Eligible UH Law Center students may earn credit through approved international legal education opportunities after completing their first full year of law study.
Overview and Eligibility
Credits earned abroad may be used to meet the 90 semester credits required for a JD degree, provided that certain criteria are met. Students must earn at least a “C” grade or its equivalent in the learning abroad program to receive credit. After completion of the first full year of law studies (31 semester credits), University of Houston Law Center (“UHLC”) students interested in learning abroad must request permission from the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs to take courses at another law school.
Required courses (i.e., all first-year courses, Professional Responsibility, experiential course credit hours, and the upper-level writing requirement) must be taken in residence at UHLC. A student must be in the top 50% of the class to participate in a learning abroad program. Additionally, the applicant must have always been in the top half of their class up through the time of approval of an application for a learning abroad program
After completion of the first full year of law studies (31 semester credits), University of Houston Law Center (“UHLC”) students interested in learning abroad must request permission from the Office of Student Affairs to take courses at another law school.
Learning Abroad Program Options
Two learning abroad paths are available to eligible UH Law Center students.
1
Foreign Programs Offered by Other ABA-Approved U.S. Law Schools
UH Law Center students may also participate in law programs offered by other American Bar Association-approved law schools around the world. Students must be admitted by the programs and are subject to the tuition and fees charged by the programs.
International Energy Lawyers Program Dual-Degree J.D.
The UH Law Center and The University of Calgary offer an International Energy Lawyers Program which allows students to earn both American and Canadian law degrees in four years. Students will spend two years at each school and take courses that will enable them to apply for admission to bars in the United States and Canada. The driving force behind the program is a shared commitment to natural resource, energy and environmental law.
Complete these steps as part of the approval and planning process.
Submit the Transfer and Visiting Petition to the Office of Student Affairs.Submit a Transfer and Visiting Petition to request credit for the courses abroad; identify the courses you would like to take and include a copy of the course descriptions.
Assess financial aid needs.
The Law Center’s Financial Aid Office may recommend adjustments to financial aid to cover expenses beyond tuition, fees, and other related costs, including travel and living expenses.
Meet with the UH Learning Abroad Office.
Visit the
UH Learning Abroad website
and schedule an appointment with a Learning Abroad Academic Advisor. The Learning Abroad Academic Advisor will guide you through completing the advising forms and provide support during your time abroad.
Preparing to Learn Abroad
Here are some considerations when preparing for a semester abroad. This list is intended only as a “starting point” for a process that is necessarily tailored to each individual student.
Travel Documentation
Obtain a U.S. passport.
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return. A passport is required for students traveling abroad.
Explore Passport for Coogs.
Current UH students may be eligible for reimbursement of their U.S. passport application cost when they apply through the Learning Abroad Office.
Learn about Passport for Coogs.
Secure a visa, if required.
Research the destination country’s requirements and apply well before the program start date. The host institution may be able to assist.
Consider obtaining an international student ID card.
Good for securing discounts on travel, museum or other out-of-pocket costs.
Health and Safety
Check vaccination and health-entry requirements.
Countries may require proof of certain vaccinations or health status before permitting entry. Get any required vaccinations or medical clearances in advance. Visit the
CDC Travelers’ Health website.
Update health information.
Collect a complete list of allergies or special health conditions and stock up on prescriptions before travel can prevent unnecessary medical emergencies abroad.
Set up finances.
Set up an international bank account or ensure your current account works abroad. Arrange for credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and alert your current credit cards to the countries you are traveling to and the duration of your stay.
Learn about the electrical voltage system for the host country.
This determines whether adapters are needed for small electrical appliances.
Address current living arrangements.
Contact your leasing management at your apartment or consult with the UH Housing Department (if you live on-campus).
Arrange housing abroad.
Research accommodations both on and off campus housing options that work best with your budget. The host institution may have on-campus options available to you, or they can recommend budget-friendly off-campus accommodations.
Travel Logistics
Purchase airline tickets and reserve lodging.
Purchase airline tickets and make hotel reservations (if applicable) in advance to reduce costs.
Research cultural norms.
Familiarize yourself with the local customs, etiquette, and basic language phrases of your host country.
Emergency Preparedness
Create an emergency contact list.
Keep on you at all times and provide to people in the United States and at your host institution.
Make photocopies of important documents.
Extra copies of your passport, visa, other forms of identification, and important phone numbers and e-mail addresses can be very helpful in emergencies.
Locate the US Embassy.
Find the nearest US Embassy office of the country you will study in and register through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety updates and facilitate contact in case of emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When may I participate in a learning abroad program?
You may request permission after completing the first full year of law studies, totaling 31 semester credits.
What grades and class standing are required?
You must be in the top 50% of your class and must have remained in the top half through the time your application is approved. You must earn at least a “C” or its equivalent in the learning abroad program to receive UHLC credit.
Which requirements must be completed at UH Law Center?
All first-year courses, Professional Responsibility, experiential course credit hours, and the upper-level writing requirement must be completed in residence at UH Law Center.
What program options are available?
Eligible students may participate in a foreign program offered by another ABA-approved U.S. law school or in the International Energy Lawyers Program dual-degree J.D. offered with the University of Calgary Faculty of Law.
