Tulane Law Students Explore the Origins of Maritime Law in Greece

This summer, Tulane Law students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the birthplace of maritime law through the school’s long-running study abroad program on the island of Rhodes, Greece.

Tulane has sponsored the summer program in Greece since 1980, offering law students a chance to explore the legal and cultural traditions of the region while learning from faculty experts in maritime and international law. Courses are held with the backdrop of emerald waters, ancient ruins, and a rich legal history that makes Rhodes a truly ideal setting for legal study.

The program is co-sponsored by the Aegean Institute of the Law of the Sea and Maritime Law, an independent research center affiliated with the University of the Aegean. Each year, the Institute also awards scholarships to students from Greece and around the world to attend Tulane’s summer session.

Rhodes itself is steeped in history. Known for its legendary sea laws and maritime legacy, the island has long been recognized as a cradle of seafaring governance. The program is a natural extension of Tulane Law’s world-renowned maritime law program, which draws students from across the globe.

For 3L Vanessa Glomo, the decision to study in Rhodes was an intentional step in shaping her career.

“I was really interested in maritime law, and this was the perfect place to study it—Rhodes, the birthplace of maritime law,” she said. “After doing my maritime summer at a shipping company last year, and then being able to expand that education here in Rhodes, I want to be a maritime attorney.”  

For many, the Rhodes program also offers an introduction to maritime law and a chance to connect with Tulane’s renowned faculty in a global context.

“I didn’t know much about maritime law before. I knew Tulane had an incredible program,” said JC Courtad, a 2L at Tulane Law who attended the program this summer. “This was a great way to really learn more about the maritime law and speak with some of our professors at teach at Tulane that are here with us.”

Beyond the classroom, students had the opportunity to connect with peers from other institutions, broaden their cultural perspectives, and explore legal systems outside the U.S. For students like Glomo and Courtad, both of whom hadn’t studied abroad before, this summer marked a once-in-a-law-school experience.

“Once you start working, the opportunity to travel like this isn’t always readily available,” said Courtad. “I would definitely recommend this program.”