Study Abroad Overview

image of students sitting outside

Why Study Abroad?

In today’s world, it is increasingly obvious that challenges to our nation’s economy, security, and natural environment are often global in nature and require global solutions. The practice of law reflects this fact as countries address these challenges in various ways: through treaties and international agreements; by creating transnational institutions; and by drafting laws that focus on the cross-border movement of goods and people.

Marquette University Law School’s study abroad programs offer students the chance to expand their legal education beyond the United States. By studying in another country, students gain exposure to different cultures, legal systems, and perspectives—while learning alongside international instructors and classmates. 

The educational objectives of Marquette Law School's foreign study programs include the following:

  • Offer a wide-ranging international law curriculum that steeps students in international and foreign legal systems, traditions, and norms
  • Provide students with concrete opportunities to build an international network of peers and colleagues
  • Where appropriate, provide students with the course structure to attain proficiency in foreign-language skills that will further a student's eventual international law practice

To participate in a study-abroad opportunity, a Marquette law student must have successfully completed the entire required 1L curriculum. The director of Study Abroad Programs may also require a student to complete additional, appropriate pre- or co-requisites when approving a student's request to study at a foreign institution. Marquette law students may earn up to 17 credits toward their J.D. degree through approved study at a foreign institution.*

Professor Kali Murray serves as the Law School’s director of Study Abroad Programs and may be reached at kali.murray@marquette.edu. 

Study Abroad Opportunities 

Through a Marquette University Approved Foreign Exchange Program: 

Students may earn credits toward their J.D. degree at a foreign university through a semester-long exchange program. Marquette University Law School operates semester exchange programs in partnership with the following foreign universities:

  • Comillas Pontifical University, located in Madrid, Spain
  • The University of Poitiers, located in Poitiers, France
  • The University of Antwerps, located in Antwerp, Belgium 

Study-abroad credits are awarded with grades of satisfactory or unsatisfactory only. To earn a grade of satisfactory, a student must earn the equivalent of a C or better. 

Financial aid for study abroad programs is generally available under the same terms as financial aid for any course of study at the Law School. Questions regarding financial aid should be directed to Marquette University’s Office of Student Financial Aid, which can be reached by phone at 414.288.4000.

Through Another ABA-accredited Law School’s Study Abroad Program:

A Marquette law student may also choose to participate on their own in a summer or semester-long study abroad program that is sponsored by another ABA-accredited law school, provided that the student applies for and receives advance approval from the Law School’s director of International Education Programs.

All classes taken in programs sponsored by another ABA-accredited law school must be approved in advance by the Law School’s director of Study Abroad Programs in order to be eligible to receive credit.

All credits awarded by other law schools transfer to Marquette Law School with grades of “Credit” or “No Credit.” To earn a grade of “Credit”, a student must earn the equivalent of a C or better. 

Financial aid for study abroad opportunities available through other ABA-accredited law schools may be available through a consortium agreement. To learn more about the list of recommended programs, please contact the director of Study Abroad Programs. Participation in programs outside of the recommended list  may be subject to an additional university-imposed processing fee. 

Through an Individualized Study Abroad Plan:

Finally, Marquette Law School permits its law students to construct an individualized study abroad plan to study at an institution outside of ABA-sponsored programs. To pursue this option, students should: 

  • Review the applicable ABA regulations for individualized study.
  • Research admissions processes, deadlines, and available courses at the foreign institution.
  • Prepare a proposed plan to define educational objectives and course schedule.
  • Submit a detailed request to the Law School’s director of Study Abroad Programs. 

Approval is only granted if the request reflects both substantial pre-planning and the likelihood of a high educational benefit. Permission is not routinely granted​.

Process

  1. Attend a Law School Study Abroad Information Session. Session dates will be announced via Law News.
  2. For students seeking to study abroad—
    1. through a Marquette Law School exchange program:
      1. Apply for an interview through the application link provided via an email to follow the information session.
      2. If selected for an interview, meet with director of Study Abroad Programs and assistant dean of students for initial approval.
    2. Through another ABA-accredited law school or an individualized plan, contact the director of Study Abroad Programs to provide information about the program and to request approval.
  3. If approved to participate in a study abroad program, the director of Study Abroad Programs will refer students to the Office of International Education (OIE).
  4. Students must complete all OIE requirements, including OIE’s application, by the relevant deadlines:
    1. Spring Semester Study Abroad (spring 2027): This application cycle is closed.
    2. Fall Semester Study Abroad (fall 2027): deadline coming soon...
  5. Work with the director of Study Abroad Programs to develop a written plan defining the educational objectives you will work to achieve during your time studying abroad and to approve your course schedule.
  6. Study abroad!
  7. After returning, students complete an evaluation of their experience, including their attainment of their own learning objectives, the foreign institution's program as a whole, and their specific courses and faculty members.
  8. Request transcripts from the host institution be sent directly to OIE.
  9. OIE, in coordination with the director of Study Abroad Programs and the Law School’s registrar, will ensure courses are recorded on your Marquette transcript and applied to your J.D. degree. 

*In addition, a Marquette law student admitted with advanced standing from a foreign institution may earn no more than a total of 30 credits toward the student's degree from the combination of the following: (1) advanced-standing credits from a foreign institution, (2) credits earned from an approved foreign exchange program, and (3) credits earned from other approved study at a foreign institution.