Augsburg, Germany, Exchange Program
Through an exchange program with the University of Augsburg, Pepperdine students in the Juris Doctor program may attend the Augsburg Summer Program on European and International Economic Law. Offered every June and July, the Augsburg Summer Program is one of the oldest and most successful summer schools in Germany.
The six-week intensive program offers courses entirely in English. Striving for academic excellence, the program provides insight into the most significant areas of International Economic Law in order to meet the increasing demands of global companies and law firms. The University of Augsburg is honored to welcome distinguished guest professors from all over the world who are specialized in different areas of law to provide a premier educational experience.
The program typically includes courses on Company Law, Contract Law, Data Protection Law, Intellectual Property Law, CISG and Banking Law as well as Private International Law, Transnational Litigation and International Arbitration. Additionally, an introductory course on German Law is offered for interested students from abroad. A detailed list of courses is available on the University of Augsburg website.
In addition to the courses, the program also provides students with the opportunity to network through several discussion rounds with lawyers and advisers from renowned law firms, auditing firms and international companies. Selected students may also join a seminar that focuses on Capital Market Law and Legal Methodology, giving them the opportunity to prepare a research paper and to present their results to the professors and fellow students. The seminar takes place during a weekend trip to the isle of Frauenchiemsee, where students will not only get feedback on their work but also enjoy the great atmosphere of the Bavarian Alps.
Enrollment
Students accepted into the program are officially enrolled at Pepperdine for the classes they take in the Augsburg Summer Program. Both the University of Augsburg and Pepperdine recommend students take a minimum of four credits. Students wishing to take more than six credits (up to a maximum of nine credits) will need to get permission from the Director of the Program at Pepperdine.
Externship Opportunities
Augsburg is about 45 miles from Munich, Germany, where a small number of American law firms have legal offices. Students who are fluent in German may want to explore the possibility of an internship or externship with such firms. While students have made such arrangements in the past, Pepperdine has no established positions with such firms and students who are interested in trying to set up such an experience are expected to make the necessary arrangements on their own.
Program Eligibility
In compliance with ABA requirements, Pepperdine is limited in the number of students it can send each year. Students will be selected on a variety of variables, including but not limited to an applicant's strengths, interests, commitment to the program, and/or connections to Germany. Students who will add special value to the program may receive special consideration.
Students can apply for the Augsburg Summer Program starting in February. Students will be accepted into the program starting approximately a week later. Students can still apply for the program throughout the semester, but an early application facilitates housing and travel plans (and there is a small risk the program can fill up).
To learn more about the program, e-mail Professor Peter Wendel or Professor Steve Schultz.
