Program Overview

University of Akron School of Law Summer 2024 Study Abroad Program

The University of Akron School of Law offers a Summer 2024 Study Abroad Program, providing a unique opportunity to visit South Africa and Botswana. This 3-credit intersession class combines classroom learning with a two-week trip to Botswana and South Africa.

Program Description

The program begins with 5 classroom days in the U.S., where students learn about the history, culture, legal systems, economic development, and natural resource management of South Africa and Botswana. The class then travels to Botswana and South Africa, spending time in Gaborone, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, and Cape Town. Activities include visits to historic sites, local attractions, courts, meetings with officials, a three-day safari, and lectures from local lawyers and academics.

Dates

• Class at the University of Akron: Monday, May 13 - Friday, May 17
• Trip: Friday, May 17 Monday, June 3
  • Johannesburg: May 18-20, May 24-26
  • Gaborone: May 20-24
  • Kruger National Park: May 26-29
  • Cape Town: May 29 - June 2
  • Arrival Back in U.S.: Morning of June 3rd

Registration and Costs

• Seat Deposit: $200
• Program Fee: $500
• Travel Cost Includes:
  • All international and local flights
  • All lodging (2 students per room)
  • Ground transportation in the US and abroad
  • Group meals and other included meals (about 3/4 of all meals)
  • Reception and social outings
  • Tours and group activities
  • Admission fees
  • International Travel Health Insurance
• Total Course Fees: $4,600

Estimate of Additional Personal Expenses

• US Passport Fees (if you don't currently have one): $165
• Entertainment and meals on your own (about 12): $150
• Fees and admissions for independent tours, admission fees, etc.: $50
• Souvenirs (most students buy various crafts, art, and other mementos): $100

Trip Requirements

• Compliance with all travel recommendations by the U.S. government
• Agree to any and all quarantine requirements connected with travel and/or positive Covid test results
• Compliance with all requirements of UA's Education Abroad Office
• A valid U.S. passport
• All required inoculations (including Covid-19 vaccinations)

Faculty

Professors Mark Schultz and Christopher Behan will teach the 3-credit summer intersession course and accompany the students while in South Africa and Botswana.

Locations

In Johannesburg

Johannesburg is one of the world's great cities, with a rich history and culture. Activities include:

• Tour of the Constitutional Court and Constitution Hill
• Mandela Home
• Tour of Soweto Township with a local guide
• Freedom Square
• Hector Pietersen Memorial
• Apartheid Museum
• Panel discussion with local officials and policy experts

In Gaborone

Gaborone is the capital of Botswana, a young and dynamic city with a growing economy. Activities include:

• Tour of the High Court
• Attendance at Magistrate Court hearing
• Attendance at Customary Court (Kgotla) and meeting with a Chief
• Observation of court proceedings
• Visits to law offices
• Meetings with judges and other officials
• Lectures from local lawyers and law professors on human rights law, property law, family law, criminal law, customary law, and other key topics
• Dinner with local lawyers under the stars at Mokolodi Game Reserve
• Reception at the Law Society (the bar association of Botswana) honoring local judges and lawyers

In Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of Africa's greatest and largest wildlife reserves. Activities include:

• Guided morning and evening game drives
• 2-hour morning bush walk guided by rangers
• Group braais (barbecues) under the stars
• Educational activities to investigate natural resource management issues

In Cape Town

Cape Town is widely renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Activities include:

• Tour of the South African Parliament
• Meetings and lectures with participants in the struggle against Apartheid, local lawyers, and local law professors
• Coastal tour, including penguins, sea lions, and a visit to scenic wine country
• Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and others spent decades as political prisoners
• Sampling unique local cuisine