Frequently Asked Questions about Studying Abroad

During which year can I study abroad?
Our programs are designed for you to study abroad in your 3L fall semester.
Minimum 29 credits. Transfer students are not eligible.

What are the programs I can choose from?
You can choose from four programs:

• Semester in London Program
  The Semester in London Program is for the fall semester of your third year. We have a detailed handout for this program in the ISP office. The semester is September to December. There are two Universities in this program:
  • Queen Mary University of London, England
  • University College London, England
• Exchange
  Exchange programs are direct exchanges with a foreign university. UT hosts exchange students from these universities for a semester or year. UT Austin students who go abroad attend regular university at the host institution. Exchange programs may require a certain level of proficiency in the language of the chosen country. Annually, we can send four students per exchange program. Current Exchange programs are (links are to PDF files*):
  • University of Melbourne, Australia (English)
  • University of New South Wales , Australia (English)
  • University of Sydney , Australia (English)
  • University of Leiden, Netherlands (English)
  • University of Torcuato di Tella, Argentina (Spanish)
  • Universidad del Pais Vasco, Spain (Spanish)
  • Bucerius Law School, Germany (English)
  • Universidade Federal do Rio Grand do Sul, Brazil (Portuguese)
  • Universidade Federal do Para, Brazil (Portuguese)
  • Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina (Spanish)
  • Universidad Panamericana, Mexico (Spanish)
  • Jean Moulin Lyons 3, France (English/French)
  • Vrije Universiteit, Netherlands (English)
  • University of Bocconi, Italy (English/Italian)
  • Pontifica Universidad Catolica de Chile (Spanish)
• LLM programs
  You can earn your LLM degree in conjunction with your JD. You will earn 28 credit hours AND you must be committed to stay from September to September, the entire academic year.
  • University of Edinburgh, Scotland
  • University of Nottingham, England
• AdHoc Program
  These are student-initiated programs. UT Law students may propose a course of studies to any law school in the world that offers a first degree in law. However, we encourage you to attend the exchange program already established in each country. With a student-initiated program, the student must complete much of the preliminary, required paperwork. The proposed course of studies must meet the ABA criteria for Study Abroad.

So, I have decided to study abroad. What do I do now?
Download the application from the ISP website, complete it, turn in to the International Student Programs Office 2.125 by the deadline, and make sure you have all appropriate attachments for your program. As a 2L, it is best to complete all your required courses.

When will the ISP announce those who get to go abroad?
The selection process for fall will be announced in late November; the selection process in spring will be announced in late February.

Do I have to speak a foreign language?
Students who wish to study on the exchange programs in Argentina, France, Spain, Italy, and Brazil must speak the appropriate language for the country. Most of the Universities offer 4-6 week language courses before the semester begins so students can brush up.

Is there a minimum UT GPA for study abroad?
No. However, many of the host universities require that students have at least a 3.0.

Where can I find more information about all the programs?
Check out our web site and click on the individual university names to access the fact sheet for that program.

How much does it cost to study abroad?
Program cost varies greatly. As an estimated guideline, a program can range from $18,000 to $25,000 per semester-- or more, depending on the amount of personal travel you wish to do and, of course ,the ever changing exchange rates of the dollar.

Is there financial aid?
Yes, financial aid is applicable for study-abroad students. See Linda Alba or Shirley Cannon in the Student Services Suite, Financial Aid Office, room 2.125.

Will I still be a UT student?
Yes, you will be registered in Affiliated Studies as a UT student.

How many students do you send abroad?
The programs vary. The semester in London Program accepts up to 80 UT Law Students. Each Exchange Program or Ad Hoc Program is limited to only four students per school.

How many credits will I receive?
The semester in London Program requires 5 classes for 12 credit hours. The Exchange and Ad Hoc Programs require you take a “full load” of courses (4-7classes) for that university, and you will earn 14 credit hours.

When do the semesters begin?
Each programs term dates are different. Term dates are listed on the individual university websites. Southern hemisphere starts in July and March; Northern hemisphere starts in September and January.

If I attend the LLM program at Nottingham or Edinburgh for the year, can I come home for May graduation or take the July Bar?
No, you are to attend the Universities from September to September. The Universities do not make exceptions for students to take exams early or to come home for the July bar. The term dates are to be respected. UT Graduation can be as early as August, or as late as December. You will be available to take the February bar.

The International Student Programs Office is located in room 2.125. You can also access our website at http://www.utexas.edu/law/academics/curriculum/studyabroad/index.html.

* PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If it is not already installed on your computer you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader free.