France Program May 19, 2025 - June 20, 2025
Paris, France Study Abroad Program: May 18-24, 2026
For 40 years, the University of Iowa College of Law operated an intellectually stimulating and culturally rewarding international and comparative law summer study abroad program in France. 2026 represents a new phase in our history. The program will only meet during the May intersession instead.
Students will spend the week visiting the courts and other institutions with speakers, including prominent judges and lawyers. There will be time for checking out touristic Paris as well.
For over 20 years, the program director has been Adrien K. Wing, associate dean for international and comparative law programs, and the Bessie Dutton Murray Professor of Law. She is one of the core faculty members in Iowa’s major specialty in international and comparative law.
Michael Amado, a Parisian lawyer and adjunct professor at several Parisian law schools, teaches the one-credit “Introduction to French Law" course. He has been affiliated with the Iowa program for more than 25 years.
Program Details
This program is open to law students who are attending ABA-accredited schools.
Non-Iowa students must also apply as a non-degree seeking graduate student (need to apply to the spring 2026 session). A letter of good standing from your institution must be emailed to the program coordinator, Andrea-Flaherty@uiowa.edu
Application
2026 At-A-Glance
2026 Financial Aid Budget
Insurance (mandatory, included in program fee)
Costs
The cost of the program for 1 credit is $2,000, which includes tuition; six nights of housing (program fee only covers double occupancy); legal tours; opening dinner; and a goodbye meal. The program cost does not include personal or required transportation, food, laundry, or toiletries/household items needed.
The financial aid budget includes the previously mentioned costs plus money for transportation, food for three meals a day (except meals mentioned above), books, insurance, and other incidental expenses. If a student will be accompanied for all or part of the program by a non-participant, a separate fee will apply for housing and program activities. Please contact the program director for more information on this option. There may be a cap of 20 students for 2026.
Please note that the deposit will be refunded if the program is cancelled. Students will be housed in a Paris hotel (to be determined). The student budget provides the breakdown of other expenses besides the tuition. This budget is the amount students should approach their financial aid office about to determine their eligibility for financial aid.
Student scholarships received from the university during the academic year do not count towards program costs.
Course
The course is taught in English, with a bilingual instructor, Michael Amado. The program also maintains an office in the hotel, which is utilized by the program director and program faculty. French-speaking research assistants may complete the staff. The following course is offered:
Introduction to the Law of France I (1-semester hour credit)
The one-credit course will introduce students to the laws of France, their characteristic features, and the role of France's main institutions. The subjects will include the French Legal system, Civil law (Contracts and Torts), and Family law. As part of the course, we will visit Paris courts.
Taught by Michael Amado, adjunct professor of law, University of Paris; Avocat à la Cour, Amado-Cabinet D'Avocats, Paris, LLM, MBA (University of Paris I Sorbonne)
Accessibility
Any student needing accommodation should contact Dean Wing before applying. France, like many European countries, has many older buildings that do not meet newer accessibility standards. French trains, buses, taxis, and many tourist attractions are not usually accessible. Students requiring assistance with flights should make requests directly through the airline.
Cancellation
The $200 program deposit is normally nonrefundable. The remainder of the program fee is normally nonrefundable after April 22, except in case of certifiable personal medical emergency. If the program cancels, the deposit and any program fees will be refunded. Program cancellation could be affected by State Department announcements, the Iowa Board of Regents, or the University of Iowa pronouncements.
Although the program has never been canceled other than the COVID-related cancellations in 2020, 2021, and 2022, the University of Iowa College of Law reserves the right to cancel the program should circumstances warrant such, including lack of sufficient registrations, or acts of war. In the event of cancellation, all fees and deposits paid will be refunded within twenty days of the cancellation. The program director will assist students in finding another suitable program, if the students so desire and such programs exist.
Security
Terrorism remains a worldwide potential problem. For up-to-date information about travel and security conditions, visit Travel.State.Gov. If the State Department issues an alert or warning applicable to France before or during the program, we will notify all participants. If a student withdraws prior to the commencement of the program due to an alert or warning, the student will receive a full refund of all monies advanced within 20 days of their withdrawal. If a student withdraws during the course of the program due to an alert or warning, or if the program is terminated, students will be refunded fees paid, except for room and board payments utilized prior to the date of termination or withdrawal.
Contact
Program Director
Dean Adrien K. Wing
The University of Iowa College of Law
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
adrien-wing@uiowa.edu
319-621-7674
Program Assistant
Andrea Flaherty
andrea-flaherty@uiowa.edu
319-467-1536