Semester Programs

To embark on the University of San Diego's Law Semester Exchange program, you must first meet specific eligibility criteria.

Outgoing USD students must have completed the first year of law school and maintain good academic standing with a minimum current GPA of 2.86 (determined by Law Student Affairs) or the specific GPA requirements for partner institution.

In addition, you will need to meet any partner institution’s language requirements and submit a Semester Exchange Nomination Application. We encourage you to review specific guidelines and requirements to ensure you meet all criteria for your chosen destination.

As an incoming international student, you’ll need to submit a completed Program Application (provided after nomination), a personal statement, current resume or CV and at least one letter of recommendation from a law professor, attorney or another legal professional familiar with your work. This recommendation should be emailed directly from the recommender. Official law school transcripts (physical or e-transcripts) that designate good academic standing must be sent directly from the law school or kept in a sealed envelope. Lastly, an official TOEFL score (at least 93 on iBT) or IELTS score (at least 7.0) sent directly from ETS - Institution code: 4849, Dept. Code: 03, Dept. Description: Graduate Law.

You may submit Incoming Student Exchange applications by postal mail to:

University of San Diego School of Law
Graduate and International Programs
Warren Hall, Room 207
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110-2492
USA

To participate in a study law abroad experience through our Semester Exchange program, you are required to submit the Semester Exchange Nominee Application by the specified deadline. For more information on program deadlines, please review the International Partner Institutions. The section offers comprehensive details on each institution and its respective deadlines, enabling you to explore and embrace the world.

The number of credits you can be transferred back to the USD School of Law from your time spent studying law abroad depends on the courses completed and their compatibility with our academic requirements. Generally, you can receive up to 30 credits at the partner institution, and on average, you may transfer 12 to 15 of those credits back to the University of San Diego School of Law, subject to approval under our Academic Rules. It is recommended that you consult with your academic advisor, who can help determine the exact number of credits that can be transferred and guide you through the transfer process. Upon completing the study abroad program, your coursework will be evaluated and eligible credits will be applied toward your University of San Diego School of Law JD degree.

The USD School of Law is dedicated to empowering you to broaden your horizons by studying law abroad. We provide access to the International Study Abroad Scholarship, designed specifically for law students like you participating in coursework, research or internships abroad. This exemplary scholarship welcomes applications to support participation in various international activities that can profoundly enrich your legal education.

To be considered, you must complete the online application, and submit a resume along with a brief essay (one to two pages) detailing the desired program, how the study abroad experience will enhance your legal education and the reasons for seeking financial assistance. After the deadline for each program, a committee will evaluate all submitted applications, and make award determinations based on financial need, academic merit and the value of the experience to you.

We encourage you to carefully evaluate the partner law school for a study abroad program as this decision can significantly impact your academic and personal growth journey. It is important to carefully consider the following factors:

• Academic Focus. Research the partner school’s courses and specializations offered to ensure they align with your academic desires and professional aspirations.
• Language Requirements. Identify if the host institution offers courses in English or requires you to be fluent in the host country’s language.
• Location and Culture. Contemplate what cultural, language and lifestyle experiences you wish to explore and select a location that most closely matches those desires, as well as offers opportunities for personal growth and cultural immersion.
• Reputation. Select a partner school whose overall reputation and alumni network is well-regarded, as this can contribute to the ability to build a stellar resume and cultivate valuable professional connections.
• Support Services. Find a partner school that offers academic advising, personal counseling and assistance with housing or visa applications for a more seamless experience.
• Cost and Financial Aid. Compare the cost of living, tuition and other expenses associated with each partner school. We encourage you to apply for International Study Abroad Scholarship for financial support.
• Opportunities for Extracurricular Activities. Consider the potential for extracurricular activities, since classroom time is just one aspect of the overall experience. Participating in extracurricular activities can enrich your educational, personal and professional life and help build connections with fellow students.

Our Semester Exchange program are designed to seamlessly integrate into your academic journey, enriching your educational experience without affecting the anticipated graduation date. Our dedicated academic advisors work closely with you to plan a course of study that aligns with your degree requirements. By choosing the right partner institution and courses, and maintaining good academic standing, law school students can embark on the remarkable adventure of studying abroad while staying on track for timely graduation.

At USD, your safety and well-being are paramount to us, extending beyond our campus to encompass your experiences abroad. We implement several measures to ensure a secure and nurturing environment for our international scholars. We carefully select partner institutions that adhere to the highest safety standards and possess an exemplary track record in supporting international students like you. In addition, we require you to enroll in travel alerts and register your trip with both USD and the State Department. This ensures we can locate you at all times and maintain open lines of communication. Our system includes push notifications that enable us to swiftly locate you during emergencies. Each host city also provides you with access to a Smart Traveler app, offering real-time updates on transportation systems and natural disasters. Recognizing the importance of both physical and mental well-being, we mandate health insurance as part of the exchange process and deliver pre-departure information sessions to help you acclimate to your new surroundings.

Lastly, we offer support services and resources through our program and host institution, guaranteeing you receive assistance throughout your time abroad. The USD School of Law is dedicated to fostering positive and enriching experiences for you, and we are committed to ensuring your safety and well-being every step of the way.

While you are immersing yourself in a new academic landscape, we generally advise against undertaking internships or part-time work. Instead, we encourage you to seize this unique opportunity to forge meaningful connections and broaden your horizons, which may pave the way for exciting opportunities in the future.

Housing options vary among partner schools, each offering a unique blend of on-campus facilities or access to appealing off-campus residences. We encourage you to investigate the possibilities available at your chosen institution, and connect with the housing coordinator, if available, at the earliest opportunity. This proactive approach will empower you to secure a comfortable living arrangement that complements your educational journey.

Language requirements and course offerings during the Semester Exchange program can vary depending on the partner institution and chosen destination. For instance, as a student participating in a Semester Exchange to Argentina, Mexico City or Barcelona, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in Spanish. We encourage you to review the International Partner Institutions listings and consult with your Program Advisor to explore whether the host institution offers courses in English or requires fluency in the host country’s language.

The USD School of Law encourages you to fully embrace your Semester Exchange experience, both academically and culturally. To make the most of this opportunity, you should prioritize academic responsibilities while immersing yourself in the local culture. We encourage you to dedicate time to explore, sightsee and travel, delving into your chosen country’s customs, traditions and history to gain a richer understanding.

As a student, you may consider becoming an active member of the academic community at the host institution by joining international organizations and student groups that resonate with your interests. You may also attend extracurricular activities, such as networking events and workshops to broaden your horizons and forge lasting connections.

By engaging in academic and professional development opportunities, you can meet local classmates and professionals, exchange ideas, gain insight into the local legal experience, foster connections and open up future career opportunities. We advise you to consult with your Program Advisors for guidance on the specific local opportunities offered by the host institution.

While we are committed to ensuring that you meet your JD program requirements at the USD School of Law, you may participate in one Semester Exchange program, and embrace additional opportunities through our Summer Study Abroad program.

It is important to note that outgoing students are limited to four slots per partner institution for the entire year. Although this may occasionally present constraints, we are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate the aspirations of as many students as possible.