UM/UCC 2026 Ireland Comparative Law
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The Max Baucus Institute, the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana, and the University College Cork collaborate on a 2-credit ABA-accredited Comparative Law Study Abroad summer course. Students in this program will work directly with law faculty and other students from both law schools to analyze current legal issues through a comparative lens. This program includes lectures, skills exercises, and enrichment activities, including observing Irish court proceedings.
The program is inspired by Max's life and work experience building diplomatic bridges, both as a U.S. Senator for Montana and the U.S. Ambassador to China. The Baucus Institute works to break down barriers for students to have immersive, life-changing international experiences that will inspire them to engage in public service. The students, many of whom have never traveled internationally, engage in people-to-people diplomacy with students, professors, and leaders. This program reflects the Alexander Blewett III School of Law's commitment to applied learning and rigorous skills-based education. It is also a reflection of the long-standing relationship between the University of Montana and the University College Cork.
2026 Program:
Dates: May 22 - June 5, 2026. (Students should plan to check in to lodging in Cork on Thursday, May 21, and check out on Saturday, June 6.)
Focus: What is Corruption and How to Prove it - A Comparative Look at Legal Accountability for Corruption
Credits: A 2-credit comparative law course. Grading will be credit/no credit. Students who successfully complete the course will also meet the Oral Advocacy Requirement required for all ABIII students.
Location: University College Cork in Cork, Ireland. Lodging for 2026 will be at the UCC dorm The Crow's Nest, which is the nicest UCC housing available. It is a large part of the program cost.
Cost: $4,250. This covers tuition, lodging, and international health insurance. Students must purchase their own flights and meals. A nonrefundable deposit of $500 is required to secure a spot in the program. (If the program is cancelled for any reason, the deposit will be refunded.)
The deposit payment system is through University of Montana's Treasury Services. Mel Brittner Wells, Deputy Director at the Baucus Institute, will email applicants with specific instructions for paying the deposit. If you have questions, you can reach her at mel@baucusinstitute.org.
Participants will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program cap of 19 participants is reached, or until December 1, 2025, whichever is first. Students must pay a $500 deposit to secure their spot.
NOTE: For the purposes of this program, the information included in this application will be shared with the Max Baucus Institute, a 501(c)(3), as well as the Alexander Blewett III School of Law.