Social and Cultural Opportunities

The Monash centre at Prato provides students with a very different experience than studying at Clayton.

Classes are inevitably much smaller. Past students comment upon the chance to interact both in class and out.

The centre has two computer laboratories affording all students an opportunity to get on a computer, check emails, access digitised materials and record their notes.

For much of the semester law alone uses the building so every student on the program gets to know all of the other students participating. The balance of the time students from Art and Design are present and are invited to law functions and law students are invited to Art and Design functions.

Functions held at the Monash Centre for law students include:

• An inaugural drinks and nibbles get together in the first week of class to enable students to meet and make travel plans together for weekends and after the academic program.

• A reception on the first day of the Trial Practice and Advocacy course where all students are invited to interact and "old hands" can introduce new comers to the building and city.

• A law dinner at a Prato restaurant in early May with each participant sharing in the cost.

• The Monash Law Ball. A band is hired, food provided and invitation is sent out to members of the Prato based legal profession and students from the University of Florence at Prato.

• The Monash Lecture Series features a lecture by a distinguished European Professor attended by students, visiting professionals and members of the Prato Legal Profession. A reception follows.

• A visit to a winery. An explanation of the process in English is followed by a visit to the grounds and a light meal with wine tasting. Particpants share the hire of the coast and the cost of the wine tasting.

• Monash has organised reduced rates at a well equipped gym about 15 minutes walk from the Monash Centre in Prato. Students on the program may enjoy unlimited use of all facilities including the pool and all classes for 30 Euro per month.

• Students are on the free list of the Central Park night club in Florence.

• Limited numbers of students from Law Faculties at other Australian Universities and from our international partner universities will join Monash Students on the program and in the social and cultural opportunities.

Student links occur through language courses, tour groups and through living in close proximity in either Prato or in Florence making this a valuable and very different experience to studying at Clayton.