Frequently Asked Questions
- I am not a WCL student. Can I do the Program?
- Is it difficult to be admitted?
- How many students usually go?
- When do I have to be in Santiago and when are we traveling to Buenos Aires?
- Where are we staying in Chile?
- Where are we staying in Argentina?
- My friend and I would like to be placed in the same apartment. Can we request this?
- Can I find an internship opportunity during or after the program?
- How is the weather during the Program?
- Who will teach the courses?
- Do the courses require a lot of work?
- Do I need to speak Spanish?
- Can I practice Spanish while in Santiago?
- Are the cities where we will be staying safe?
- What is the currency in Chile and in Argentina? How do I get local money?
- Is there an American Embassy in Santiago?
- Where are the classes being held?
- Are the courses graded? Is there an attendance policy?
- As a non-WCL student, can I transfer the credits to my school?
- Can we bring our laptops to Chile?
- How do I make long distance calls?
- Will there be any changes in the schedule?
- Is there a dress code for classes/events?
- What happens if the program gets cancelled?
I am not a WCL student. Can I do the Program?
Our program is ABA accredited so any student in good standing form and ABA accredited law school can attend after their first year of law school. Most schools allow their students to attend our program and transfer the 6 credits earned towards their JD program at the home school. Please check with your Registrar or Dean of Students is this would be your case. In the past we have had students from the following law schools:
- University of California, Berkeley School of Law
- Capital University Law School
- University of Colorado Law School
- Cornell Law School
- University of Denver, Sturm College of Law
- DePaul University College of Law
- Florida Coastal School of Law
- Fordham University School of Law
- Georgetown University Law Center
- George Mason University School of Law
- The George Washington University Law School
- Golden Gate University School of Law
- Gonzaga School of Law
- Lewis and Clark Law School
- University of Maryland School of Law
- Michigan State University College of Law
- The University of Michigan Law School
- University of Minnesota Law School
- University of Nebraska College of Law
- New England School of Law
- New York University School of Law
- Northeastern University School of Law
- Ohio Northern University College of Law
- University of Ottawa Faculty of Law
- Pace Law School
- University of Pittsburgh School of Law
- Roger Williams University School of Law
- Samford University, Cumberland School of Law
- University of Santa Clara School of Law
- University of San Francisco School of Law
- Seattle University School of Law
- Southern Methodist University, Dedran School of Law
- St. Louis University School of Law
- University of St. Thomas School of law
- Suffolk University Law School
- Temple University, Beasley School of Law
- University of Texas School of Law
- William & Mary School of Law
Is it difficult to be admitted?
The program follows the ABA rules of admission. As long as you are in good standing at an ABA accredited law school, have been authorized by your law school to participate in this program, and have submitted your complete application while spots were available, you are admitted in the program.
How many students usually go?
Although it varies form year to year, the program will usually take up to 26 students. Last year 20 students from 7 different law schools participated in the program.
When do I have to be in Santiago and when are we traveling to Buenos Aires?
Each student is responsible for his or her travel arrangements. The program gives information to students on airfares and travel agencies as simple references.
Students should arrive in Santiago on Sunday, June 3 in the morning. Although we will take different flights, we should all arrive around the same time (before noon). Once students obtain their confirmed flight information, they should send their itinerary to Program Director Maryam Ahranjani (mahranjani@wcl.american.edu) so that group transportation to the hotel can be arranged.
Your RT flight to Buenos Aires should be made for Saturday, June 16. Check-out from the hotel in Buenos Aires will be Wednesday, June 20 (no class that morning, but there will be a 6:00pm class in Santiago at Renta Home).
Where are we staying in Chile?
The Company is called Rent a Home and they provide furnished apartments in a very well located area of Santiago. They are two-bed, two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments with full kitchen, living room, cleaning service, gym and access to the internet.
Where are we staying in Argentina?
We will be staying at a hotel centrally located near the financial district and attractions like the Colon Theatre and Puerto Madero. Like the rooms in Chile, these these will also be double occupancy rooms, cleaning service, gym and access to the internet.
My friend and I would like to be placed in the same apartment. Can we request this?
In the past we have had several issues accommodating special requests. It is very complicated and it may create additional costs for the program. Most serious, however, is that it has been very upsetting for some students who are left out and almost kicked out of an apartment to make a space for a friend. Only under very exceptional circumstances we will request the hotels a particular rooming. Most of the time, it will be randomly decided by the hotels’ administration. In any case, rooming is always divided by gender (unless a special, very well founded request has been made to us).
Can I find an internship opportunity during or after the program?
The Program does not include internships but will provide interested students with advice on conducting a successful search. Although we may assist in the seeking process, it remains the students’ responsibility to secure an internship in Chile or Argentina. In the past, students interned for KPMG; Grasty, Quintana, Majlis Abogados; Pro Acceso (NGO); the Chilean Foreign Investment Committee; Bancoestado; the Human Rights Unit of the Chilean Department of Foreign Relations, just to name a few. Through the faculty who teach the class sessions, WCL alumni, and other friends of the Program, there are always internship possibilities.
