University of Hong Kong - Semester Abroad Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many students get selected each year?
- When are application deadlines?
- How competitive is the selection process?
- What is the admissions committee looking for in a candidate?
- What happens after being selected to participate in the program?
- What is the academic calendar like at HKU?
- What's it like to live and study in Hong Kong?
- How much does the program cost?
- What housing options are available at HKU?
- What classes can I take at HKU?
- Will there be an information session?
- Can I participate in another study abroad program not sponsored by USC Law?
- Who can I talk to for more information?
How many students get selected each year?
We can send up to 4 USC JD students per academic year. Students may participate in the fall or spring of their 2L years or the fall of their 3L years.
When are application deadlines?
For participation in the fall of 2L year, applications are due the previous February of 1L year. For spring of 2L year, they're due the previous June after 1L year. For fall of 3L year, they're due the previous February of 2L year.
How competitive is the selection process?
Since we can only send 4 students, the selection process tends to be quite competitive. Anywhere up to about a dozen students apply each term.
What is the admissions committee looking for in a candidate?
The committee weighs academic records heavily. Students must not be on "restricted enrollment". Good grades are very important! Since studying at HKU requires a lot of self-motivated study, we look for students who perform well in school and also prove to be independent in nature. Some experience abroad may be helpful, as well as having clear ideas on how this program will aid long-term academic, professional and personal goals. We want students who can best represent USC.
What happens after being selected to participate in the program?
Students must officially apply and be accepted to the University of Hong Kong, a process through which we assist them.
What is the academic calendar like at HKU?
Fall classes usually begin at HKU the first week in September and exams go until right before Christmas. Spring classes usually begin in mid-January and exams go until the end of May.
What's it like to live and study in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a diverse, cosmopolitan city. Students and professors at HKU come from countries all over the world.
How much does the program cost?
Exchange program students continue to pay fulltime USC Law tuition while they're studying at HKU. Students will be individually responsible for all other fees (health insurance, housing, meals, transportation, etc.) It's estimated that these costs will be roughly $6,000. Financial aid will continue to be applied during the program and can be increased due to an increased cost of living in Hong Kong.
What housing options are available at HKU?
Students may choose to live in graduate student housing on campus or may opt to rent their own apartments nearby.
What classes can I take at HKU?
A variety of law classes are available at HKU, many of which have a focus on international law and many of other broad topics as well. Students are able to register for Chinese language classes if they wish, however these credits will not be transferred back to USC Law.
Will there be an information session?
We will hold an information session about both study abroad programs in the fall.
Can I participate in another study abroad program not sponsored by USC Law?
Students can participate in another ABA-accredited law school study abroad program during the summer only. A maximum of five units from an approved program may be considered to be transferred to students' JD degrees. This must be approved by and coordinated with the law school registrar before attending any study abroad program.
Who can I talk to for more information?
Anne Marlenga, Student Programs Advisor in the Graduate & International Programs office, coordinates the law school's study abroad programs. Students can contact her with any questions in Room 105 or via email at amarlenga@law.usc.edu. She can also put you in touch with the program's faculty advisor and previous study abroad students as well.
