UNM Student in Mexico City

International Law Programs

Study Abroad for UNM Law Students

Statement of Study-Abroad Educational Objectives

Pursuant to paragraph I (B)(2) of the ABA “Criteria for Student Study at a Foreign Institution” (effective August 1, 2003), the University of New Mexico School of Law publishes this statement of the educational objectives it seeks to achieve in allowing students to study abroad for credit toward the J.D. degree.

The first objective is to afford our students an opportunity to be exposed to other legal systems and cultures given the growing internationalization of law practice in the United States. The second objective is to prepare our students to represent clients from cultures and countries different from their own by enhancing their ability to communicate across cultures and/or in another language.

The ability to function effectively in a diverse society is an essential skill for our graduates since close to 90% of them traditionally have practiced in New Mexico. There are twenty-two federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal jurisdictions in New Mexico, each of which has its own legal culture and tradition. Moreover, New Mexico has experienced significant growth in its foreign-born population in recent years. All of these factors make study-abroad a valuable and important educational opportunity for our students that can enhance their development into well-rounded, excellent lawyers who are able to meet the legal needs of a diverse mix of clients.

Study-Abroad Opportunities

Information about UNM Semester-Abroad Programs and ABA-approved summer, semester, and cooperative study-abroad programs is available at the websites listed below. Please contact us right away to discuss programs of interest. Several months' lead time may be required to meet all deadlines, including visa application deadlines and procedures that vary from country to country. Time is of the essence when planning to study abroad.

Required Preliminary Meeting

Contact Program Director Daniel Ortega at ortega@law.unm.edu or 505-277-5723 or Program Administrator Claire Conrad at conrad@law.unm.edu or 505-277-0080 to schedule a meeting to discuss your interest in study abroad. Please review the following procedures and forms before your preliminary meeting so that you may prepare questions in advance. The forms below apply to UNM semester-abroad programs. Visit the Guanajuato Summer Law Institute website for information on its application procedures and forms.

Study-Abroad Procedures and Forms

  1. ABA criteria limit eligibility for study abroad to 2L and 3L students who are in good academic standing. Therefore, the first step in the application process is to contact the UNM Law School Assistant Dean for Registration and Records to verify that you are in good academic standing. Applicants must remain in good academic standing after the term that immediately precedes their intended study-abroad term. In other words, you must be in good academic standing when you apply to study abroad and and right before your departure.
  2. Application Checklist (.rtf)
  3. Application (.rtf)
    Deadlines: Fall Semester - February 15; Spring Semester - October 1
  4. Study-Abroad Plan (.pdf)
  5. Acknowledgement of Risks and Conditions of Participation (.pdf)
  6. Budget Worksheet (.rtf)
  7. Financial Statement (.pdf)
  8. Foreign Language Report (.pdf)
  9. Study-Abroad Proof of Insurance Form (.rtf)
    Deadline: At least 30 calendar days before departure
  10. Travel Itinerary (.rtf)
    Deadline: At least 30 calendar days before departure

Mail, Fax or Deliver Forms to:

Claire Conrad, Program Administrator
UNM School of Law
MSC11 6070
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

Phone: 505-277-0080
FAX: 505-277-4165
Email: conrad@law.unm.edu