Study Abroad
Penn Law’s educational objectives for studying abroad are deepening knowledge of foreign law and developing comparative strength. Students who choose to spend a semester or year at an elite overseas institution build global peer networks, push their language and cross-cultural skills to the next level, and distinguish their resumes with demonstrated connections to an important country or region.
Julie Picquet L’12 spent her 3L year at Hong Kong University completing a JD/LLM degree.
Partnership Programs
Penn Law offers opportunities for study abroad through six formal partnerships with overseas law faculties.
| Program | Location | Term | Focus/Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
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Barcelona, Spain |
3L Fall semester
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Hong Kong |
3L Academic Year (Joint Degree) |
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National Law School of India University
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Bangalore, India |
3L Fall semester |
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Paris, France |
3L Academic Year (Joint Degree) |
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Beijing, China |
3L Fall semester |
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Tokyo, Japan |
3L Fall semester |
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Ad-hoc Programs
In addition to the above opportunities, many students opt to study abroad at non-partnered institutions. When proposing an ad-hoc program, applicants must verify that the quality of the coursework is comparable in rigor and classroom minutes to a semester at Penn Law.Examples of successful past ad-hoc petitions have included: Central European University, Qatar University School of Law, Queen Mary University of London, Peking University, University of Amsterdam, University of Roma Tre, University of Sydney, and several others.
How It Works
Applications are due in November of the second year at Penn Law, for study abroad the following year. Individual students will be approved for overseas study on the basis of factors including academic achievement; relationship of study abroad to personal and professional goals; foreign language ability; maturity and cultural adaptability; and potential for contributing to Penn Law’s overall international programming.
For purposes of academic planning, please note that students who wish to study abroad can only credit one other outside course toward their law degree. This means that transfer students and students pursuing a joint degree with another University of Pennsylvania department are ineligible to study abroad.
Students participating in official Penn Law partner programs pay tuition, apply for loans, and remain eligible for Penn Law financial aid grants just as if they were attending the law school in Philadelphia. Students studying abroad on ad-hoc programs are assessed a “non‐matriculation fee” in addition to their local tuition.
All 2Ls interested in studying abroad their 3L year should schedule an appointment with the International Programs Office. Application deadline is always the Monday after Thanksgiving Break.
Remy Nshimiyimana C’08, L’11 discusses his experience earning a masters in business law from Sciences Po.
Jonathan Conigliari L’13 wins the Penn Law section of the University’s “Day in the Life” photo contest for his entry of fellow 3Ls studying abroad at Sciences Po.
Michael Anderson L’11 attends a lecture while studying abroad at Qatar University School of Law, Doha.
Atma Kabad L’13 visits the Great Wall of China during his semester abroad.