Summer Abroad Program
Whittier Law School has
Six American Bar Association (ABA) accredited Summer Abroad
programs.
INFORMATION
ON SUMMER IN:
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China
NANJING UNIVERSITY
July 11 – July 24, 2010
A historic ancient capital of China, Nanjing is approximately 200 miles west of Shanghai and nearby to the inspiring Purple Mountains. The program includes three days in Beijing [airfare not included] and a tour of The Great Wall of China!
The Director for this program is Professor Jennifer Mertus |
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France
UNIVERSITÉ DE TOULOUSE
Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France, the European aeronautics capital and home to Airbus. Scenically nestled along the Garonne River and the Canal du Midi, the city is renowned for its monuments and red brick architecture and known as “la ville rose.”
The Director for this program is Professor Calvin D. Peeler |
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Israel
Bar-Ilan University
July 1, 2010 – July 29 2010 (Summer)
Located in Modern Tel Aviv, the Israel program provides a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, including optional tours to the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, Nazareth, Eilat, the lost city of Petra in Jordan, and Cairo and its pyramids.
The on-site Director of this program is Former Dean and Professor Neil Cogan. |
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Mexico
Universidad Iberoamericana
June 13 – July 2, 2010
Located in elegant Santa Fe and a short distance from the heart of the bustling metropolis of Mexico City, the Universidad Iberoamericana is a beautiful campus with state-of-the-art facilities and just two short hours away are the breathtaking Teotihuacan Pyramids.
The Director for this program is Professor Peter Reich. |
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Spain
Universidad de Cantabria
May 30 – June 25, 2010
Santander is a beautiful resort community with breathtaking beaches and a very temperate climate. It is a financial capital and home to the world’s fifth largest bank. The campus is a short walk from the beach and city center.
The Director for this program is Professor Calvin D. Peeler.
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Program Participants 2009
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Total Participants |
From Other Law Schools |
| France |
25 |
5 |
| Spain |
28 |
6 |
| Israel |
55 |
53 |
| China |
10 |
0 |
| Mexico |
8 |
0 |
PLEASE NOTE: It is unlikely that participation in a foreign summer program may be used to accelerate graduation. Students who are interested in acceleration should consult with the Dean of Student Services or the appropriate official at their home schools.
Please refer to the program information for each country to see information regarding accessibility to individuals with disabilities. Please advise the Dean for Student Services if you have special needs or require special assistance.
Admissions Policy for Summer Abroad
Programs
Whittier Law School will exercise complete discretion to select applicants for its summer abroad programs who demonstrate an ability to live and study in a foreign environment as well as a commitment to participate fully in the academic and cultural programs designed by the program directors. The Law School seeks program participants who will serve as exceptional ambassadors of Whittier Law School in the host country and reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant who does not satisfy its summer abroad admission criteria.
The curriculum for each program will include, among others, courses on international and comparative law, specialty courses on U.S. legal issues and courses focusing on the law of the host country or area.
Calvin D. Peeler is the Assistant Dean for International Relations. He is responsible for the planning and overall administration of the summer programs. You can reach Professor Peeler at cpeeler@law.whittier.edu or 714-444-4141 ext. 228. For general inquiries, you may also his assistants Maria Harris at x 265; mharris@law.whittier.edu, or Jennifer Maniscalco at (714) 444-4141 x 261; jenniferm@law.whittier.edu.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- The application deadline is March 1, 2010 for all programs. Enrollment may be limited. Applications received after the March 1st deadline will be considered only if space is available.
- Applications will not be considered for admission to the Summer Programs until the application file is complete. A complete file consists of all of the following:
- Completed application form
- Non-Refundable application fee $25 for early applications received by February 1, 2010; $50 for applications received February 2 – March 1st 2010; $75 for applications received after March 1st, 2010. Visa or MasterCard are accepted, and checks should be made payable to Whittier Law School.
