Discover How to Spend an Entire Semester "Down Under"
How to Apply | Top Ten Reasons to Go | Eligibility
 An Experience of a Lifetime....
The Thomas M. Cooley Law School is proud to announce that its 15th Annual Study Abroad "Down Under" program continues as a full semester. This exciting program allows law students to live and study in New Zealand for eight weeks beginning in January, 2013. The program then moves to Australia for the remainder of the semester.
Imagine this....
 Waking up across the Pacific Ocean in a land far away called OZ. That is a nickname for Australia for those that did not know. There is no Dorothy and Toto here but still plenty of places to explore. After waking up and getting ready for an exciting day you head out the door greeting a few of your fellow program participants from law schools around the United States. You head to class in bustling downtown Melbourne where class is held at the Monash University Law Chambers. You left a little early today so you would have some time to grab a quick bite to eat for breakfast or brekkie as some locals call it. Stopping at your favorite café on Queen Street you pick up a small breakfast sandwich. Nothing too big as you are meeting some new friends for lunch. They are local Australians you met last week at Bells Beach. A few of the new friends you made from the program will also be joining you. Time to head to class.
Today your Australian professor gives a great lecture with plenty of good class interactions. The Down Under Program has offered you an all around authentic foreign study experience. It is not just interaction with a foreign culture in the local cafés but also in the classroom with top Australian professors.
 You finish up your second and final class for the day, check your e-mail in the computer lab and head to lunch. When you arrive some of your group is already at the table planning what to do for the weekend. You already have seen a lot. The Great Ocean Road trip was awesome last week. The New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney just before the program started is something you will never forget. You pause a moment to take it all in. You would never be doing this back at home during a regular semester at law school. What an opportunity! You only have a few weeks left in Australia after a great adventure in New Zealand. You think what a great decision you made to come. Spending eight weeks in breathtaking New Zealand and seven weeks in amazing Melbourne. "When will I ever have this opportunity again"? You begin to feel a little sorry for those left back at home just when your Australian friend taps you on the shoulder and says, "You're daydreaming mate". He is right. You rejoin the conversation planning your next adventure. However, in the back of your mind you are still patting yourself on the back for not missing this opportunity of a lifetime.
Quite different from the normal class week at your home campus isn’t it? Are you ready to take advantage of this opportunity? If so, we are accepting applications right now. You can download the Pre-Registration Application Packet (pdf) from this page. Space is limited so apply today.
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How to Apply
Now Accepting Applications!
We are now accepting deposits for the 2013 program. We expect the program to reach capacity this year. This pre-registration opportunity is for guest students who want to take advantage of reserving a spot prior to the full brochure release and application period. During the special pre-registration period the deposit may be paid in two installments. You may opt to pre-register by paying half the non-refundable deposit, $250, now. The remaining $250 deposit must be paid on or before July 13, 2012, to confirm enrollment in the 2013 Australia / New Zealand program. The entire $500 deposit is non-refundable after October 15, 2012.
Pre-registration is the best way to guarantee a spot in this popular program.
In order to pre-register and save a spot in the 2013 program, download and complete the Pre-Registration Application and return it and the $250 pre-registration deposit to Thomas M. Cooley Law School at the address listed on the form. Guest students may arrange with us to charge the deposit to a credit card. The deposit may also be paid by check or money order made payable to Thomas M Cooley Law School.
Download the Pre-registration Application Packet (pdf) 
Note: The 2013 program is scheduled to begin in early January and end mid-April. Brochures and applications are scheduled to be available in June. Information about classes and housing will be announced soon.
Current Cooley students please visit our site on the portal for application information.
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Top Ten Reasons To Study Abroad "Down Under"?
Listed in random order:
1. Explore Australia and New Zealand during their spectacular summer/fall season.
2. Learn from many top Australia/New Zealand legal scholars.
3. Network and form friendships with students from law schools
around the country.
4. Experience group explorations to local legal institutions.
5. Enjoy an extended stay in an exciting and diverse culture.
6. Earn up to 15 credits. (12 recommended)
7. Complement your resume with an international legal education experience.
8. Gain exposure to the world outside the U.S.
9. Choose from among 9 exciting international and comparative law courses.
10. Gain a full semester of residency while on a foreign study experience.
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Eligibility
The Thomas M. Cooley Law School will consider applications from law students who are enrolled in good standing at an ABA-approved or state accredited law school and have completed at least one year of law study by January 2013. Students from other ABA-approved or state accredited law schools must ask their school to send an official transcript and letter of good standing to Cooley Law School verifying their eligibility.
Twenty students participated in the "Down Under" Program this year (18 from Cooley Law School and 2 from other schools). We expect an enrollment of 40 in 2013. The pre-registration period will be open for a limited time. Guest students will be accepted on a first come, first accepted basis. Space is limited. We encourage students to apply early.
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Join our email updates list
It you are interested in the Down Under Program this year or a future year, we encourage you to join our e-mail list. Those on our e-mail list are the first to know when we begin pre-registration for the 2013 program. They also receive very special program opportunities for current and future programs. Don't miss your chance to be in on the loop the latest "Down Under" Program information. Add yourself today by clicking the link below-
Join our email list. Click here.
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