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International J.D. Dual Degree Programs

J.D. / Grado en Derecho
University Carlos III (UC3)
Madrid, Spain

ATTENTION:

Students who apply to a Spain program must take the DELE exam (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) and must pass the B2 (Intermediate) level or higher.

Registration for the DELE: September 1-October 16, 2009. Date of the exam is Saturday, November 14, 2009.
The exam is given at the Spanish Embassy, Consejería de Educación, 2372 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037.  

For more information about the exam, visit the website of the Instituto Cervantes. Please contact intdualdegree@wcl.american.edu for more information.

General information:

This dual degree program is offered jointly by the Washington College of Law (WCL) and the University Carlos III (UC3) . Each year WCL will select up to two students to study two years at WCL and two years at UC3. Upon successful completion of the course of study, students will receive the J.D. degree from WCL and the Grado en Derecho from UC3.

Comparative Legal Education

The study of law in Spain prepares students to understand and work in the continental legal system, which is used in most of Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. Students enrolled in this program will be trained both in common law and continental legal traditions and will be immersed in two different cultures. They will gain an understanding of the systems not as outsiders, but as local practitioners who see and practice law. Students will be trained in all traditional areas of the continental legal system, acquiring full knowledge of Civil Law, Procedural Law, Criminal Law, Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, among others.

Practical Experience and Learning

As part of the program of study, students in the last year at UC3 will work for one term as interns in a Spanish law firm

Graduates from this program will have a full understanding of the law as developed and practiced both in the United States and in Spain, will be prepared to work in different legal areas in both countries, and eventually in other countries of the European Union.

The J.D. / Grado en Derecho Program

Academic Requirements:

Please note: If you are an International JD student at WCL and will be applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), contact the Director before applying. A modified timeline may apply.

WCL students must complete the first two academic years at WCL and the last two years at UC3. At WCL, students will complete a minimum of 59 credits, prior to starting the Grado en Derecho program at UC3. This amount includes all the required courses of the program of study and those established by UC3 as equivalent to its curriculum.

After completing the course of study in Spain, students will receive the Grado en Derecho from UC3 and the JD degree from WCL.

Courses:

At WCL (mandatory courses in addition to the regular JD required courses):
- International Public Law
- Internationa Private Law
The Director must approve these courses

At UC3 (over the course of 2 years --this list is subject to change);
Note: the Academic Calendar at UC3 generally begins in early September and ends in June.
- Derecho Romano;
- Introducción al Derecho Procesal;
- Derecho Procesal Penal;
- Derecho Procesal Civil;
- Derecho Civil I, II, III, IV, & V;
- Derecho Constitucional I, II, & III;
- Derecho Penal I, II, & III;
- Derecho Mercantil I, II, & III;
- Derecho Administrativo I, II, III, & IV;
- Derecho Comunitario;
- Derecho del Trabajo y de la Seguridad Social I & II;
- Derecho Financiero y Tributario I & II;
- Historia del Derecho Español;
- Derecho Eclesiástico del Estado; &
- Practicum (Prácticas profesionales)

Tuition & Expenses:


Application Process:

Students must be admitted to WCL's regular JD program before applying to any international JD dual degree program.

This program is open to first year WCL students in good academic standing who are bilingual (Spanish and English) or have excellent written and oral Spanish skills.

The application process will be conducted in Spanish and English. Upon review of the application package, students will be contacted for an interview (in English and Spanish). Program staff may require additional documentation about the student's knowledge of the language. Once accepted in the program, you will be provided with additional forms required by UC3.

When to Apply:

Students must apply during their first year at WCL to begin the program at UC3 during the Fall of their third year of law school. All International JD students should speak with the Program Director before applying.

DEADLINE: Friday, January 29, 2010 at 5pm EST.

Application Package:

  1. 2011-2013 UC3 Program Application : PLEASE CONTACT THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR MORE INFORMATION
  2. Statement of interest. (One copy in English and one in Spanish. Please submit a brief statement of no more than a page describing your professional interests and goals. You should include your reasons for applying for this program.)
  3. Current résumé (English and Spanish).
  4. Letter of Recommendation (Please include a letter from a professional or academic reference. No relatives.)
  5. Updated WCL academic transcripts.
  6. Proof of Spanish proficiency, i.e. DELE Results: Students must show that they have approved the Nivel Intermedio of the DELE exam.
    On a case by case basis, students who at the time of the application have not passed the exam may be allowed to apply, however, students with exam results will be given priority.

Submit Applications to:

International JD Dual Degree Programs
American University Washington College of Law
4801 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Office of the Dean
Washington, DC 20016
intdualdegree@wcl.american.edu / Fax: 202-274-4005

 

 

 
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