Registrars Office at 714-796-7140 for more information about registration.
Before applying, please confirm that your Academic Plan complies with Summer Human Rights Institute courses. If you are unsure or have questions about your Academic Plan, please contact Joy Statler, Academic Advisor, at [email protected] or 714-796-7173.
In order to complete the application, you must have a color copy/scan of your passport, a digital headshot photo, a copy/scan of your highest diploma, a short curriculum vitae (CV), Assumption of Risk, Release & Participation Agreement Form (700A), and Health Information and Release Form (700H).
Once those items are collected and the forms are completed, click here to apply.
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