How can I find a law school where I can study abroad for the bulk of or all of my degree requirements?

Question

I am currently looking to go to law school and study international law. Ideally I would love to study in Greece (Friends and family) but so far I have found only summer or semester abroad opportunities. I know I will have to return to the US to take the bar. But are there any Law Schools where I can study abroad (would prefer Greece but open to any) for most if not all of my degree requirements. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

you need to start preparing for your educational adventure. Here are a few tips to assist you before you go.

Decide what courses to take

When selecting the courses you plan on taking, be sure to take full advantage of what studying in another country has to offer. If you're studying in Paris, what better place to take French—if you're studying in London, take British History. In other words, wait until you're back home for that Intro to U.S. Government class!

Choose your accommodations

Depending on what program you're attending, where you'll be living may already have been decided for you. Other programs—particularly language study programs—may offer you the option of either staying in student housing or with a host family. If you really want to immerse yourself in another country's culture, staying with a host family is a great way to go. Not only do you have more opportunities to use the new language skills you are learning but you also get to experience the lifestyle, customs and typical daily life of the country you are studying in.

Check your travel documents

If you have a passport, make sure it's valid for at least six months after your return date. If not, apply for a renewal. And if you don't have a passport yet, apply for one far in advance of your departure date. Also be sure to check with your program to determine if a student visa is necessary for the country you'll be studying in.

Attend to money matters

Most cities abroad have ATM machines that allow you to withdraw money from your checking account back home so there is no need—nor is it advisable—to carry large amounts of cash with you. However, double check with your bank to make sure you can use your card at foreign ATMs. If you have a credit card, bring it as well. It's also a good idea to take a small amount of cash and travelers checks with you. Most North American banks can order foreign currency, so if you'd prefer to land in your destination with a few Euros already in your pocket, you can do that too!

Keep in touch

The easiest, cheapest and quickest way to stay in touch with family and friends while you are studying abroad is email. If you don't already have one, sign up for a free Web-based email account you can access from anywhere. Cyber cafes can be found in even the smallest towns around the globe these days. Before you leave, send a farewell email to your family and friends letting them know the email address they can write to you at while you're gone.

It's also a good idea to purchase calling cards before going abroad. Make sure you find out the country code and access numbers you'll need before you leave. And if you promised postcards to anyone, remember to compile a list of mailing addresses to take with you.

Pack light

Be practical. Forget the "cute little shoes" that only go with one outfit. The idea here should be mix and match—pants that match multiple tops, shoes that match multiple pants—you get the idea. Less is more should definitely be the mantra here.

Do your research

In the weeks and months leading up to your departure, try and learn as much as you can about the country and city you'll be studying in. There's an abundance of information that can be found on the Internet. The more you know, the easier it will be for you to adjust to your environment and take advantage of the opportunity ahead of you. The bottom line is your study abroad experience will be whatever you make of it - so make it great!

Answer 2

You will not find any U.S. law school which will allow you to study abroad for the majority of your J.D. This would be pointless, since in the end you wish to practice in the U.S.

Some law schools offer a J.D. in which you can study for a semester abroad as part of the program but that is it.

Remember you will be studying U.S. law (torts, contracts, processing, constitutional law etc) these laws are going to be different in any other country since no two countries have exactly the same laws. Furthermore your first two years at law school will cover the above laws plus many more such has property, patent law, contracts, ethics etc.

So it would not be beneficial to you or to the law school to offer a program in which you would study abroad for the majority of the J.D.