Study Abroad

The USD School of Law study abroad programs invites you on a journey of global fluency and cultural exploration through international learning experiences.

Our Summer Abroad programs will transport you to the vibrant European cities such as Madrid, London, and/or Paris, while our Semester Exchange programs span across influential regions, such as Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Whether you choose to immerse yourself in a summer or semester abroad, or both, our programs provide invaluable insights and practical experiences through specialized courses led by distinguished legal experts. Embrace the boundless possibilities of a thriving legal career in today's interconnected world with our study abroad programs.

As a USD law student, you have access to various study abroad opportunities designed to enrich your academic experience and expand your global perspective. University of San Diego School of Law Summer Abroad programs span three to four weeks, while the Semester Exchange programs immerse you in a foreign setting for an entire semester. Seamlessly integrated with the Law School's comprehensive international and comparative course offerings, these programs foster global fluency and broaden your horizons, qualities highly sought after in today's interconnected world.

The courses offered through the USD School of Law’s Summer Abroad and Semester Exchange programs are ever-evolving, reflecting our dedication to empowering and engaging with the world around us.

While the specific offerings vary each year, you can expect diverse course options such as international private law, intellectual property, and international business transactions. To guide you in selecting the perfect program for your academic and professional aspirations, you may request fact sheets and current course information from your program advisor. As you immerse yourself in global legal perspectives and practices, explore unique cultures and gain invaluable knowledge, you’ll experience a transformative journey at the edge of infinite possibilities.

To embark on one of USD Law's study abroad programs, you must first meet specific eligibility criteria. Aspiring participants must have completed their first year of law school (note: exchange nominees for Copenhagen must have completed 3 JD semesters) and be in good academic standing, either at the University of San Diego School of Law or a foreign law school with an exchange agreement with the University of San Diego School of Law.

You should also be prepared to navigate the visa process or acquire other necessary documentation, such as a passport with at least six months of validity past the program end date. Furthermore, you must meet any unique requirements specific to the Summer Abroad and Semester Exchange programs to ensure a seamless and enriching experience that transcends borders and boundaries.

The cost of studying abroad in law school is influenced by factors such as the chosen program and destination. We encourage you to explore our Summer Abroad and Semester Exchange programs for detailed information on tuition and fees.

Yes, our International Study Abroad Scholarship and financial aid offer you an opportunity to broaden your horizons by participating in international coursework, research or internships. With a focus on financial need, academic merit and the transformative potential of the experience, this scholarship empowers you to engage with the world beyond borders and boundaries, cultivating a deeper understanding of our interconnected world. PLEASE NOTE THAT INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING FOR SPRING 2026 SEMESTER EXCHANGE IS UNFORTUNATELY NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. However, any existing JD scholarships or federal and private loans can likely be applied to your study abroad experience.

Begin your journey by completing an online application and follow the specific process outlined in Summer Abroad and Semester Exchange program’s description. Discover new horizons and broaden your perspectives as a Torero in the global legal arena.

Yes, you can earn academic credit for courses taken through the USD School of Law's study abroad programs. For the Summer Abroad programs, academic credit and grading is based on the same standards as law courses taken at the University of San Diego School of Law. In the case of the Semester Exchange programs, you receive academic credit for all courses you pass at the host institution, which transfer back to USD School of Law as pass-fail credits. It is essential for you to confirm with both the USD School of Law and the host institution that these credits will transfer and count towards your overall degree requirements.

Embarking on a study abroad program offers you the extraordinary chance to broaden your network and gain invaluable insights into the global legal landscape. By immersing yourself in another culture, you'll develop exceptional cross-cultural communication skills and forge lasting international connections that will shape your career. This global fluency will distinguish you in a competitive, interconnected world where adaptability, flexibility and resilience are essential qualities that international experience can cultivate.

As you navigate the challenges of living and learning in a new environment, you'll hone your problem-solving abilities and foster personal growth, independence, and self-awareness. These qualities will empower you to tackle complex situations with confidence and make informed decisions. Moreover, exploring specialized areas of law unavailable in your home country will equip you with unique knowledge and diverse perspectives, laying the foundation for a thriving legal career.

Embracing the world beyond our campus, our Summer Abroad and Semester Exchange programs are designed to seamlessly integrate into your academic journey. At the USD School of Law, dedicated academic advisors work closely with you to plan your courses and ensure that your study abroad experience does not delay your anticipated graduation date.

USD School of Law is dedicated to empowering you in your pursuit of transformative study abroad experiences. To help prepare for this journey, you will be thoughtfully paired with alumni from the program you are interested in, while dedicated onsite administrators and faculty members are readily available for support. The University of San Diego’s International Center offers a wealth of resources on vital aspects of studying abroad, such as housing, flights and insurance.

While abroad, your living arrangements will vary based on the program you choose. For instance, in Madrid, you are offered accommodations within walking distance of the campus, allowing you to easily immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. In Paris, you have the opportunity to secure off-campus housing with guidance from your dedicated onsite administrator or knowledgeable alumni, who can offer unique insights into charming neighborhoods and ideal short-term rental options. For Semester Exchange program, check our partner schools' Fact Sheets for housing information.

As you explore new horizons through the USD School of Law's study abroad programs, rest assured that a comprehensive support network accompanies you. Each Summer Abroad location features an onsite administrator and dedicated University of San Diego faculty members, ready to assist you in your academic and personal journey. During Semester Exchange, support is provided by advisors at our partner schools. Moreover, in case of incidents or emergencies, you can always reach out to Law Student Affairs, Student Wellness, or the University of San Diego’s International Center. Rest assured that the Torero spirit of care and excellence is with you, no matter where you are in the world.

Embracing the spirit of exploration and discovery, living arrangements while studying abroad differ depending on the program's location. The USD School of Law is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure your experience is both comfortable and enriching.

For instance, in Madrid, you are offered accommodations within walking distance of the campus, allowing you to easily immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. In Paris, you have the opportunity to secure off-campus housing with guidance from your dedicated onsite administrator or knowledgeable alumni, who can offer unique insights into charming neighborhoods and ideal short-term rental options. For Semester Exchange, check our partner schools' Fact Sheets for housing information.