Students at Texas A&M University-San Antonio have until March 28 to apply for a summer study abroad program.
The International Criminal Justice and Human Rights Study Abroad Program, scheduled for June 12-27, allows students to earn three credit hours while studying in Amsterdam and The Hague, a global hub for international law.
The program also offers a firsthand look at international criminal justice and human rights in the Netherlands.
The course is cross-listed in political science and criminology and is structured as a five-week class, with two weeks on campus, two weeks abroad and a final week back on campus.
The program is led by Daniel Braaten, associate professor of political science, and Claire Nolasco Braaten, professor of criminology. According to program materials, the course combines perspectives from both political science and criminal justice, focusing on international law, human rights and global legal systems.
Braaten said the opportunity stands out because it combines classroom learning with real-world experience.
“It’s one thing to read a book about it and read the cases,” Braaten said. “It’s a completely different thing to actually visit it, see what it’s like.”
During the program, students will visit major institutions such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, both located in The Hague. These courts handle some of the most serious global issues, including war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.
Students will also explore real-world cases, including ongoing international trials. One example is the proceedings involving former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who faced allegations tied to extrajudicial killings during his administration.
In addition to court visits, the program includes meetings with international lawyers and organizations that advocate for victims of human rights violations, offering students insight into careers in law and global justice.
“Students will meet practitioners and understand what it means to be an international lawyer,” Braaten said.
Students will spend their first week abroad in Amsterdam, visiting historical and cultural sights such as the Anne Frank House and museums that examine previously mentioned human rights issues. The second week will take place in The Hague, where students will engage directly with international legal institutions, such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.
The group will visit the Anne Frank House, the Museum of Torture and the Van Gogh Museum.
Braaten said the immersive nature of the program can have a lasting impact on students.
“When you’re in a different country, everything is different,” he said. “It’s a very immersive experience.”
The program is open to students of all majors and does not require prior coursework in political science or criminology. It can count as elective credit toward most degree plans if discussed with an advisor.
The cost of the program is approximately $4,420, which covers housing, transportation within the Netherlands, some meals and admission to program sites. Airfare and tuition are not included.
Students may apply for the International Education Fee Scholarship, which can award up to $2,500 to help offset costs.
The deadline is June 30, according to Scholarship Universe.
Braaten said study abroad opportunities offer benefits beyond academics.
“There’s something about traveling to a different country … it’s confidence-building,” he said. “You come back a different person.”
He encouraged students to consider applying before the deadline.
“It’s not an opportunity that you really get later on in life,” Braaten said. “It’s a very unique experience.”
Students interested in the program can contact faculty leaders or the university’s study abroad office for more information. Contact Daniela Llarena, graduate assistant, at dllarena@tamusa.edu.
This story was updated to correct the spelling of a name.
