Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?
I am not a WCL Student. Can I still participate?
Will I get credit?
How will it affect my graduation from WCL?
How will it affect my financial aid?
When can I go?
What if I don't speak the language?
How do I apply?
When is the application due?
What if I want to study with a program not listed on this web site?
Who do I contact with questions?

Who is eligible?
Any 2L or 3L student in good standing may apply. In the case of over-subscription, 3L's will be given preference, with due consideration given to any language requirements an institution may have.

I am not a WCL Student. Can I still participate?
Yes. Please review and complete the Visiting Student Exchange Application. Please note that priority is given to WCL students. Visiting students must receive permission from their home school before applying to any WCL semester abroad program. For more information, please contact the Office of Grants & Programs.

Will I get credit?
According to ABA standards, students may transfer up to 12 credits to WCL from their host institution. As a general practice, grades are not transferred, and all credit transfer will be determined by the WCL registrar.

How will it affect my graduation from WCL?
Studying abroad should be an asset and add to the quality of a student's legal education and experience. Thus any student wishing to spend a semester abroad should speak with the registrar about what academic requirements the student has met and what requirements have yet to be fulfilled. These requirements affect a student's ability to graduate in a timely manner, and steps should be taken to ensure the semester abroad experience does not interfere with the student's expectations. WCL students may defer any remaining academic requirements at WCL until they return.

How will it affect my financial aid?
Since you will be participating in a WCL affiliated program, you will be paying all tuition and fees to WCL. This should not affect your financial aid in any way. Before applying to any semester abroad opportunity, please consult the WCL Financial Aid Office with any specific questions about your aid package. Visiting students will pay all tuition and fees to WCL. Tuition information can be found here. Please consult your home school financial aid office to asses whether you will be able to complete a consortium agreement to transfer aid to WCL for your semester abroad.

When can I go?
Most programs allow either fall or spring semester exchange students. Bucerius and Ghent allow students to visit only during the fall semester. Please see individual program pages for specific program dates as many European schools have varying calendars.

What if I don't speak the language?
Most of the participating institutions offer classes in English. Some Universities do require a language proficiency, though. Please see the list below for the language of instruction

How do I apply?
Semester Abroad Applications for WCL Students:
PDF Format - Complete the application electronically using Adobe Acrobat Reader and print. Please note that you will not be able to save it for your files.
MS Word Format Complete, save and print the application using Microsoft Word.

Semester Abroad Application for Visiting Students:
PDF Format

Complete, sign, and send your application to:

Mailing Address:
Attention: Office of Grants and Programs
American University Washington College of Law
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016

Office Location:
4910 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Lower Level, Suite 16
Washington, DC 20016

Tel: 202-274-4317
Fax: 202-274-4226
E-mail: grants-programs@wcl.american.edu

When is the application due?
Fall Semester Abroad - March 1
Spring Semester Abroad - October 1
*Some programs may have earlier deadlines. Please see program specific web site for specific application deadline information.

What if I want to study on a program not listed on this web site?

All requests to study through a non-WCL affiliated program MUST be approved in advance by the WCL Registrar’s Office. Students must complete a Permit to Study Abroad Application. Such programs must be ABA approved and accredited by the appropriate agency abroad.  Students also must include a statement of purpose and demonstrate how this law program and the courses offered therein meet their goals and are not duplicative of a WCL program.  Not only the program, but also specific courses must be approved. Students will be charged a fee of $2,000.00 per semester ($1,000.00 for summer) for study elsewhere for which they are not registered at American University.  Please contact the WCL Office of the Registrar directly with any questions. Approval of a non-WCL affiliated study abroad program is not guaranteed and is dependent on the individual circumstances of the student.

I've read all the information on our web site, but I still have questions. Who do I contact?
Refer any questions to the Office of Grants & Programs.

Visit the Office of Grants and Programs Web Site for more information about international activities.