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Study Abroad Programs Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do students choose to study abroad?
- How does the application process work?
- What if I have a low grades?
- Which programs offer courses in English?
- Which semester is the best to go?
- How will foreign study affect my job prospects?
- How much should I budget for a semester abroad?
- How many credits do I receive?
Why do students choose to study abroad?
Not all students travel abroad for the same reason. Some have specific career plans which will be directly furthered by one of our exchange programs. Others have more general goals and hope to broaden their skills and understanding through study in another country. Some view the foreign experience as an important academic lens through which to better understand the U.S. legal system. Whatever your reason, however, we believe that if you seriously commit yourself to the experience, studying abroad has the potential to change your view of the law, your career aspirations, and possibly your place in the world.
How does the application process work?
There is a Study Abroad Fair in early February. Applications are available at the Fair and from the International Legal Programs Office for the following academic year. The application and decision deadlines are listed on the application form. Once the applications are submitted, a committee will review each application. The committee will consult the professors listed on the applications and other Law School personnel regarding the candidate's academic performance and their impressions on how well the candidate would represent the School in another country. The committee members discuss the merits of each application, the places available, and make decisions concerning which candidates present the best qualifications for study abroad and which programs would be best for each candidate. Qualified applicants are interviewed and final decisions are made in March. The application process is competitive and late applications will not be considered.
What if I have a low grades?
In evaluating your application, the committee considers transcripts, the recommendations of professors and other Law School personnel, and personal statements. Each piece of the application is evaluated to help give the committee a full picture of the person applying to study abroad. The committee takes seriously their charge to select students who will take advantage of the unique academic opportunity each program presents and who will represent the School well during their time abroad. It has been our experience that this takes a combination of proven academic ability and commitment to the particular academic focus area of the program. Students with concerns about their grades should use the personal statement to address this issue and make a strong case for their selection.
Which programs offer courses in English?
Dublin, Exeter, Haifa, Kyungpook, Leiden, London, Mannheim, Tilburg.
Which semester is the best to go?
If you wish to study abroad for one semester, some programs occur during the Fall only (London, Dublin, Exeter, Mannheim); and others are available either semester (Aix, Leiden, San Juan, Siena, Tilburg). Some students find the Fall programs attractive, especially those which don't require attendance until October 1, since they can use the month of September to interview for jobs. Others might prefer the Spring term so they can find an summer internship abroad. The ABA has approved credit for a full year of study abroad. This is the preferred option for Berlin and is possible for other programs except Leiden. You might ask career services and/or current law students who have studied abroad for advice on this issue.
How will foreign study affect my job prospects?
Over the years we've heard many stories about students receiving job interviews solely because their resumes listed a semester abroad. Similarly, there are anecdotes about interviews which have come to life because the applicant spent a semester abroad. Employers want to hire students who bring their experience of the world to the job. Whether you plan to pursue a career involving international law or not, chances are you will encounter some aspect of international or foreign law in your legal career.
How much should I budget for a semester abroad?
Each of the programs has its own financial scheme developed between the two schools involved. The program handouts list the details of each program. In addition, the Financial Aid Office has developed a budget for each program, copies of which are kept in the white study abroad notebooks on Reserve in the Library or available from Robyn Frick in the Financial Aid Office (LIB 404) or from HS 146. Students receiving tuition remission from the Law School should consult with Robyn Frick since not all forms of financial aid are available for all programs. Financial aid is not available for students who choose to study at schools other than those that UCONN has made agreements with.
How many credits do I receive?
9-12 credits are awarded per semester for successful completion of all required work.