Legal Study in Brazil 2008 FAQs
What?
Study international and comparative law in Brazil. Lectures and seminars will be led by WVU law professors, with some lectures in Rio & Vitória from Brazilian professors. All lectures will be in English. We will visit Brazilian legal institutions as well as hold classes in Brazilian law schools. We offer seminars throughout the trip on various topics, including international environmental law in the Amazon at a jungle lodge. You will have reading assignments during the Fall & Spring semesters and the opportunity to take Portuguese classes here at the law school (no language skills are required on this trip, but a sense of adventure is important).
Who is leading the program?
Professor andré cummings leads the trip. In 2008, we anticipate 3 faculty members on the trip.
Who can come?
Any WVU law student in good academic standing, including first year students. (Last year?s trip had both first and second year students) Spouses enrolled at WVU can attend for credit. Other graduate students (such as MBA students) or anyone else would need to talk to Professor Cummings.
When?
July 26 ? August 12, 2007
- 7 nights in Rio de Janeiro, one of the world?s most interesting cities.We will hold classes with the Law School at the Gertulio Vargas Foundation (FGV), one of Brazil?s premier institutions. You will spend 3 nights in FGV law students? homes and 5 nights at the Ipanema Beach House.
- 6 nights in Vitória, a beautiful beachfront city in the state of Espírito Santo. We will hold classes with students from the University of Vila Velha (UVV). You live with UVV students while in Vitória.
- 4 nights in a jungle lodge in the Amazon. We haven?t chosen the lodge yet, but the one we are exploring is the Amazon EcoPark Jungle Lodge.
- This schedule gives you 10 or 11 weeks to work over the summer. We?ve never had an employer problem with this schedule.
- We?ve made arrangements for 1Ls to write on for Law Review.
How much?
About $4000:
- In 2008, the WVU College of Law program cost will be $2500, which includes tuition, travel and tours within Brazil, all housing, insurance, and many meals. The trip is 1 full day longer than
- last year because we?ve added the Amazon, which increased the cost by $200.
- Round trip air fare should be about $1000 per person (not included in the $2400 program fee).
- Most people last year said you should bring $300 additional spending money (more if you buy a lot of presents for friends & family).
- You will also need a passport, a visa to Brazil, and immunizations (these could cost as much as $300 total).
- Financial aid will cover up to $3500 for the program. Please talk with the law school financial aid office to begin the process.
- Out of state students pay in-state tuition for this program (excellent value).
Payment schedule: TBD.
Optional Expenses:
- The trip pays for all lodging and travel within Brazil; breakfast, lunch, and some dinners; and the tours in the Amazon, Vitória and Rio.
- Optional activities (such as clubs, drinks and optional excursions) are not included.
Housing
For 3 nights in Rio and 6 in Vitória, you will live with Brazilian law students, typically in their family home. In past years, many people are nervous about the home stay, but end up saying it was the highlight of their trips. The conditions of the families differ, sometimes dramatically, but I would consider all of them safe.. You will have to use public transit in Rio and Vitória.
In Rio, we stay in a youth hostel, the Ipanema Beach House, for 5 nights. It is fun, international and lacks personal privacy. Think ?summer camp? bunk beds and you have the basic idea. In Rio, we stay in the nicest and safest neighborhood, only a few blocks to the famous Ipanema Beach. We can afford to stay in Ipanema because we are in a youth hostel
In the Amazon we stay in a jungle lodge. We haven?t chosen the lodge yet, but the one we are exploring is the Amazon EcoPark Jungle Lodge.
Weather
In Rio & Vitória in May, expect highs in the 70s to 80s and lows at night in the 70s.
The Amazon will be warmer. Bring one light sweater and one light rain jacket. Leave anything heavier behind.
How do I sign up?
- Complete the application. We want to limit the trip to 25 students this year, so you should apply early.
- We plan to purchase the air tickets in March of 2008. You will need to have a credit card or check ready for about $1000.
- Talk to financial aid soon.
- Get your passport in order NOW. We?ll talk about visas later.