After a hiatus while the castle underwent restoration work, the Summer International Law Program, presented by ֱ Faculty of Law, will return to Bader College in May 2026, with about 75 students from Queen’s and several other Canadian law schools attending intensive and interactive classes in International Business Law, International Environmental Law, or Public International Law, taught by prominent practitioners and academics.
“We are delighted to welcome back Queen’s International Law program in summer 2026, continuing a long and valued tradition of students engaging with international law from the inspiring setting of Herstmonceux Castle," says Diana Gilchrist, Head of Academic and Educational Planning at Bader College. "The castle offers both a unique historic base and a rural retreat ideally suited to intensive study, while its location just south of London provides the perfect gateway for experiential learning opportunities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France.”
Students participating in the program will learn the fundamentals of international law, attend guest lectures, visit organizations in London, and meet UK alumni. The students will also attend guest lectures by leading figures in international law, a networking event with alumni, and meetings in London with officials and lawyers at international organizations and law firms.
After their time at Bader College, the students will move in June to the American University of Paris (AUP), where they will continue to participate in classes, guest lectures, and day trips. The ILP and AUP's graduate programs will host some joint academic events and visits. (The ILPs visited Paris and the new partner AUP earlier this year, shown below.)
The final week of the program includes a field trip to international organizations, courts, and law firms, beginning in Brussels (business law), The Hague (public law), or Hamburg/Bonn (environmental law). The students in all three streams will end the program in Geneva.
“The program provided such a unique and unforgettable experience for our cohort," says Francesca Griffin, PIL 2023. "In addition to learning from an exceptional group of instructors, the connections I have made are invaluable. The visits to The Hague and Geneva stand out as just a couple of the many highlights from this experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat!”
More information about the International Law Program and the application process are available on the .