- A letter of good standing from the Registrar of your law school (not required of Whittier Law School students).
- Copy of your passport [should be valid for the duration of your study abroad]
- Course Pre-Registration form
- Signed Participation Agreement
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You may request an application from the Law School or print the form from this site [The forms are in PDF format. Click HERE to get a copy of Acrobat Reader.]:
- You may apply to more than one program. A separate application and non-refundable application fee is required for each program. For your convenience, you may submit your application(s) with the required fee(s) and letter of good standing by mail, email, fax, or in person to:
Professor Calvin D. Peeler
Assistant Dean for Internationalization
Whittier Law School
3333 Harbor Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Fax: (714) 444-1854
Email:
cpeeler@law.whittier.edu
StudyAbroad@law.whittier.edu
jenniferm@law.whittier.edu
- Priority for admission will be given to applicants based upon the date of complete application file. Early applications are encouraged.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
(ALL PROGRAMS)
Admissions is available to students who have completed at least one year of full- or part-time study and are in good standing at any law school that is approved by the American Bar Association or that is state accredited. Students must provide a letter from the Registrar of their school verifying that they are in good standing and are eligible to return. Law school graduates and practicing attorneys may attend the programs as auditors.
GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
Facilities
Facilities in some foreign locations may be different from and/or below standards to which we are accustomed in the U.S. Therefore, persons with special needs and requirements are encouraged to discuss them as soon as possible with Professor Peeler or the On-site Program Director and prior to registering for the program.
Grading
Students are required to attend all classes and participate actively in all classes. All students receive a course grade based on class participation and a required paper or exam administered at the end of each course. Please be advised that many classes have been designated as seminars and require a paper instead of a final examination. At the discretion of the professor, the due date of the paper may be as late as early August. The acceptance of any credit or grade for courses completed in a Whittier Summer Program by any law school other than Whittier Law School is subject to determination by the home school.
All Whittier Summer Abroad Courses are graded by using the same grading system used for the on-campus program. We do not offer courses on a Pass/No Pass bases except for units earned for Independent Study projects and clinical or extern units. Professors report numerical grades based on a 4.0 point system as follows:
A 3.6 - 4.0 (Excellent)
B 3.0 - 3.5 (Good)
C 2.5 - 2.9(Satisfactory)
C- 2.3 – 2.4 (Below Average)
D 1.8 - 2.2 (Poor)
F 1.7 (Failure)
Some courses may require a mean or median grade distribution. Please see general Whittier grading policies for further information and/or contact the director. The grading policy for each class will be included with the course description. For more information regarding Whittier Law School’s grading policies: Click here to view the 2009-2010 Whittier Law School Policies Manual.
If your school requires information about the grading policy for course you select, please request that they contact the director prior to the beginning of the program.
Reporting of Grades
Whittier Law School will report all grades once they are reported by the professors. Generally, grades are due no later than six weeks after the end of the program. Non-Whittier students must inquire with their home school for policies regarding accepting courses and transferring credit for courses taken at Whittier law school’s summer programs. Whether credit will be accepted and how grades will be reported at the home school is entirely at the direction of each student’s home school.
PROGRAM COSTS
In addition to the tuition and housing costs (see detailed information for each program), students are responsible for round trip transportation to the program site, food, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Tuition
Look at each program for information regarding the specific tuition and credits available for that program. Usually, participants can elect to take a maximum of six (6) units at that price. Some programs may offer fewer courses and units for a shorter period at a reduced tuition rate. Please see each program for details. Additionally, tuition covers the costs for all official program activities, i.e. official visits to legal institutions, welcome banquets, the costs for transportation for excursions, tours organized through the program, etc.
Scholarship
The Linda Kulakowski Scholarship was created in memory of Linda Kulakowski, an alum of the class of 2006. Linda participated twice in the Toulouse program. Her wish was that a scholarship be awarded to a female Whittier student in good standing who demonstrates a financial need. The anticipated amount to be awarded is approximately $500.
