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International Semester and Dual Degree Programs

  1. Academics
  2. International Programs
  3. International Semester and Dual Degree Programs

Enroll in one of our overseas academic programs to enrich your understanding of law, language, culture, and governance, while building valuable global networks.

The Law School offers three types of international study opportunities: Global Alliance, international dual degree, and semester abroad (including independent semester abroad programs). 

General information sessions are held at the beginning of each semester, and students may also make appointments to speak with advisors from the Office of International Programs (OIP), located on the sixth floor of William and June Warren Hall (Big Warren).The International Study FAQs page also has helpful information.

  • Global Alliance and semester abroad applications are due in early February, for programs that begin in the fall or spring semester of the following academic year (i.e., approximately six or 12 months later).
     
  • International dual degree applications are due in early February, for programs that begin in the fall semester of the applicants’ 3L year (i.e., approximately 18 months later).
     
  • Independent semester abroad applications require the completion of two parts.  The first is an “Independent Program Addendum”, which is due by December 31 (i.e., approximately one month before the standard application) for programs that begin during the fall or spring semester of the following academic year.  The second is the standard semester abroad application, with the deadline described above. See the “Application” section for further details.

Related Links

Advising Appointments (10:00am to noon) Advising Appointments (2:30pm to 4:30pm) International Study FAQs Info Session Slides Apply for International Study

When deciding which program is right for you, reflect on these considerations:

  • When would you like to go abroad (spring or fall, 2L or 3L year, etc.)?
  • Is there a particular field of law you are interested in?
  • Is there a region or country you are interested in?
  • What are your career plans?
  • Is an additional degree or certificate important to you or is a foreign transcript sufficient?
  • Do you speak any foreign languages or would you like to start learning one?
  • Would you prefer to study with other CLS students or with only local or other international students abroad?
  • Does the culture, built environment, healthcare, regulatory system, and infrastructure abroad suit your unique needs?
  • What is your budget for housing and other living expenses?
  • How do you plan to stay on track for standard graduation requirements (e.g. experiential learning, professional responsibility, Leg/Reg, Major and Minor Writing, pro bono, etc.)?
  • Do you have the ability to delay degree conferral or the bar?
  • Do you hold an F-1 student visa?

Global Alliance Programs, created in partnership with four of the world’s pre-eminent law schools, focus on international criminal law, law and finance, or global business law and governance. These English-language programs are held in Amsterdam, Oxford, and Paris, and are unique to Columbia Law School. 

Students who participate in a Global Alliance Program follow specialized curricula that are based on each Program’s focus and periodically reviewed by Columbia Law School and its partner schools. The result is an intellectually and culturally integrated experience offering a deeper understanding of a particular field of law and the opportunity to build a global professional network.

Amsterdam
LLM in International Criminal Law—University of Amsterdam

  • Study for one semester in Amsterdam during the fall of your 3L year followed by a partially-curated semester at Columbia the following spring.
  • Receive your LLM in international criminal law from Amsterdam Law School.
  • Return in time for Columbia Law School graduation in May.

Paris
Certificate in Global Business Law and Governance—Paris I and Sciences Po

  • Study for one semester in Paris with classes at both the University of Paris I and Sciences Po during the spring of your 2L or 3L year.
  • Receive your Certificate in Global Business Law and Governance from Columbia Law School.
  • Return in time for Columbia Law School graduation in May.

Oxford
Courses in Law and Finance—University of Oxford 
(temporarily suspended for building construction during Spring 2027 & 28)

  • Study for one semester in Oxford during the spring of your 3L year. 
  • Receive an Oxford transcript with Master in Law and Finance courses, taught jointly with Oxford’s Faculty of Law and its Saïd Business School.
  • Return in time for Columbia Law School graduation in May.

Columbia Law School offers dual degree programs in Paris, London and Frankfurt. 

Distinguish yourself after enrolling in the J.D. degree program at Columbia Law School by earning a separate graduate law degree at one of the world’s leading law faculties. You will earn two law degrees—one from the U.S. and one from a foreign jurisdiction—in approximately the same amount of time and at no additional tuition cost.

International dual degree students spend their entire 3L year abroad and, after completing their studies, receive both a J.D. from Columbia and an M2, LL.M. or other master’s degree from the partner school.

Note: J.D. students who are in the U.S. on F-1 student visas must assume that, if they participate in a full-year dual degree program (i.e. a dual degree other than the Amsterdam Global Alliance), they may not be eligible for Optional Practical Training upon their return to the U.S. For further information, please contact the International Scholars and Students Office (ISSO) before departing the U.S.


 

Paris

J.D./M2 in French Law

  • Four-year program, taught in French
  • Two years at Columbia Law School (1L and 2L), two years at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

J.D./Master in Economic Law—Global Studies Specialization (Sciences Po)

  • Three-year program, taught in English and/or French
  • Two years at Columbia Law School (1L and 2L), one year at Sciences Po (3L year)

J.D./LL.M. in Transnational Arbitration and Dispute Settlement (Sciences Po, pending)

  • Three-year program, taught in English
  • Two years at Columbia Law School (1L and 2L), one year at Sciences Po (3L year)

 

Frankfurt

J.D./LL.M.

  • Three-year program taught in English
  • Two years at Columbia Law School (1L and 2L), 3L year at the Institute for Law and Finance (ILF).

 

London

J.D./LL.M.
Three-year program (two years at Columbia Law School, 3L year in London)

Columbia Law School offers multiple single semester abroad opportunities, located across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. (The exact number of programs may change from year to year.) Each single-semester study abroad program has its own characteristics and advantages. 

Fast Facts:

  • The majority of these programs are conducted in English, but many offer instruction in the local language. 
  • Most are open to both 2L (spring semester) and 3L students (fall or spring semester), although preference is given to the latter. 
  • Some programs have a curriculum focused on the law of a specific country or region, while others concentrate on a particular academic specialization within the law.

Current study abroad programs:

You may propose your own single-semester program of study at a non-partner foreign school and earn up to 13 credits towards your J.D. degree.

Approval of this independent program is contingent on a number of factors, including:

  • An assessment of the foreign school’s academic standing and administrative capacity.
  • The availability of places in comparable programs already offered by the Law School.
  • A compelling argument for the value of the experience within your overall academic trajectory.

Studying abroad on an independent basis requires significant additional administrative legwork on your part. You must meet various criteria, submit an “Independent Program Addendum” by December 31, and be approved by the Office of International Programs. Planning for this option should begin as early as possible, as students assume much more of the responsibility than is customary for the successful design and completion of their program of study.

Select study abroad programs offer students additional degrees, certificates, and internship opportunities:

Additional Degrees

 Certificates

 Non-Credit Internship Opportunities