Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process and Course Registration

Who is eligible for the Judicial Reform Summer Program?
In order to apply, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Currently work as an attorney, judge, public defender, or district attorney;
Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to international affairs, government, political science, journalism, or any other field related to judicial reform;
Be a lawyer or graduate student who wishes to strengthen their knowledge of the judicial reforms in Latin America and the United States.

When does the Judicial Reform Program start accepting applications?
January15, 2013

When is the application deadline?
The last day to apply is May 27,2013. Applicants who apply late will be placed at the bottom of the applicant pool. Those who are accepted must have paid for the program by May 31, 2013.

What is the letter of interest?
The letter of interest is a 1 page letter that briefly tells the Judicial Reform Program (1) why you are interested in attending the summer program, (2) how the program complements your career and/or career goals, and (3) what you wish to take from the program.

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 letter of interest may be attached to the online application.

When do participants register for courses?
After applicants submit all the application materials, they will be reviewed and a decision will be made. Once applicants are accepted they will receive an acceptance letter with details on how to submit payment.

Is there an orientation?
Yes, orientation will be held on Monday, July 8, 2013 beginning at 9:30am. Please arrive on time since orientation is mandatory. Breakfast will begin being served at 9:00am.

Do WCL students need to fill out an application to enroll in the program?
Yes, the application, essay and recommendation letters are for all interested participants.

Where can I find more information about the program?
For more information please look at our web page.

Do I need to demonstrate my proficiency in English or Spanish to participate in the program?
No, however please be aware that there will be 2 classes in English and 3 classes in Spanish. Proficiency in both languages is necessary if you wish to understand what the professors will be teaching.

Are the courses translated into other languages?
No. You will need to be able to speak and understand the language in which the course is presented in order to attend.

Financial Information

How much does the program cost?
There are 6 pricing options to choose from. For details of the costs please go to the about the program section of the webpage.

Which types of payment are available?
There is no installment plan available for the program. All fees must be paid in their totality by May 31, 2013.

If for some reason you cannot attend the program, is there any reimbursement of the costs?
Yes, however the amount reimbursed depends on the date of cancellation. Please note that any cancellation must be made in writing to judicialreform@wcl.american.edu. Following is a breakdown of the dates and the corresponding percentage of costs to be reimbursed.

May 31 - deadline to cancel and receive a reimbursement of 100% of the total costs paid

June 7 - deadline to cancel and receive a reimbursement of 75% of the total costs paid

June 14 - deadline to cancel and receive a reimbursement of 50% of the total costs paid

June 21 - deadline to cancel and receive a reimbursement of 25% of the total costs paid

Courses

Tell me more about the course schedule.
The 2013 Program on Judicial Reform in Latin America and the United States will offer 3 courses in Spanish and 2 courses in English, which can be taken for a Certificate. Although the schedule is subject to change, classes will generally take place in the morning and early afternoon. Each class session will be about 1 hour and 35 minutes in length. Each class will meet four times, either the first week or the second week.

Are there any online courses?
No, since the purpose of the summer program is to immerse students in the subject of Judicial Reform in Latin America and the United States, 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 weeks to learn and cover all the material. However, participants can opt to register for the one-week only option.

Do I have to take exams?
There are no exams required for this program as it has been organized as an intensive two-week session for non-academic credit.

Will I have access to Wi-fi?
Yes, details of how to access the internet will be provided during orientation.

Housing

What housing options are available?
The Judicial Reform Summer Program offers participants 4 different housing options in the American University residence halls. These options are offered to alleviate the stress of securing accommodations for non-DC residents and to provide participants the closest housing available to the Washington College of Law.

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. For more details please visit the AU housing webpage.

How do I apply for university housing?
Participants who choose to make use of the AU housing option will have a room automatically reserved for them upon completing registration and payment.

Weather

How is the weather during the program?
Washington D.C. weather can vary greatly. In general, climate is warm during the summer when temperatures tend to be 75 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check a detailed weather forecast at www.weather.com.

For further information, please e-mail: judicialreform@wcl.american.edu

Judicial Reform Summer Program
Washington College of Law
American University
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 366
Washington, D.C., 20016