Fordham-Ghana Summer Law Program

Program Description

Building on Fordham Law School’s long and successful history of partnership with Ghanaian legal institutions, the Fordham - Ghana Summer Law Program offers students the opportunity to study international and comparative law, while witnessing the path of democracy and development first hand in this regional center of international business and enterprise.

This American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited program allows students to earn up to six credits over the summer: Three credits over two weeks of classroom instruction; plus an additional three credits through our optional internship program, following the conclusion of the academic session. Students choose one of the following 3-credit courses, to be held May 21 – June 5, 2016:
- International Human Rights Law
- International Oil & Gas Law

The optional internship session runs Monday, June 6 – Friday, July 8, and offers placements with the Supreme Court and specialized High Courts, law firms, government agencies and NGOs. Designed for American law students, the Program is open to law students and lawyers from around the world, affording participants the unique opportunity to study with Ghanaian and other international students and practitioners in an exciting new environment. The Program also features field trips to Ghanaian law institutions, formal and informal social events, and optional visits to historic and cultural attractions for students to experience Ghanaian society and cultural life.

Highlights

Rich in history and a prominent leader in West Africa, Ghana is known for a unifying warmth and hospitality that has earned her the reputation of being the friendliest country in Africa. The Program is held the capital, Accra, Ghana's largest city with a population of over two million and an appealing blend of stately national monuments, modern skyscrapers, vast markets and an amiable and relaxed state-of-mind. Lying right on the coast, Accra offers picture-postcard beaches, charming neighborhoods, garden cafes, live-music venues and abundant cultural and historical attractions, as well as easy access to the country's most famous tourism destinations in the neighboring Eastern region.

What`s Included

Courses are taught by distinguished Fordham Law faculty and other expert scholars, and entail 2 weeks of classroom instruction followed by an in-class exam. Course grades and credits count towards the Fordham JD or LLM degree and may be transferable to other schools, along with the for-credit internship, with prior approval from the student’s home institution. Internship placements are 40/hours per week for 5 weeks, and typical responsibilities include drafting and reviewing legal documents and presentations; attending and conducting client interviews and consultations; and observing court proceedings. For-credit internships are taken pass/fail and require participation in a weekly seminar.