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University of the Witwatersrand Semester Exchange   
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University of the Witwatersrand Semester Exchange Program
University of Witwatersrand
Program Description

Columbia Law students may study at the University of The Witwatersrand ("Wits") in South Africa for one semester while acquiring up to 13 credits toward their law degree at Columbia. Students may choose from a broad array of courses from the undergraduate, as well as one selection from the graduate (LL.M.) program, including Public International Law, Person and Family Law, Corporations, and Human Rights Law (among many others). Past students have also participated in law clinics supervised by a Wits faculty member. In addition, it is possible to earn credits with a major research project, supervised by a Wits faculty member. All classes are conducted in English and study materials are in English.

Location
The University of the Witwatersrand is located in Milner Park, Johannesburg, the largest metropolitan area and the industrial and commercial heart of South Africa. The school is located next to the Constitutional Court of South Africa; this proximity has enabled several participants to secure clerkships with a Justice of the Constitutional Court. Dates Students can choose from two semesters: Mid-July to the end of November (spring) or early February to early July (fall).
Dates
Because of the difference in timing between the Columbia and the Wits semesters, it can be difficult to find the ideal semester to go to South Africa. In general, the fall of the 3L year or the spring of the 2L year are the best choices. The spring of the 3L year is an option, but students will not be able to take the bar Exam until the February testing dates. (The two testing periods are late July and February.)
Elligibility & Application Procedure
Up to four Columbia Law School students are selected to study at Wits Law School per year. Applications from full-time Columbia students are accepted in early March for the following academic year, or from first year students for the fall of their third year. As part of the application, students must submit a resume, transcript, and a statement describing their educational objectives and reasons for participating in the program. Selections are based upon the strength of the statement, academic record at Columbia, and faculty recommendations.
Description of Courses & Credit Hours
Wits offers a very variegated and interesting array of courses to its students. Students must take a minimum of 33 credits in order to receive 12 Columbia credits (2.75 Wits credits for every 1 Columbia credit). Students often take one clinical offering, in addition to three or four offerings from the undergraduate curriculum as well as one offering in the LL.M (Master's) program.  Students may also choose to do a supervised research project for academic credit. Course descriptions can be obtained from the Wits website: www.law.wits.ac.za.
Requirements for Student Performance & Grading Methods
Wits employs a letter grading system (A, B,C, D, F). Students may be required to submit written assignments throughout the semester. Certain courses require a mid-term exam in addition to a final exam. Whenever possible, students' written work is reviewed by Columbia Law School after it has been graded at Wits. Students are required to submit written reports on their course work to Columbia every four weeks. Columbia Law School reviews such written work along with other papers and examinations. Acceptance of any credit or grade for any course taken in the program is subject to determination by Columbia Law School. Students receive grades from Wits University, but the Columbia transcripts reflect only credit for courses passed.
Degree Requirements
Please note: participation in an exchange program or semester study abroad program does not exempt students from any requirements for the J.D. degree (i.e. pro bono service, writing credits etc.).
Tuition
Columbia students continue to pay Columbia tuition, health insurance, and health service fees. Other Columbia student activity fees will be waived.
Parker School Recognition
Students participating in a semester study abroad program are eligible to receive up to 7 of the 10 academic points in international, foreign or comparative law required for the Parker School recognition. Students should contact the Parker School upon completion of the program to ascertain how many credits will be awarded for their foreign study. Degree Requirements Participation in an exchange program or semester study abroad program does not exempt students from any requirements for the J.D. degree (i.e. pro bono service, etc.).
Contact Individuals & Application

Office of International Programs
tel: (212) 854-8170; fax: (212) 854-9742
e-mail: internationalprograms@law.columbia.edu

Mailing Address:
International Programs
Columbia Law School
435 W. 116th St
New York, NY 10027

Columbia Law School's Office of International Programs is located at:
William and June Warren Hall (WJ)
1125 Amsterdam Avenue, 6th Floor.



The Wits Law School website: www.law.wits.ac.za
 
 
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