Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ—Mitchell Hamline International Comparative Law London Program

• What exactly is good standing for purposes of studying abroad?

  Academic standing is evaluated after a student has earned 17 credits at an ABA-approved law school. Credits are earned only after grades are posted to the transcript. At the time students apply to a study abroad program their standing may not have been evaluated. In this case, the college is still able to grant permission to study abroad which typically suffices when applying to a study abroad program.

  Academic Requirements and Application Information: To participate in study abroad programs, law students must have completed two semesters in full- or part-time study and be in good academic standing as determined by their home institution. A student must understand that, in the event the student is not in good academic standing once all grades are posted, the school in which the student is enrolled has the right to require the student to withdraw and return to the United States. In this case, the student may be refunded tuition, but associated costs such as living expenses, housing, books, travel expenses, etc., will not be refunded. See Liability Schedules for Tuition and Housing Fees in the Terms of Enrollment for more details. Students in their first year of law school should consider their performance in fall semester before applying.

  Terms of Enrollment 2024

• Will I need a passport or visa?

  You will need a current, valid passport to travel abroad for the International Comparative Law London Program. You will not need a visa. Regularly check for immigration information. For example, see this website: https://www.gov.uk/get-electronic-visa-waiver

• What is the procedure for obtaining a passport?

  Visit the website travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for complete details on obtaining a passport.

• Do I need anything else to go through passport control in England?

  We will provide you with a letter explaining that you are admitted to and attending the International Comparative Law London Program. This letter will assist you in returning to London if you leave the country for a long weekend. THIS LETTER IS IMPORTANT! Students who have failed to bring it with them, or who have lost it, have encountered substantial problems. We are UNABLE to provide you with a replacement letter at the last minute.

• Will I need to purchase international medical insurance?

  Unless your existing medical insurance policy covers you while overseas, you will need to purchase a separate policy to cover medical emergencies, including coverage for medical evacuation or repatriation expenses should it become necessary. Several companies offer this type of insurance and it is relatively inexpensive. U.S. nationals are not covered by the British health service except for emergency treatment.

• Will the grades transfer as pass/fail or letter grades?

  It depends. Courses taken by Mitchell Hamline students in a Mitchell Hamline sponsored study abroad program are not considered transfer credits. They are Mitchell Hamline credits and as such, they count toward your JD.

  In all other cases, courses taken in non-Mitchell Hamline foreign summer programs are considered transfer courses. Such courses are listed on the Mitchell Hamline transcript. The name of the sponsoring school and the grade earned is listed, but grades are not calculated into the student’s Mitchell Hamline GPA.

  Students from non-Mitchell Hamline law schools should check with their own school to determine credit and grade transfer.

• What if I go to another law school’s study abroad program?

  See answer above.

• What is the student housing cancellation policy?

  Students who wish to cancel their student housing, must do so by Friday, April 5, 2024, or the student WILL BE LIABLE for the FULL HOUSING COST, whether or not the student attends the program.  Mitchell Hamline School of Law has reserved a block of rooms for students who elect to use the student housing, and Mitchell Hamline School of Law pays the full balance for rooms actually reserved.

• Can I find my own housing?

  Yes.

• Can I bring a family member or friend?

  Yes. However, student housing is only available to a student attending the International Comparative Law London Program. Friends and family must arrange for their own housing.

• What is included in the financial aid budget? How do I apply?

  File the 2023-2024 FAFSA after January 1, 2023. The International Comparative Law London Program budget includes the application fee, tuition, course fees and housing, along with budgeted amounts for books, round-trip coach airfare, meals, a BritRail pass, trip insurance, and assorted personal expenses. You’ll receive budget details and the specific June disbursement date in March after you are admitted and have a 2023-2024 FAFSA on file. Be prepared to pay the deposit and your airfare in advance of receiving financial aid. Financial Aid Consortium Agreements can be faxed: 651-290-6437 or emailed: FinAid @mitchellhamline.edu. Call 651-290-6403 with questions.

• Can I use my Mitchell Hamline scholarship to pay for Mitchell Hamline in London tuition?

  Mitchell Hamline scholarships cannot be used for any 2024 London summer school courses in-person. (Each credit is $850 for everyone.)
  Scholarships apply for online attendance.

• Will there be time for extra traveling (i.e. weekend excursions)? Will financial aid help cover that type of expense?

  International Comparative Law London Program has long weekends built into the weekends for travel. See the program’s course calendar for specific dates available for weekend travel. Consult your financial aid counselor to see if aid for that type of expense is awarded. The passport control letter that will be provided to you (see question above) is IMPORTANT in enabling you to return to London if you leave the country for a long weekend. Students who have failed to bring it with them, or who have lost it, have encountered substantial problems. We are UNABLE to provide you with a replacement letter at the last minute.

• Should I purchase a BritRail or EuroRail pass? Is that included in financial aid?

