Written by: Gloria Kosir
The University of Iowa College of Law’s Paris, France Study Abroad Program held its 2026 session in a new format. This year, rather than a multi-week summer session, 13 students spent one week in Paris to complete a one-credit course named Introduction to French Law. They learned about international and comparative law both in the classroom and through courthouse visits and conversations with French judges, lawyers, and students.
“Students will now have more time in the summer to also pursue other opportunities. The bonds students make can last throughout their careers,” said Adrien Wing, Bessie Dutton Murray Professor of Law and associate dean for international and comparative law programs. This year is Wing’s 27th year as program director, and she was delighted that the transition from five weeks to one week went well.
French professor, lawyer, and adjunct instructor at Iowa Law Michaël Amado taught the course, which introduced students to the laws of France, their features, and the role of France’s main institutions. Students learned about the French legal system, civil law (contracts and torts), and commercial and employment law. Amado has been affiliated with the Iowa program for over 25 years.
“Learning about [the differences between French and American systems of law] made me a better legal thinker because it provided me with a different context and lens through which to interrogate why laws and legal attitudes are what they are,” rising 2L and program research assistant Tiffany Touma said. “I think it’s very important for people, especially Americans studying law, to engage with other cultures, languages, and philosophies. This program helped to stimulate that experience, and did so in a manner that was inspiring and invigorating.”
Students visited the new trial courts in addition to the historic Paris Court of Appeal (Cour d’appel de Paris) and Court of Cassation (Cour de cassation), the French equivalent of the Supreme Court. They also had a social event with local French students and had time to explore the city.
“My favorite part of the trip, apart from the people I met, was getting to see the Eiffel Tower at night as I was walking along with a group of the other students,” rising 3L Angelina Bartilson-Bean said. She took her first plane ride and trip abroad on the program and felt that the experience transformed her “into a whole new person.”
2026 marks the program’s 42nd year and a new milestone: eight students from William & Mary Law School, Creighton University School of Law, Wayne State University Law School, and the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law attended the program—the greatest number of institutions represented in program history.
The program offers a unique opportunity to learn international and comparative law outside of the classroom and cultivate a professional identity without missing a summer externship.
“The program was refreshing; law school is all about hitting the books and dealing with often-esoteric ideas, but the program in France brought me face-to-face with how the law actually functions,” Touma said. “It was a pleasure to learn alongside fellow law students from Iowa and other schools. I made new friendships, strengthened old ones, and made both personal and professional networking strides.”