Incoming Law Exchange

Students who will be attending the University of Maine School of Law as part of an exchange program with their home school can complete a simplified application. The process is as follows:

1. Complete an International Exchange Student Application

2. Submit the International Exchange Student Application to the USM International Programs office and be sure to include the following: 

• A brief essay  (300-500 words) stating your reasons for wanting to study at the University of Southern Maine. How will this period of study contribute to your current academic program?  Please include any areas of interest or special skills.
• A statement from your home school supporting your program of study at the University of Southern Maine.
• If English is not your first language you will need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score OR complete the attached Language Proficiency Report. (The minimum TOEFL score required is a 79 ibt/ 213 computer or 550 paper). 
• Academic transcript from your college or university listing the courses that you have taken prior to your enrollment at USM. This is a MUST in order to be able to verify that you have the necessary pre-requisites required for upper level courses.
• A copy of the biographical page of your passport.

3. Submit proof of sufficient funding to cover your expenses during your year or semester at USM.     

• Students coming on exchange pay tuition and fees to their home school. However, immigration requires that you document that you have sufficient funding for your expenses that will be paid in the US.

• Students coming from Cergy, Le Mans, City University of Hong Kong, Dalhousie, Galway,  Rennes, Buckingham or the University of New Brunsiwk must  document $17,500 for one academic year or $8750 for one semester. This amount is valid for the 2012-13 Academic Year. 

The cost breakdown is as follows:

• $11,500.00 for room, board and meals during vacation periods
• $  2,000.00 for books and supplies
• $  2,000.00 for medical insurance and health care in the US
• $  2,000.00 for personal expenses
• This totals $17,500 for the academic year

• In order to document sufficient funding students should complete a Declaration of Finances form and submit the appropriate back up documentation.

4. Submit a completed Registration Worksheet signed by your Academic Advisor.

• In order to complete your Registration worksheet you will need to review available courses. We highly suggest you watch this short video on how to search for USM courses online:

• Remember to choose University of Southern Maine for the "institution"
• The upcoming term is Fall 2012.

ARRIVAL for Fall 2012

New International Students are required to attend the New International Student Orientation. Law students will also have a law school orientation so we will work with you to ensure that you attend the most important components of each oreintation.

• Orientation will begin on Wednesday, August 29th for students who will be living on campus.
• Orientation will begin on Thursday, August 30th for students who will be living off campus. 

2012-13 Academic Calendar

FALL 2012

● Arrival Dates at USM: Monday, August 27 or Tuesday, August 28, 2012 *
● New International Student Oreintation: August 29 - 31, 2012

● Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 4, 2012
● Labor Day (no classes): Monday, September 3, 2012
● Columbus Day (no classes) Monday, October 8, 2012
● Thanksgiving Vacation: Thursday & Friday, Nov. 22 & 23, 2012
● Last Day of Classes: Thursday, December 6, 2012
● Final Exams: Wednesday, December 12 - Friday, December 21, 2012

SPRING 2013

● Classes Begin: Monday, January 14, 2012
● Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no classes): Monday, January 21, 2013
● President's Day (no classes): Monday, February 18, 2013
● Spring Recess: Monday, March 4 - Friday, March 8, 2013
● Last Day of Classes: Tuesday, April 23, 2012
● Final Exams: Tuesday, April 30 - Thursday, May 9, 2013
● Commencement: Saturday, May 18, 2013