Study Abroad Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about our Study Abroad Programs? You aren't the only one. Below are common questions we have received about the program.

Who can attend the Study Abroad Programs?

WMU-Cooley 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.

As a WMU-Cooley student, may I attend other law school's study abroad programs?

WMU-Cooley students may only participate in programs offered by this law school. WMU-Cooley's programs include AU/NZ, Toronto and Oxford as well as the exchange programs in Münster, Germany and Santander, Spain. Please contact the International Programs Office with your questions.

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 three- or six-week program running from mid-May through late June. The five-week Oxford program begins in July through early August.

How do I apply?

Students must complete an application that can be obtained on the website or by contacting the International Programs Office. Each program requires a deposit for tuition (please see the individual program requirements, available on the website). Also, students who are not attending WMU-Cooley need their school to 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. Refer to the program's brochure for any limitations. If you have specific questions regarding individual programs, please e-mail us at [email protected].

What are the tuition costs?

WMU-Cooley students pay tuition at the school's established rate. Honor scholars apply their scholarship to the cost of the program. Guest students pay a different tuition rate that is specific to each program. Please see each program to determine specific information on tuition.

Is my deposit refundable if I'm unable to attend the program?

Please refer to the current year brochure for the program in which you are interested for specific refund polices. If you are placed on a waiting list and a space does not become available your deposit will be refunded 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?

The courses are electives with one exception in the Australia/New Zealand program 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 the program’s drop/add guidelines. Once the programs have begun, students MAY NOT lower their credit hours although courses may be changed or added per program rules.

Is housing available?

There are housing options at our Toronto, Oxford and Australia/New Zealand programs. More details about housing can be found in each program’s brochure.

Can we find our own housing at the program locations?

Yes. Students are encouraged to carefully review the housing options available at each program.

How should I plan my finances?

Each program has a budget. The WMU-Cooley Financial Aid Office assists students in reviewing the program budget and discussing financial aid eligibility. Guest students should contact their home school's financial aid office to determine eligibility and deadlines. WMU-Cooley works with guest students and their financial aid offices.

Do I need a passport and/or visa?

Yes. A passport is a must. Plan ahead if you need to get a passport or renew one. For more details about whether a tourist or student visa is required please contact our office.