Pre-Law

As a student exploring or preparing for law school, you may be interested in studying abroad. These are great opportunities to learn more about people, places, languages, and legal systems around the world. Studying abroad can help you develop an appreciation for different cultures or learn new language skills. Both of these can help you be successful during and after law school.

 It is important to remember being pre-law is not a major, so it is often helpful to use your study abroad experience to satisfy major or minor requirements for graduation. KU pre-law students should keep in mind:

General Planning Tips For Pre-Law

  • With careful planning you can study abroad and still graduate on time.
  • Consider when you plan to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). It can often be difficult to balance a consistent study plan while living or traveling abroad. There may also be limited options to take the LSAT or GRE overseas.
  • The minimum eligibility requirements to study abroad are the completion of one semester on campus and a GPA of 2.5 or higher.  Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements.
  • Studying abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements.  Therefore, you might consider reserving some of your KU Core classes to take abroad.  
  • Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. Research your opportunities early.
  • Many countries only require a bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) or a similar degree to practice law. This means you may find undergraduate law courses at universities overseas. If you are interested in taking law-focused classes while studying abroad, carefully review the course(s) you are enrolling in. You may find yourself taking classes with current law students, learning local legal rules, and being trained to practice law in another country. These courses cannot count towards a future juris doctor (J.D.) or law degree in the United States.
  • When you apply to law school, you will submit your KU transcript and, in some cases, your transcript from the overseas or host university you attended.

 

Pre-law students are encouraged to meet early on with KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and their academic advisor to develop a plan for studying abroad. Jayhawk Pre-Law Advising can also assist with additional questions about exploring, preparing, and applying to law school and studying abroad implications.

Current law students should consult with the KU School of Law for study abroad opportunities and policies. Study abroad programs are regularly offered for current law students that can count towards J.D. requirements.
 

When To Go

Freshman

  • Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your graduation year plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.
  • After you’ve met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
  • Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it’s good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
  • The summer before your sophomore year would also be a great time to take some of your KU Core courses abroad.  Applications for these programs are usually due March 1st, so visit the Study Abroad Info Center early in the spring semester to learn more about your options.

Sophomore and Junior

  • Sophomore or Junior year is a common time for students to pursue a study abroad program. 
  • You can take a combination of major courses, elective courses, minor requirements, and/or KU Core requirements during your time abroad.  Your academic advisor can help you to determine which courses to target for your study abroad experience.
  • Summer internships abroad are a great way to gain valuable professional experience in a unique location.  There are several locations to choose from, and you can participate in these internships the summer after your sophomore or junior year.

Senior

  • If you plan to study abroad as a senior, you should first meet with an academic advisor prior to applying for a program to make sure that you are on track to complete all your degree requirements.

Courses and Credit

  • A number of study abroad courses have already been pre-approved for KU credit.  To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalencies Database.
  • If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.

Recommended Programs For Pre-Law

To help you get started on your search, here are some recommended programs for Pre-Law.  We also encourage you to visit the study abroad Info Center for drop-in advising to meet with a Peer Advisor to discuss your interests and learn more about available options.