Financial Aid
Students may apply for financial aid for the summer abroad programs. All Whittier Law School students should submit the ‘Summer Intent for Financial Aid’ form to the Office of Financial Aid no later than March 31st for a summer awards package. This form is available in the Office of Financial Aid and serves as an indicator that students plan to request financial aid for summer abroad programs.
Financial aid for non-Whittier Law School students is processed at a student’s home school. A consortium agreement will be entered between the two law schools. The student’s home school will determine the student’s eligibility for financial aid and Whittier Law School will serve as a host school for the purpose of monitoring the student’s enrollment in the abroad program. Non-Whittier Law School students are encouraged to have their home school submit the consortium agreement to our office no later than March 1st 2010 to the following address:
Jennifer Pham, Director of Financial Aid
Whittier Law School
3333 Harbor Boulevard
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (714) 444-4141 ext. 290
Fax: (714) 444-3458
jpham@law.whittier.edu
A minimum enrollment of 4 units is required in order to obtain financial aid for summer. Budgets vary depending on the duration of each program and other related accommodations. Therefore, to obtain a correct budget for your summer expenses, students must indicate the program and units of enrollment for which they intend to register. For those students who plan to participate in more than one program (assuming the dates do not overlap), a budget for multiple programs will be determined. In some cases, airfare receipts are required. A budget for each program will be available to students on March 1st.
As always, the cost of attendance for each program includes tuition, application and program activity fees (if applicable), housing, meals, round-trip coach airfare, and a reasonable sum for miscellaneous expenses. It is important to remember that financial aid awards do not cover both a student’s fixed local/home living expenses and living expenses while abroad. Arrangements for the fixed expenses are the student’s sole responsibility. In addition, expenses for individual field trips not part of the official program, before/after travel and lodging, weekend excursions, personal/leisure spending (entertainment, souvenirs, gifts for families, etc.) are not allowed in the budget. Students are encouraged to bring extra money for these expenditures.
Frequently, students will obtain either a federal Grad–PLUS loan or a private/alternative loan for summer financial aid. If a student wants a private/alternative loan, he/she must apply for the loan early in order to secure a final and official approval of the loan in a timely fashion. Please note that all private loans are conditionally pre-approved. Therefore, students must contact and follow up with the lender for a confirmation of the loan. The Office of Financial aid does not apply, guarantee, or approve any type of loans.
As always, funds allocated for living expenses are disbursed within 10 days prior to the first day of classes/abroad programs. The Business Office is responsible for processing student loan allocations. Therefore, students must contact the Business Office with information about the release of their loan checks. If a student cannot pick up his/her check, he or she must make arrangements with the Business Office. Non-Whittier Law School students should contact their home school for any information regarding their financial aid loan proceeds.
Students are responsible to prepay the airline ticket and other related expenses prior to the program date and/or travel date. Students will reimburse themselves when the financial aid loan funds arrive. Students are encouraged to plan properly before traveling. Before making any non-refundable financial commitments, students should confirm the program with the program director. Program directors will advise students immediately should there be any changes in the program.
Important Note: Please be aware that the approval of your future student loan(s) (Grad-PLUS and/or private/alternative) depends strongly on your credit scores and the amount of your cumulative loan debt, including consumer/personal loans, credit card debts, and educational loans. All students should take this crucial fact into consideration as it may affect future loans.
Payments & Refund
A non-refundable application fee must accompany all applications in order to be considered for acceptance into the program. The application deadline is March 1, 2010. Late applications will be considered only if space is available. Any application submitted and postmarked after March 1st must be accompanied by a $75 non-refundable application fee for consideration. If a late application is not considered, the fee will be refunded. All remaining fees (tuition, program, and housing fees if applicable) are due no later than April 15, 2010. The last day to withdraw and receive a refund will be May 1, 2010. Should a student withdraw from the program by May 1, 2010, tuition and housing monies will be refunded, but not the non-refundable application fee. Absolutely no refunds will be made after May 1, 2010.
