Panama City, Panama

Study Abroad Panama City
Loyola University New Orleans College of Law is pleased to present this dynamic and experiential two-week program in Panama City, Panama. This program is ideal for students who wish to study abroad and still have almost the entire summer for work.
Panama’s privileged geographic position, its dynamic financial sector, and the presence of the Panama Canal have combined to foster the development of a sophisticated legal sector. Sharing features of Louisiana’s civil law system, Panama also shares some of the same unique characteristics as New Orleans – such as a rich Spanish colonial heritage, storied maritime history, flourishing economy, and copious natural resources. These characteristics make Panama City an excellent choice as a venue for the examination of comparative and international issues.
In addition to being the first U.S. law summer abroad program in Panama, the Panama City program will continue Loyola’s tradition of offering quality Spanish language programs to our students.
Our Panama City, Panama program is currently ABA accredited.
Comparative Maritime Law (1 credit hour)
Instructor: The Honorable Ivan L. R. Lemelle
Class Dates: July 13-24, 2020 (Monday-Friday)
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Final Exam: Saturday, July 25, 2020 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM
No prerequisites required.
From iPads to automobiles, corn syrup to crude oil, over 90% of international trade occurs by ocean carriage. Consequently, shipping is perhaps the most international of the world’s great industries. It is also one of the most dangerous. This course will explore the varying approaches to certain maritime issues under international conventions and United States law. Topics may include marine pollution, limitation of liability, and carriage of goods by sea.
Environmental Law (1 credit hour)
Instructor: Associate Professor Karen C. Sokol
Class Dates: July 13-24, 2020 (Monday-Friday)
Time: 10:20 - 11:30 AM
Final Exam: Saturday, July 25, 2020 from 10:45 - 11:45 AM
No prerequisites required.
This is a survey course in environmental law and regulatory policy. The course considers the special character of environmental disputes and the problems that arise in developing legal rules for their resolution. The course covers several different federal environmental statutes, including laws relating to air pollution, water pollution, hazardous wastes, and toxic substances. Our goal in studying these issues will be to gain a better understanding not only of particular environmental laws and policies, but also of the processes by which the government can regulate potentially harmful activities. We will look at traditional regulatory mechanisms as well as at the opportunities for market and consensus solutions. The course will make use of situational case studies, which will require you to think strategically about how you would solve real world problems that have confronted lawyers and policymakers. We will also consider the legal and policy issues raised by epic construction projects like the Panama Canal, which dramatically change the environment and its ecosystems.
Labor at the Crossroads of Immigration and Human Rights (1 credit hour)
Instructor: Professor Luz M. Molina
Class Dates: July 13-24, 2020 (Monday-Friday)
Time: 11:40 AM - 12:50 PM
Final Exam: Saturday, July 25, 2020 from 12:30 - 1:30 PM
No prerequisites required.
This course will cover:
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Labor and Employment Regulation in the U.S.: FLSA, (Department of Labor), IRCA (Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices) and NLRA (National Labor Relations Board), EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission).
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International Regulatory Treaties: International Labor Organization (ILO); International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
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Enforcement: Documented and Undocumented Workers in the U.S.
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Comparative experiences across borders: Panama
A welcome orientation and reception will take place on July 12, 2020.
Program students, faculty, and staff will enjoy an early afternoon bus/walking tour of Panama City on July 13, 2020.
An optional weekend excursion will allow students to venture outside of the hustle and bustle of busy Panama City to a Playa Bonita beach and resort. Here students will be able to experience a more relaxed side of the Panamanian lifestyle.
The program activities fee will not cover the cost of the weekend trip. Participants will be provided with a complete itinerary + cost breakdown for the excursion before departure. More information will be made available soon.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in several legal visits, including to the:
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Panama Canal Authority;
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Department for Labor Relations; and the
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Maritime Tribunal
A closing reception will take place on July 23, 2020.
Interested and qualified students will have the option to complete a pro bono work experience during and/or after the program. There are a limited number of placements available in private firms for the summer of 2020. Please submit a résumé to ramona@loyno.edu, after submitting your application with first deposit, for consideration of placement.
Lodging and classes will be based in the downtown banking district area of Panama City, Panama at the TRYP Hotel by Wyndham.
The TRYP by Wyndham Panama Centro is located in the heart of Panama City in the upscale El Cangrejo, Bella Vista neighborhood just 15 miles from Tocumen International Airport. The convenient location of our hotel puts you within walking distance to some of Panama’s best restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
After taking time to explore Panama City, return to one of the hotels 92 guest rooms or suites equipped with the best technology, including free WiFi, to help you stay productive while you travel. Leave the worries of work behind, and take the time to enjoy the Panama City sunlight at our outdoor pool. The hotel offers a fitness center incorporating the most innovative contemporary equipment as well as a Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna after a classes.
Check out this great hotel here.
Pricing for single and double occupancy rooms is TBD spring 2020.
Mandatory Forms
Content Forthcoming spring 2020.
Handbook
Content Forthcoming spring 2020.
Additional Resources for Travel Planning
Official Website of the Republic of Panama