How is the weather during the Program?
June is wintertime in South America. Although the winter may surprise us from time to time, compared to Washington D.C., Santiago and Buenos Aires have mild winters. According to Yahoo.com, the average temperatures for June and July in Santiago are 58.0 F (high avg.) and 31.0 F (low avg.) For Buenos Aires they are 58.0 F (high avg.) and 41.0 F (low avg.)
It does not snow in the city although it may rain quite often (avg. precip. 3.10 in).
Who will teach the courses?
Chilean law professors, policy makers and practitioners teach the courses. Usually a different professor will teach each class. WCL professors in conjunction with the Chilean professors will prepare the reading materials. In addition, two WCL professors are in charge of supervising the courses, attending all classes, conducting the mid term and final reviews, and writing and grading the final exams. Short bios of guest lecturers are available on the faculty section of our website.
Do the courses require a lot of work?
The courses have a fair amount of reading. Students are expected to read in advance and prepare their classes every day. However, students usually have the afternoons and weekends to do other activities.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Spanish is not required. All classes and reading materials are in English. Many students who participate in the program do not speak Spanish and that has never been a problem.
Can I practice Spanish while in Santiago?
If you want to learn or practice Spanish you will have plenty of time to do so. In previous years some students have taken Spanish lessons during the afternoons. The majority, however, prefers to engage in conversations with local students from both law schools, attend some regular law classes and meet Chileans. That is the best way of learning a language.
Are the cities where we will be staying safe?
Chile is currently one of the safest countries in Latin America. In Santiago and Buenos Aires, as in any other big city in the world, students should watch their belongings. Read the Security Reminders for Americans in Chile posted by the American Embassy in Chile (www.usembassy.cl).
What is the currency in Chile and in Argentina? How do I get local money?
Both in Chile and in Argentina the local currency is called Peso, however, these are different currencies (with different values). In each country you can change dollars to local currency at the airport and in different currency exchange places located in both cities. As with any international travel, it is safer to take traveler checks and/or credit card with you instead of traveling with too much cash. An ATM card may be the most convenient way of obtaining local currency. It would be wise however to consult with your ATM provider (prior to the trip) if you can use your ATM card abroad and if there are any fees involved for this service.
Is there an American Embassy in Santiago?
Yes. It is recommended that you register in the American Embassy prior to your departure to Chile. Visit www.usembassy.cl and http://buenosaires.usembassy.gov for more information.
Where are the classes being held?
In Santiago, classes are divided between our two host schools: University Of Diego Portales School of Law and University Of Chile School Of Law. During the third week of the program, in which we will be in Buenos Aires, classes will be held at the University of Buenos Aires. The info packet that will be provided to you along with the reading materials will have exact address and telephone numbers, metro stops for each school and hotel, etc.
Are the courses graded? Is there an attendance policy?
Students are expected to complete assigned readings, participate regularly in all scheduled classes and events and successfully pass a final written exam for each course. Class attendance is required. The course grade will be based on attendance, participation and final exam grade.
As a non-WCL student, can I transfer the credits to my school?
The Program is ABA accredited. It’s up to each school to authorize de transfer of credits. Students should check with their Dean of Admissions or Registrar.
Can we bring our laptops to Chile?
It is mandatory for all students to bring their laptops, since the exams will be online. There is DSL internet access in each apartment in Santiago. In Buenos Aires there is wireless connection. Schools don't have enough plugs to connect your computers so you may consider taking notes the old way (paper and pen). There are computers available in the business center of the hotel in Santiago and in our partner schools. If your computer is 100/230 w. you don't need an AC converter but will need a plug adapter for round hole outlets (the program willl provide some of these upon arrival).
How do I make long distance calls?
Before departure, buy a calling card in the US and ask the company (AT&T, MCI, etc.) for the local number to dial in Chile and Buenos Aires when calling to the US. That way you won’t be rushing to get a local calling card in Chile. Remember that this can be a good time to start using SKYPE too, since you will have DSL or wireless internet access in most hotels.
Will there be any changes in the schedule?
As with any program that relies on the participation of many different speakers there may be changes in the order of the sessions. There will also be events that are not scheduled at this time but will be offered to students as the program develops.
Is there a dress code for classes/events?
We do not enforce a dress code, except for the visits to the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. (Trousers and jackets will be OK for these). Male students should consider bringing a tie just in case.
What happens in the case the program gets cancelled?
In 22 years the program has never been cancelled. The University however reserves the right to make cancellations, changes, or substitutions in cases of emergency or changed conditions in the interest of the group. In the event of program cancellation or termination or in the event of student withdrawal due to a significant change in the summer program content or due to the issuance of a US State Department Travel Warning or Alert, all tuition payments (except for utilized room and board fees) will be refunded to students. In this situation, the program director will notify such cancellation to students by email or phone and arrangements will be made depending on the circumstances.
