2012 Program Information

This page answers frequently asked questions about the Law School's Paris Summer Program. For more information, please contact us.

Who can apply to the Paris Summer Program?
The program is open to:

  • U.S. law students in good academic standing who have completed at least one year of studies.
  • Foreign law students who are pursuing a law degree in their home country
  • Law school graduates who are interested in acquiring knowledge and experience in international and comparative law

What are the 2012 program dates?
The Paris Summer Program runs from May 28, 2012 – June 27, 2012. Classes start on Monday, May 28 and finals take place on June 26 and 27, 2012.

How much does the program cost and when are the program fees due?
There is a non-refundable $250 application fee in addition to program tuition fees based on the number of credit hours taken. Students must enroll in a minimum of four and a maximum of six credit hours at $950 per credit.

Here is an estimate of program expenses:

Application Fee $250
Tuition (6 credits) $5,700
Travel $1,500
Housing $2,000 (average)
Living $2,000
Total $11,450
Tuition and fees are due on or before April 30, 2012.

How many credits can I earn through the Paris Summer Program?
Program participants will earn a minimum of four and a maximum of six credits. For students from law schools other than St. John’s, please note that transfer of credits earned during the Paris Summer Program is solely at the discretion of your home institution. Before applying, please consult with your home institution about credit transfer procedure and requirements.

Is there a cancellation and refund policy?
St. John’s Law School reserves the right to modify, amend, or cancel the Paris Summer Program in whole or in part should circumstances require. In addition, applicants will be informed immediately if, for example, the U.S. Department of State issues a travel warning for France or Paris, if there is any major unforeseen change in the program or in the unlikely event the program has to be cancelled. In the event of cancellation, we will make every effort to assist students in finding a similar alternative program if the student sends the director a written request within seven business days of the notice of cancellation. All money paid in advance by the student will be refunded within 20 days after the date of cancellation.

Can I accelerate my graduation with credits earned at the Paris Summer Program?
St. John’s students may not accelerate their graduation with credits earned at the Summer Program. Applicants from law schools other than St. John’s should be aware that St. John’s is not responsible for awarding credit at the applicant’s home institution. Determination as to credit granted must be made by the applicant’s home institution. Likewise, the Paris Summer Program may not accelerate graduation at the applicant’s home institution. Applicants should consult with their home institution regarding requirements for credits or accelerated graduation.

What is the residency requirement policy?
For the purposes of St. John’s residency requirements, credits earned in the Paris Summer Program are not considered optional summer credits and may not be used to reduce the tuition charge for any semester below 12 credits for full-time students or below eight credits for part-time students. Full-tuition scholarships do not cover the cost of tuition for the Paris Summer Program.

Does St. John’s provide housing to program participants?
St. John's does provide a limited number of rooms on our Paris campus. In order to secure accommodations, we recommend students contact the director of the program as soon as possible.

In addition, students can secure housing on their own. Please keep in mind that it is best to make arrangements as soon as possible since June is high season for tourism in Paris. If you are searching on your own, look for accommodation in or near the Saint Germain district or the 6th arrondissement. Alternatively, because the 6th arrondissement is one of the most expensive parts of Paris, you might look for accommodation close to Metro stations. Because the Paris Campus on rue de Sèvres is less than 50 meters from the Vaneau station on Line 10 (Gare d'Austerlitz/Boulogne-Pont de Saint-Cloud) and less than 400 meters from the Sèvres-Babylone station on Line 12 (Porte de la Chapelle/Mairie d'Issy), you could look for accommodation along these two Metro lines for an easy commute. Of course, all of Paris is accessible by Metro; it’s really up to you how many train changes you’re willing to make to get to Campus. (Weekly and monthly Passe Navigo for the Metro are available and priced based on the number of zones you have to traverse between stations. Most students live in the closest areas: zones 1 and 2).

The program director is available to help you find the best possible location in terms of amenities, proximity to the Paris campus and pricing. Generally, all but the least expensive accommodations offer air conditioning, kitchenette and most of the other amenities to which U.S. students are accustomed.

Are the Paris campus facilities accessible to students with disabilities?
The St. John’s Paris Campus is not yet fully accessible to students with disabilities. Please contact the director for further information on accessibility.

How many students attended the Paris Summer Program last year?
We had seven St. John's University students and one student from another university attend the Paris Summer Program in 2011.

How do I apply to the program?
To apply to the program, please complete and return the application form . We accept applications and admit students to the program on a rolling basis. The admissions deadline is April 30, 2012.
You may also contact Margaret St. Denis at stdenism@stjohns.edu to request a print program brochure and application form.

Are there additional application requirements for students who do not attend St. John’s School of Law?
In addition to the main application, students from other law schools must submit:

  • An original transcript in a sealed envelope sent directly to the St. John’s Office of Transnational Programs
  • A written statement from the Dean’s Office of the applicant’s law school certifying that the applicant:
    • Will have completed at least one year of law study by May 27, 2012
    • Is a student in good standing
    • Has permission to take the course(s) for credit (if the student is seeking credit)

Can I use financial aid to pay for my studies at the Paris Summer Program?
Federal student loans as well as private loans are available, provided that certain requirements are met. In this regard, St. John’s students and students from other law schools intending to apply for financial aid are encouraged to contact their financial aid office inquire about financing opportunities for summer study.

For more information on St. John’s School of Law’s Paris Summer Program, please contact us.