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World Language Training

Many students are interested in developing language skills as part of their training for careers in public or private international law. Depending on your goals, there are several possible avenues for improving language proficiency while earning your degree at Penn Carey Law.

Language Coursework at the University of Pennsylvania

Penn Carey Law allows JD students to receive credit for up to four (4) pre-approved language courses. Language courses must be graduate level. The Law School cannot grant credit for introductory language study, but it will consider petitions for intermediate or advanced language courses.

Learn more about taking courses outside the Law School

 

Foreign Language & Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships

For certain languages, JD students may be eligible to pursue funding to support language and area studies coursework through the FLAS Fellowship program. 

Micro Grants for Foreign Language Training

A limited pool of small monetary awards is available each academic year to support motivated Penn Carey Law students who are seeking to independently pursue skills development (including language training) for globalized legal tracks. Individual awards will not exceed $500 per student.  

Apply for funding to develop international legal skills

 

Penn Carey Law Language Programs

The Law School has also developed its own specialized language programming. Past program models have included intensive boot camps, semester-long non-credit courses, and less intensive opportunities such as foreign film discussion groups.

Read about our Fall 2020 ‘Spanish for Law’ program

 

Mango Languages

Mango Languages is an online language-learning resource, available through the Biddle Law Library, that supports students learning at their own pace and on their own schedule.

Explore Mango Languages here

 

Language Exchanges

Many students have benefited from setting up informal language exchanges with students in our LLM program. This exceptional community of attorneys and legal professionals from around the world can provide a valuable cultural and legal context for students interested in future practice in cross-cultural settings.