Participant Perspectives: Experiences from the Leitner Summer Human Rights Institute
For the Leitner Summer Human Rights Institute (SHRI), programming is driven by the impact our program has on our participants. With active professional and law students, advocates, and practitioners, the program draws students from across the globe, both in-person in NYC and online, to strengthen their understanding of international human rights law and their roles in it. Their reflections demonstrate the program’s impact-both in strengthening their academic and professional tracks, and in broadening their commitment to work towards justice internationally. Here, we proudly offer testaments that represent the holistic value of the SHRI experience.
An International Learning Community
“The SHRI brought together an amazing, international group. Studying with peers from all over-Brazilian law students, Kenyan activists, Polish NGO persons-provided a rare opportunity to learn and to exchange views,” says Priya S., a recent program alum from India. “The hybrid format allowed participants to be in New York or online, making the program applicable and accessible to a global audience.
Students often emphasize the sense of community SHRI creates. Whether sitting in class, on campus at Fordham Law School, or logging in remotely from a distance, they’re always actively engaged in a dynamic, supportive community.
“I never could’ve imagined forming such close relationships in just two weeks,” says Daniel M., an attorney from South Africa. “The network I built has been incredibly beneficial to my human rights litigation work.”
High-level Instruction: Theory with Practice
Of course, SHRI’s prestige also derives from its faculty. Charismatic scholars like Professor Paolo Galizzi and Professor Gay McDougall bring academic rigor to the course. “Every lecture was a master class,” says Maria L., a Colombian human rights activist. “Professor Galizzi peeled back the layers of international justice week by week; and when guest experts spoke, they gave us a kind of context and depth you just can’t get from a textbook.”
Indeed, many students cite one of SHRI’s biggest advantages as the opportunity to learn from scholars and practitioners with extensive on-the-ground UN and NGO experience.
“The faculty’s enthusiasm for human rights was palpable,” says James O., a Canadian law student. “In addition to teaching us the law, they showed us how to enquire into it, grapple with it, and use it as a force for social change.”
To learn more about the distinguished instructors, visit our Faculty page.
Access to New York’s Human Rights Community
One of the distinctive features of SHRI is its direct integration with New York’s global human rights community: “The chance to meet advocates and other professionals from prestigious organizations was priceless,” says Amina K., an NGO program officer from Nigeria. “Panel presentations and networking events introduced me to mentors and sponsors who subsequently assisted me in my career progress.”
Enrollees appreciate being shown the practical, on-the-ground manifestation of human rights law-whether through meetings with litigators at leading law firms, a visit to local facilities, or a virtual question-and-answer session with community leaders.
“These interactions brought the theory we learned in the classroom to life as well as point us toward our own individual prospects,” says Lucas P., a political science researcher from Italy.
A Compact, Flexible Learning Opportunity
The SHRI’s two-week hybrid format was designed for busy global professionals dedicated to lifelong learning. “The pace was intense but extremely rewarding,” explains Australia-based graduate student Chloe T. “Daily live lectures kept me focused, and recorded lectures provided a way of reviewing topics that I found particularly difficult.”
Participants hail the depth and breadth of the curriculum as it ranges from core issues concerning business and human rights to those of vulnerable groups.
“I left the program with knowledge of both general principles and cutting-edge developments,” explains Egypt-based activist Yusuf A. “The chapter in my resume will be enhanced by the certificate from Fordham Law.”
For a detailed overview of the curriculum, see our Program Overview.
Career & Advocacy Impacts
“In the few months after the program, I went on to secure a fellowship position with an international NGO,” Sofia R., a recent law school graduate from Spain, explains. “The skills and connections I made at SHRI proved to be invaluable.”
Many others find renewed drive in their advocacy.
“I draw on what I learned every day,” says Peter N., a legal aid lawyer from Kenya. Whether drafting policy proposals or representing individual clients at court, he is thankful for the tools SHRI equipped him with. “In my experience, the skills that you acquire at the Summer School really make a difference.”
SHRI graduates have continued to connect in professional capacities, sharing resources and collaborating on joint projects well past the summer program. The relationships built at SHRI continue long afterward, adding further weight to the impact the program can have for participants.
Why the Leitner Summer Human Rights Institute?
Participants choose the Leitner Summer Human Rights Institute for its rigorous curriculum, renowned faculty, and dedication to creating a diverse, inclusive classroom community. Participants routinely point to the program’s engaging curriculum, practice-oriented emphasis, and the prestige of receiving a certificate from Fordham Law School’s Leitner Center as standout memories of their learning experience. When coupled with the option of hybrid learning and the opportunity to interact with New York’s human rights community, the program provides an unparalleled first step along the path to realizing your human rights career goals.
As one alumna observes: “If you are passionate about human rights and want to develop both your expertise and network, I would recommend SHRI without reservation.”
Apply to be part of our next cohort
Whether you are an existing student, future professional, or human rights advocate, the Leitner Summer Human Rights Institute offers the opportunity to experience the tradition of excellence in human rights education that our students have come to expect. The application period for the 2024 session, June 10-21, is open now. For more information or to apply, go to https://leitnersummerhumanrightsinstitute.org/ or email [email protected]. You can also call (832) 939-9983 or visit 1500 Louisiana St Ste 11, Houston TX 77002. Register today to be part of this global human rights community.
If you have questions, please Contact Us.