  If you plan to travel within the United Kingdom or Europe on a long weekend or before or after the program, it may be a worthwhile investment. Consult your financial aid counselor to see if aid for that type of expense is awarded.

• How soon will I be notified of my acceptance?

  Generally, you will be notified by email with a welcome letter within one week of your application being submitted.

• Should I purchase my plane ticket now/soon?

  If you have been notified of your acceptance into the program, you can begin making your travel arrangements. Early booking can often result in substantial savings. However, financial aid proceeds are not available sooner than 10 days prior to the start of the program, so you will need to pay for your tickets in advance and be reimbursed when financial aid proceeds arrive. We strongly recommend that you consider purchasing trip insurance for your airline tickets in the event that world-wide events necessitate a change in your travel schedule.

• What if the program is canceled? Will I get a refund of tuition? Airfare? Housing?

  If the State Department issues a Travel Advisory or Warning for an area where our program is being held, students will have the opportunity to withdraw from the program and receive a full refund of tuition paid. We cannot refund the cost of airfare, which is why trip insurance is recommended. Unused housing fees would also be refunded in this case. Likewise, if the program is canceled for any reason, students would receive a full tuition refund.

• Do we get our airfare as a group or individually?

  You are responsible for purchasing your airline tickets for travel. If you arrange a group of 10 or more who want to travel together, you may find discounted tickets through a consolidator. Often these types of tickets are non-refundable, so again, look into trip insurance.

• How hard are the classes?

  The courses are designed to be of academic rigor comparable to what you would experience in similar courses at your home school. The London program does not require a written examination. In lieu of an in-class final examination, students will prepare short papers during the program and a final written long paper for each 3-credit course up to 16 double-spaced pages. For 2-credit courses, the long paper will be up to 14 double-spaced pages.

  Papers for both courses are due Friday, August 9,  2024.

• Is it possible to take more than one course?

  Yes. Students may take one course in Session I and/or one course in Session II.

• How do I apply?

  Print and complete the application found online and bring it, with a $250 check made out to Mitchell Hamline School of Law, to Jennifer Miller, Room 259-E, or mail your completed application and $250 registration fee to Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Mitchell Hamline in London, Attn: Jennifer Miller, 875 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105 before May 1, 2024.

• Do I need a letter of good standing?

  Mitchell Hamline students do not need a letter of good standing. Visiting students need to ask their registrar’s office to email Jennifer.Miller @mitchellhamline.edu or mail a letter of good standing to Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Mitchell Hamline in London, Attn: Jennifer Miller, 875 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105.

• May I attend more than one study abroad program?

  Yes, assuming the dates don’t overlap.

• If I attend a summer abroad program, will I be able to graduate early?

  Enrolling in courses during the summer offers the opportunity to either graduate early or to enroll at a lower credit level in a future semester, but whether or not early graduation or lower enrollment levels become a reality depends on many other factors. Consult with your home school for more information.

• For the Mitchell Hamline London International Comparative Law Program, will Mitchell Hamline wait for financial aid to be disbursed in order to pay the tuition and housing after acceptance into the program?

  In order to secure your seat in the Mitchell Hamline London International Comparative Law Program, you must pay the initial $250 application fee within two weeks of your acceptance into the program. With verification of financial aid, Mitchell Hamline will wait for the remainder of the tuition and housing balance until the financial aid proceeds are disbursed. You then pay the remaining balance of tuition and housing directly to Mitchell Hamline when your financial aid is received.

  Students who CANCEL their student housing, must do so by Friday, April 5, 2024, or the student WILL REMAIN LIABLE for the FULL HOUSING COST, whether or not the student attends the program. Mitchell Hamline School of Law reserved a block of rooms for students who elect to use the student housing. Mitchell Hamline School of Law pays the full balance for rooms reserved.

• Will I receive more information about the Mitchell Hamline International Comparative Law London program?

  Yes, we will provide more information when you register and in early spring. You may contact Professor Sonsteng at John.Sonsteng @mitchellhamline.edu or call or text him at 612-702-1024 or email Jennifer.Miller @mitchellhamline.edu for more information.

• Should I bring my laptop, tablet or iPad?

  Yes. Your device will assist you in the classroom and, of course, with communication to those back home.

• Where can I exchange my American dollars for British pounds in London?

  Three popular foreign exchange companies in London are: Travelex, Moneycorp and Fourex.

• Can I plug my laptop, tablet, iPad, or other appliances into a UK outlet?

  Most U.S. electrical appliances are not compatible with UK standards. Make sure you bring the correct voltage (240v). Most U.S. travel stores sell a converter that will permit you to use U.S. appliances in the UK.

• Should I get a guide book?

  Yes, guide books are helpful.

• What is the weather like in London in July?

  It can be rainy, so you should pack an umbrella. While it is often cool, some days can be rather warm. The student housing accommodations are not air conditioned.

• Do I need to bring courtroom attire?

  Casual dress is fine for class.