{"id":1516,"date":"2017-05-18T22:03:29","date_gmt":"2017-05-19T05:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/lsat\/?p=1516"},"modified":"2017-05-18T22:03:29","modified_gmt":"2017-05-19T05:03:29","slug":"studying-abroad-law-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/lsat\/studying-abroad-law-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Studying Abroad in Law School"},"content":{"rendered":"

 
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Among the many opportunities that arise during law school, studying abroad, or what the American Bar Association refers to as Foreign Study<\/a>, is an often overlooked chance to spend some time learning about foreign cultures, traveling to new places, and making new friends.<\/p>\n

However, law school differs a great deal from undergrad, so there are different considerations when making the choice to study abroad in law school. To help you make your decision, we\u2019ve laid out some of the main things to weigh when deciding whether law school study abroad is right for you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Three things to consider about law school study abroad<\/h2>\n

1. Opportunities at your law school versus abroad<\/h3>\n

The chance to study abroad presents a unique opportunity to learn about the world through the study of new cultures. Studying abroad during law school will also provide you with an unrivaled opportunity to learn about how legal systems are structured in other countries<\/strong>, which can teach you a great deal about the American legal system.
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\nHowever, you will miss out on some of the options at your law school while you\u2019re away, from extracurricular activities<\/a> to certain course offerings that aren\u2019t offered every semester. Or, if you are away for a period of time, you may miss the chance to do a legislative internship. These are the things you\u2019ll need to weigh against the opportunities gained by studying abroad.<\/p>\n

2. The financial costs of studying abroad.<\/h3>\n

Much like in undergrad, the cost of studying abroad is a big factor. However, during law school, there are opportunities to earn money. You\u2019ll want to consider the cost of traveling and living abroad in addition to any income you\u2019ll miss out on while you\u2019re abroad.
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\nFinancial aid is typically available for study abroad like it is for your regular law school classes.<\/strong> If you\u2019re planning to take out student loans like many law students do, then additional funds for the chance to live abroad may well be worth it. If you\u2019re already in law school, consider scheduling an appointment with your student loan advisor to find out more details.<\/p>\n

3. The kind of law you want to practice.<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re considering a career in international law<\/a>, studying abroad may almost be considered a requirement for you. Studying in a foreign country would be an invaluable opportunity for you to learn about how laws and legal structures differ abroad.<\/strong> You\u2019ll also have the chance to expand your network and meet new people who may be able to help you find employment in international law after you graduate.
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\nHowever, if you\u2019re planning to practice estate planning or tax law, studying abroad may not directly contribute to your studies or future professional goals. You may be better off spending your time in an estate planning clinic or as a law clerk with a tax firm. But don\u2019t count out study abroad just yet\u2014you may want to consider an intersession or summer program instead so you can further your relevant law school experiences but also gain a little world experience, too.<\/p>\n

When during law school should you study abroad?<\/h2>\n

There are a few key times when you can study abroad during law school:<\/p>\n