Application and Enrollment Process for JD Law Abroad and Exchange

JD students who wish to participate in one of NYU Law's outbound study abroad programs are subject to the application processes and timelines outlined below.

Timeline for participation in Academic Year 2023-2024

For Spring 2024, the programs in Paris and Buenos Aires, and all outbound partner exchange programs, will only be offered where in-person participation is possible for a sufficient number of students. Due to travel and visa considerations, and facilities and health issues precipitated by the ongoing prevalence of COVID-19, we cannot yet be certain of the viability of these programs. We are planning with the aim of offering the programs, but this is inevitably contingent on health conditions and resolution of these various issues and restrictions. Updates will be communicated to students as soon as relevant information becomes available.

Once admitted, students will launch visa procedures for the host country, and register for courses in the site of participation. We hope to offer a set of programs and courses broadly comparable to prior years, but some modifications or reductions may be unavoidable.

How to Apply and Required Materials

Applicants are required to register an account and log in through the NYU Law Graduate Application online system. Once you have accessed the application's main page, please select "Application for NYU Law Abroad and Outbound Exchange AY23-24" from the list of programs to begin working on your application. 

Please complete the online application, and be prepared to upload the following:

• An unofficial law school transcript,
• A current CV/resume;
• A 500-word plan of study for each program ranked on your application, addressing the points in the "Criteria for Selection" section below. It is strongly recommended that students have taken a basic comparative law course before the semester of planned participation. Students who have not taken (and do not plan to take) the recommended courses should explain what prior training they have had or coursework they have taken that would provide similar background or preparation. Students who plan to carry out directed research or fulfill a writing requirement while abroad should request permission in a separate paragraph explaining how this will enable their planned program of study.      

Note that the faculty support is intended as a character reference, and does not need to be someone who can speak to your specific interest in study abroad. Any member of the full-time, adjunct, or visiting faculty is eligible to be listed.

Applications, including all required materials, must be received by the Office of Global Programs by the stated deadline.

Criteria for Selection

Approval and selection for study abroad programs will be based on a proposed plan of study and consideration, inter alia, of the following factors:

• The academic or professional reasons stated for the particular program;
• The extent to which the plan fits in with the student’s overall academic and/or professional objectives, including courses already taken and/or the courses the student plans to take;
• Whether the student plans to coordinate the proposed program with work or research during the preceding or following summer;
• Student’s efforts to become familiar with the language and culture of the program site/host country, although at most Law Abroad and Exchange sites the majority of courses are offered in English; and
• Evidence of preparedness for global study, including a plan to satisfy all degree requirements and complete the job search process as advised by OCS and/or PILC.

While prior travel and/or familiarity with the region is helpful but not required, all applicants should be able to provide a clear rationale why participation in the program will benefit their academic and professional trajectories. Selection for NYU Law Abroad and/or Exchange is determined by the Office of Global Programs in coordination with the Law Abroad Faculty Program Directors and the Vice Dean for Global Affairs.

Factors to Consider When Applying

Students will be required to confirm participation in the program by the published date. This confirmation will be considered an irreversible commitment to participate in the program. If after confirming students wish to withdraw from the program, they will not be allowed to take courses in New York during the semester of their planned participation. Students with extraordinary circumstances may appeal this decision in writing to the NYU School of Law Executive Committee.

Students should take their job search into consideration when applying for NYU Law Abroad or Exchange, and plan on the potential for an extended post-graduation job search. OCS and PILC can guide students individually in this matter.

Students participating in Law Abroad or Exchange are expected to be in residence in-country for the duration of the academic schedule of the program in which they are enrolled. Most law faculties outside the U.S. have schedules that differ from U.S. law school academic calendars, which can impact program start and end dates. Specific program dates can be found on each program’s website. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the program’s schedule and how it may interfere with timely return to study at NYU, job search, summer employment and/or NYU housing.