Any student wishing to withdraw and requesting a refund, must submit a Letter of Declaration clearly indicating an intent to withdraw. This letter must be received by the School no later than the May 1st deadline. For timely requests for withdraw, all appropriate tuition and/or fees will be refunded within 10 business days of receipt of a letter of withdrawal.
Travel
Program participants are entirely responsible for arrangements for and payment of all travel to and from the program sites. For all American students, a valid American passport will be required. If you are not an American citizen or are ineligible for an American passport, you should consult with the nearest consulate for information about the necessary travel documents during your stay in the country where your program will take place.
For current travel information or travel advisories for all summer abroad programs, refer to the United States Department of State Consular Information Sheet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html. This site includes the following information: Country Descriptions; Entry Requirements; Safety and Security; Crime; Medical Facilities and Insurance; Other Health Information; Traffic Safety and Road Conditions; Aviation Safety Oversight; Customs Regulations; Criminal Penalties; Children's Issues; Registration/embassy and Consulate Locations; and Travel Warnings. This site is updated every workday.
If prior to the commencement of a program, the U.S. should issue a travel warning for travel to the country where one of our programs is scheduled to take place, all programs registrants will be notified promptly of such warnings and given an opportunity to withdraw from the program and receive a full refund of all monies advanced. If a travel warning advisory is issued for a country after a program as commenced, students will be notified promptly and given an opportunity to withdraw from the program. Program tuition will be refunded, but other fees including housing fees may not be refundable if commitments cannot be revised.
Medical Insurance
Whittier Law School assumes no responsibility for medical care or costs. You are advised to check with your medical insurance provider to see if it covers (emergency) medical care while overseas. If it does not, you are strongly encouraged to purchase medical and hospital coverage insurance for the period of your stay overseas. Inquire with your medical provider, insurance agent or travel agent about travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Comprehensive travel insurance can be purchased for approximately $100 USD.
Housing Facilities
For specific housing information, please look at each specific program’s information page. Housing facilities in some foreign locations may be different from and/or below standards to which we are accustomed in the U.S. Therefore, persons with special needs and requirements are encouraged to discuss them as soon as possible with the program director and prior to registering for the program. We require you stay in program housing in China. You have the option to choose alternative housing in all other programs. Most participants choose the program housing.
Board
Meals may be taken in local restaurants or university cafeterias. The food will be representative of that available locally and a part of the cultural experience. Anyone with special needs or requirements should discuss them as soon as possible with the program director and prior to registering for the program. Kitchen facilities are available in the program housing in some programs.
Special Accommodations
(Housing, Dietary, Academic, etc.)
Please advise the program director if you require special accommodations with housing, your dietary requirements, or in the academic program.
Spending Money
Students should plan to bring additional money for entertainment, travel and souvenirs. Each program is located in cities with varied nightlife and amusement opportunities. Weekends are free, and in the past students have used this time to travel to other cities, towns and neighboring countries.
PROGRAM CANCELLATION BY WHITTIER
LAW SCHOOL
Whittier Law School reserves the right to cancel or alter the Summer Abroad Programs. The programs are subject to cancellation if the enrollment is insufficient or if a State Department travel warning has been issued for the country or area where the program will take place. Any cancellation or substantive alteration of the program will be promptly communicated to all applicants. In the event that a Summer Abroad Program is cancelled by Whittier Law School, all tuition and all fees will be promptly returned. In the event of cancellation, the Assistant Dean for International Relations will assist all displaced registrants to find suitable alternative summer programs.
Any cancellation or substantive alteration of the program will be promptly communicated to all applicants. In the event of cancellation by Whittier Law School, all tuition and fees will be refunded. Whittier Law School will issue a refund within 20 days, or the school will make its best efforts to assist students to transfer to another program.
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