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Semester Abroad

What is Semester Abroad? The Semester Abroad Program gives LSU Law J.D. students the opportunity to spend a semester at a university in a foreign country.

Why should I apply?

  • The Semester Abroad Program gives you the chance to receive credit towards your J.D. degree while studying in a foreign country.
  • Studying/living in a foreign country is an adventure as well as a life-changing cultural and educational experience.
  • You will gain a broadened legal perspective, which can help you have a better understanding of foreign legal systems, in addition to U.S. and international laws.
  • You will have a competitive advantage in today’s legal market and will have the opportunity to make networking contacts from around of the world.

Who is eligible?  2L and 3L LSU J.D. students who are in good standing are eligible to participate in the LSU Law Semester Abroad Program. 1L students can apply for the fall semester of the second year.

When can I study abroad?  You may study abroad during the fall or spring semester, preferably either the spring semester of your second year or the fall semester of your third year.

How do I transfer credits?  Your study plan must be approved. Credits will be transferred on a pass/fail basis, and credits earned abroad are eligible for the Diploma in Comparative Law (D.C.L.).

Where can I study abroad?

 I. Partner University
You can spend a semester abroad at a partner university, which is a foreign law school that has an exchange agreement with LSU Law. The Law Center has a partnership with the following universities. The number of places available at each institution is limited:

Europe
Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Como, Italy
Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium
Université de Nantes, France
Université Jean Moulin – Lyon III, France*
University of Essex*
University of Iceland*

South America
Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina*
Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia

*Indicates that the university offers classes in English

II. Non-Partner University
It may also be possible for you to study at a foreign law school that is not listed above. The process is mostly the same as with partner universities, however there are differences concerning your enrollment status, payment of tuition and the application process.

If you are considering a semester abroad, you must schedule a meeting with the Assistant Dean for International Programs, Dr. Olivier Moréteau. Professor Moréteau will happily explain the process in more detail.

How? Application process

  1. Meet with Dr. Olivier Moréteau to learn more about the Semester Abroad Program
  2. Submit the Application for Semester Abroad Program form
  3. Dr. Moréteau will review all applications and discuss with you the status of your application.
  4. Apply for admissions with the partner or non-partner institution.

Deadlines
Students who would like to study abroad must submit the Application for Semester Abroad Program form:

Applications for the Fall Semester are due by February 15.
Applications for the Spring Semester are due by September 15.

Based on availability late applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, feel welcome to contact us:

Dr. Olivier Moréteau
Assistant Dean for International Programs
moreteau@lsu.edu

Educational Objectives Statement
As part of its mission of training its student body in both the American common law and the civil law that governs the majority of jurisdictions in the global community, the Paul M. Hebert Law Center develops and promotes study abroad opportunities. These can take the form of summer programs, semester abroad at a foreign institution, or international field placements. These programs aim at enhancing participating students’ comparative legal skills and understanding of international law, at promoting through life experience the understanding of foreign legal systems and cultures, and at favoring contact and interaction with legal actors in different parts of the world. Studying abroad provides the students with a broader perspective from which to approach their legal education and future careers.