This summer, I had the enriching opportunity to participate in the Vanderbilt in Venice program, an experience that not only deepened my understanding of international law, but also significantly influenced my legal education and long-term career goals. With a background in Global Health (MPH) and a keen interest in international perspectives, the program aligned perfectly with my ambitions to integrate a comparative approach into my legal studies.
The intensive nature of the coursework was initially daunting yet surprisingly rewarding. Despite the condensed timeline, the depth and breadth of the material covered were impressive. My favorite course, Transnational Litigation, taught by Professor Brunk, stood out as a highlight of my academic experience. This being my third class with Professor Brunk, her consistent expertise and engaging teaching style have never ceased to amaze me. Her ability to deliver complex content in an accessible manner was particularly beneficial, given my non-legal background prior to law school.
The program’s focus on international legal frameworks provided practical insights and a solid foundation for my aspiration to work on legal issues with a global impact. Engaging directly with European legal concepts and practices under the guidance of leading experts in the field was an invaluable asset that I believe will distinguish my capabilities in an increasingly interconnected world.
Reflecting on my expectations versus the reality, the program far exceeded what I had envisioned. The comprehensive nature of the courses, combined with the historical and cultural immersion in Venice, enhanced my learning experience, making the theoretical aspects of the law come alive in real-world contexts.
Overall, the Vanderbilt in Venice program has been a pivotal part of my law school journey, shaping my approach to legal issues and affirming my commitment to pursuing a career that bridges international and health law. The unique perspective gained through this program will undoubtedly influence my future endeavors in the legal profession, where I aim to contribute meaningfully to global health and legal challenges.
Highlights, week to week
The week before to the program started, I came early to Venice just to get acclimated with my neighborhood and figure out the route to school before classes started. I also went to Rome and Florence, which were a convenient train ride away.
The first week, we had Transnational Litigation with Professor Brunk and Counterterrorism with Professor Newton. We had a welcome reception at a local pub where we got to know each other. On Tuesday night, we went to a restaurant as a group again.
I took a cooking class on a Wednesday of the first week with classmates. We made bread, gnocchi, and cookies. The chefs were very patient and kind, and the instructions were pretty easy to follow.
The 2 classes typically run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with an hour for lunch in between. The later start time afforded me a chance to take hour-long walks in the mornings, which allowed me to see a lot of Venice. In the evenings, I tried to see as many museums and historic sites as time allowed, also trying new restaurants and gelato spots.
The second week was a little intense, even though we were following the same schedule. We had the final exam for Transnational Litigation on that Friday, so we were making outlines and studying. It was also a long weekend; I opted out of a field trip to the Mionetto winery to go to Barcelona, but everyone that went seemed to have a really good time, and it was a great bonding experience.
In Week 3, we started International Arbitration and still had our Counterterrorism course.
For Week 4, we had a final for Professor Newton and a final project for International Arbitration. I was also running around getting souvenirs. I went to Paris for a week after the program ended.
Overall, it was a very good experience, and I recommend it to anyone that can balance it with their summer plans. Not only were the classes great, but as someone who did not get to study abroad for undergrad, it was a privilege to be able to do it during law school!
