Foreign Study: Frequently Asked Questions - Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Thomas M. Cooley Law School - Practical Legal Scholarship Since 1972

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend the Study Abroad Programs?
Cooley Law School will consider applications from law students who are enrolled in good standing in an ABA-accredited or state-approved law school and have completed at least one year of study.

When do the programs take place?
Our Australia/New Zealand program is one semester long, running from January through April of every year. The Toronto program is a six-week program running from mid-May through late June.

How do I apply?
Students must fill out an application that can be obtained on the Web site or by contacting the International, Graduate, and Extended Programs office. Each program also requires a deposit for tuition and for housing (please see the individual program requirements, available on the Web site). Students who are not attending Thomas M. Cooley Law School will also need his or her to school forward a letter of good standing and an official transcript.

Are there a limited number of students who can attend the programs?
Each program is different and varies each year. Generally, housing limitations affect the available spots. We will try to post to the Web site any limitations if and when we find out about them. If you have specific questions regarding individual programs, please e-mail us at foreignstudy@cooley.edu.

What are the tuition costs?
All students will be billed for the same tuition they would pay if they attended classes here at the Lansing campus. Your rate will not change. Please see each program to determine specific information on tuition.

Is my deposit refundable if I'm unable to attend the program?
Each program has a cut off date for refunds. Prior to the cut-off date, should you need to withdraw from the program in which you are enrolled, all of your deposit minus $100 per location will be refunded. After the cut-off date, refunds will not be issued. These rules must be kept in mind when registering. If you are placed on the waiting list and a space does not become available, we will get your deposit check back to you, regardless of the date. Should the program be cancelled for circumstances beyond our control, any monies paid will be fully refunded.

Are there course requirements?
Most of the program courses offered are electives. However, Cooley's program director(s) in Australia and New Zealand will teach a required course to provide students an opportunity to fulfill their curriculum requirement. Most programs have a minimum number of credits that must be taken. Please see the individual program descriptions for that information.

Can I change my class schedule once I have turned in my application?
Due to administrative costs that are incurred for the programs, students are required to take a certain number of credits at each program. Once the application is submitted, courses can be changed in accordance with Cooley's drop/add guidelines. Once the programs have begun, you MAY NOT lower your credit hours. However, you may still change courses or add courses.

Is housing available?
We have excellent accommodations at our Toronto and Australia/New Zealand programs. The housing is described in each program's "Program Details" page on the Web site.

Can we find our own housing at the program locations?
We strongly encourage students to take advantage of any housing options that we make available to them at each program. We often are able to develop special programs and pricing, as well as trips and tours. It is also important not to totally separate yourself from the other students attending the program(s) by living elsewhere. However, special circumstances may be discussed with Associate Dean Weiner.

How should I plan my finances?
Our Financial Aid Office can assist in budgeting in terms of your major expenses. Financial aid is available and can also be discussed with the Financial Aid Office. Students attending the program(s) from schools other than Cooley should check with their Financial Aid Office(s).

Do I need a passport and/or visa?
Yes. A passport is a must. If you are working with a travel agency (we have some suggestions), they will usually take care of this process for you. You do not need a student visa, as you are not a guest student of any of the schools you attend overseas — you are a guest student of Cooley's. Therefore, you just need a tourist visa. For more details, please call our office.

For questions, concerns or more details on any of the above questions or for other questions, please contact us at foreignstudy@cooley.edu.

This Page was last updated on: 01/14/2005