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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Application Process and Course Registration

Who is eligible for the Specialized Human Rights Program?
When does the Academy start accepting applications?
When is the application deadline?
What is the Letter of Interest?
How should I send in the application?
When do participants register for courses?
Is there an orientation?
Do WCL students need to fill out an application to enroll in the program?
Where can I find more information about the program and course prerequisites?

Courses

Tell me more about the course schedule.
Are there any online courses?
Does the program require full-time commitment?
What is the differences between the Certificate of Attendance, Courses for Credit, and Diploma?
How are participants graded?
What is the attendance policy?
Do I have to take exams?

Weather

How is the weather during the Program?

Application Process and Course Registration

Who is eligible for the Specialized Human Rights Program?

In order to apply, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Hold a law degree either from a U.S. law school accredited by the American Bar Association or from a foreign law school with equivalent standards;
Hold a bachelors degree from an accredited institution in a field related to international affairs, government, political science, journalism, or any other field related to human rights;
Be enrolled in a law degree program at a U.S. law school accredited by the American Bar Association or a foreign law school with equivalent standards and have completed the first year of law school.

When does the Academy start accepting applications?

November 1st, 2010

When is the application deadline?

The last day to apply is May 1, 2010. However, you must keep in mind that this will only allow a couple of weeks to process your Visa. If you decide to apply later than this date, you may do so by paying an expedited application fee of $100 instead of $65 dollars. Applicants who apply late will not be guaranteed to have their materials or books on the first day of class. All courses should be paid for by May 21, 2010.

What is the Letter of Interest?

The Letter of Interest is a 1 page letter that briefly tells the Academy (1) why you are interested in attending the Specialized Human Rights Program and (2) how the program complements your career and/or career goals.

How should I send in the application?

We encourage participants to apply via our online application since it is the easiest and most effective method. The Statement of Interest may be attached to the online application. However, participants may also print out the application forms and send them via regular mail to:

Specialized Human Rights Program
Academy on Human Rights & Humanitarian Law
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8181

When do participants register for courses?

After applicants submit all the application materials, the academy reviews them. Once applicants are accepted they will receive an acceptance letter and the requested courses will be automatically registered. This applies only for Certificate of Attendance, and Diploma.

Is there an orientation?

Yes, orientation will be held on Monday, May 31, 2010 beginning at 5pm. Please arrive on time since orientation is mandatory. This is where you can pick up your course materials, change courses and buy tickets for all of the program events.

Do WCL students need to fill out an application to enroll in the program?

No, the application, essay and recommendation letters are for participants who are not currently enrolled at the Washington College of Law.

Where can I find more information about the program and course prerequisites?

For more information please look at our web pages on courses and admission requirements.

Visa Information

When will I receive my Invitation Letter?

Applicants who do not hold a B1/B2 (Tourist/Business) should apply as soon as the academy begins accepting applications (November 1, 2008). Once accepted, participants will receive the letters of invitation and proof of admission to the program normally required by the U.S. consulates. The processing of visas may take up to 6 months; therefore participants should contact their corresponding U.S. consulate promptly.

What type of visa should the participant apply for?

Given the structure of the program, participants are most likely to be eligible for a B-1 visa. This program is not an exchange program and does not lead to a degree, so participants should not apply for an F-1 visa. Click here to find more about Visa Requirements.

Financial Information

How much do courses cost?

The cost for courses varies based on enrollment for ABA credit, Certificate of Attendance, or Diploma. Please see our Tuition and Fees page for more information.

Courses

Tell me more about the course schedule.

Although the schedule is subject to change, there are generally eight morning classes and eight or nine afternoon classes to choose from. Half of these courses are in Spanish and the other half are in English. Please note that not all courses start on the same date. On average, classes are about 1 hour and 50 minutes in length though some classes are longer. The classes are consecutive from 8:30am-10:20am, 10:30am-12:20pm, 2:30pm-4:20pm, and 4:30-6:20 (or 7:15pm depending on the class).

Are there any online courses?

No, since the purpose of the summer program is to immerse students in the subject of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and to establish links among students, all of the classes require the presence of the participant and there are no online courses available at this time.

Does the program require full-time commitment?

Full-time commitment is beneficial since the intensive format of this program allows participants and professors two to three weeks to learn and cover all the material.

What is the difference between the Certificate of Attendance, Courses for Credit, and Diploma?

The Certificate of Attendance is based on the participant attendance to the classes. While it exams are not required for the Certificate, they may be required if participants are transferring credits to their home university or by the participant's sponsor.

The Diploma cost is different than for the Certificate and exams are mandatory for ALL registered courses. Participant must register for at least 64 hours of class, which can be achieved by taking two 14 day courses and one 7-day course. An optional fourth course is included in these costs.

The ABA Academic credit option is open to anyone studying law in the United States.

How are participants graded?

Grading depends on the course and the professor; however, there is a an expectation regarding participation. Participants are expected to attend 90% of their class hours.

What is the attendance policy?

Participants are expected to attend to 90% of the class hours.

Do I have to take exams?

Exams are required to receive academic credit or the Diploma. Ask your advisor at your home university to check on the specifications of your school as well. Exams are done online and will be due between June 19 and July 11, 2010.

Housing

What housing options are available?

The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law does not provide housing for participants nor do we endorse any particular option. However, we do have a special arrangement with AU Housing in which participants can stay in the residence halls for a reduced rate.

What is included in university housing?

Residence halls are basic accommodations including beds, desks and dressers. These accommodations usually include single or shared rooms and shared bathrooms.

How do I apply for university housing?

Participants may contact the American University Summer Conference Housing, by e-mailing summerhousing@american.edu or by calling (202) 885-3370. Participants will then apply for Summer Housing a few months prior to the beginning of the program.

Weather

How is the Weather during the program?

Washington D.C. weather can vary greatly. In general, climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be 70 to 80 degress farenheit. You can check a detailed weather forcast at www.weather.com