Many academic calendars abroad (especially in the Global South) do not fit perfectly with Harvard`s academic calendar. HLS students who spend the semester at foreign schools may find that the different calendars offer them the opportunity to complete summer internships and jobs, and that it is possible to conduct a job search in the United States as well as study abroad. However, students should carefully plan their return to Harvard, their summer and/or permanent job search, and other commitments at home. Application documents for semesters abroad (independent semesters abroad and exchange programs) must be paid for: Founded in 1927, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) is the oldest school of international relations in continental Europe and was the first doctoral school in the world dedicated exclusively to the study of international affairs. The school has one of the largest international legal departments in the world and its international law program is considered one of the best and most comprehensive. Did you know that HLS allows JD students to spend a semester abroad? It turns out that HLS has excellent exchange partnerships with schools in two French cities: Geneva and Paris. Below you will find information and testimonials from HLS students and friends of the company. When evaluating applications, the Study Abroad Committee reviews each proposal on its own merits. Applying for an exchange program has no advantage over an independent semester abroad; Both types of programs are considered equally. Students approved by the HLS Study Abroad Committee for a semester in Geneva must also complete the online primary school application for exchange students, which may include supporting documents such as transcripts, study plans, and information on French language skills. HLS will provide further information on this process to students appointed to study at the Faculty of Law or the Institute. Founded in 1820, the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva offers a comprehensive curriculum in law, including Bachelor of Laws programs, Master of Law (LL.M.) programs, Master of Advanced Studies in Law (Business Law, International Humanitarian Law and Life Sciences Law), a Certificate in Transnational Law and a Doctor of Laws (Ph.D.).

The Faculty of Law hosts several research centres, including the Centre for Banking and Financial Law, the Centre for European Legal Studies and the Centre for Arts Law, and offers courses in various fields, with a focus on international law, European law and comparative law. Geneva also specialises in banking and financial law, international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, cultural property law and humanitarian law. You can also go to Paris, France, and study at Sciences Po! Learn more about the conditions here. Going to Paris is probably the best way to practice your French, it`s also a great opportunity to explore Europe and get access to the various international companies with offices in the city. Sciences Po also has strong programs in business law and international arbitration. Please note that students applying for specific places in HLS exchange programs must be recommended by the HLS Study Abroad Committee, but ultimately the selection is made by foreign law schools. Students applying for the independent semester abroad must obtain approval from the HLS Study Abroad Committee, then apply directly to the host institution and be accepted by the host institution in accordance with the foreign school`s application process. If the foreign school does not accept a student, the student may submit a revised proposal for an independent semester abroad to the committee. Course load varies from student to student. An HLS student can receive a total of 10-12 ungraded credits in class related to the work done as part of the semester abroad. Please read below for specific information on each school, and see Semester Abroad: Academic Requirements for more information on course requirements and how semester credits abroad are calculated.

Please note that students applying for specific places in HLS exchange programs must be recommended by the HLS Study Abroad Committee, but ultimately the selection is made by foreign law schools. In some cases, the foreign school may ask students to fill out additional application forms. It is not necessary to complete the foreign school application before the deadline (September 15 for spring, February 15 for autumn) to submit the application for the HLS semester abroad. If the foreign school does not accept a student, the student may submit a revised proposal for an independent semester abroad to the committee. Founded in 1872, the Institut d`Études Politiques de Paris (known as „Sciences Po“) is one of the most selective and prestigious universities in France. Traditionally known for its academic focus on political science and economics, Sciences Po also offers strong programs in law, communication, finance, economics, urban policy, management and journalism. With a large international student population and a strong global focus, Sciences Po is considered one of the world`s leading academic institutions. Students initiate the process of planning their own curriculum, reflect on their educational goals, identify the best country and school to study, and develop a preliminary list of courses abroad. International Legal Studies staff are happy to work with students to help them evaluate options and develop a tailored application. Students who spent a semester abroad report that pre-planning helped them make the most of the experience and minimize the complications of absence.

The Semester Abroad: Locations page contains links to more detailed information about individual exchange programs. A wide range of HLS scholarships and scholarships provide funding for study abroad opportunities for students during and after law school. The average workload of the Institute`s master`s students is five weekly classes; Exchange students determine the number of courses they take in consultation with their home institution. The number of hours spent in class each week depends on the courses the student is enrolled in, but HLS students should generally expect to spend 10-12 hours per week in class. Each course usually meets once a week for two hours. We have alumni of the three schools of the francophone society, do not hesitate to contact us if you want to talk to them! All application documents must be submitted to International Legal Studies by email to ils@law.harvard.edu. International Legal Studies at Harvard are in many ways a microcosm of the law school`s broader curriculum. Together, they encompass familiar legal disciplines such as financial and criminal law, legal history and antitrust law, and many others, although they raise questions both about national cross-border relations between states, entities and citizens, and about the transnational transfer of legal concepts.

Like the program in general, Harvard`s courses in international legal studies embody a range of methods from empirical legal studies to critical legal theory and social law studies. And alongside the program in general, international and comparative courses offer students the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways about the professional skills and responsibilities of people working in the field of law. Students applying for an independent semester abroad must prove university accreditation (in the form of an official language or other documents). According to section I.C.1 of the ABA criteria. The school must be „sanctioned or recognized by the State if the educational institutions of the country are regulated by the State; has been recognised or approved by an assessment body if such a body exists in the national territory; or be approved by the competent authority of the country to award the first degrees in law. The application for independent study abroad includes a section containing specific information about the foreign law school, including its name and location, the length of the semester abroad, the average academic load of a regular student, and the school`s grading system and evaluation process. „I decided to participate in an exchange program to support my future international legal career. I think participating in an exchange program is especially valuable for anyone who wants to pursue international law studies, for the diversity of ideas, programs, students and lecturers compared to what is available at the home institution.