You’ve been accepted to an LL.M.? What’s next?
Your LL.M. application has been accepted and you are getting excited about your new adventure abroad. Now the summer is there and you can relax. Well, there are still some things to take care of if you want your time on the program to go as smoothly as possible.
It can take up to 2 months to get the F1 Student Visa for the U.S. and up to 1 month to get a new passport: make sure you start ahead.
1. Apply for your visa & Health Insurance
Once a U.S. law school accepts you for admission, they will send you an I-20 form, which you will need in order to obtain your F1 visa. There will be other documents to fill out, followed by a visa interview at the Embassy.Â
F1 visa students do not have any government related health insurance requirements to meet when studying in the USA. With this in mind, you should follow at least the insurance guidelines set by your law school. Some schools choose to implement a mandatory group health insurance plan. So while it is not mandatory (yet), bear in mind that medical emergencies happen and it won’t come cheap.
2. Visit your doctor
It does not hurt to visit your doctor and getting a check-up before you leave to ensure you are in good health. Bring along a copy of your medical records in case of an emergency overseas.
Also: know your host country’s immunization requirements: in the U.S. Most schools have a requirement that their student must have a set of immunizations for studying in the U.S. The most common diseases that require immunization against include Measles, Mumps and Rubell. To know more, go on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Find your accommodation and get your plane ticketÂ
This one is obvious, but finding somewhere comfortable to live is not as easy as you might think.Â
First place to look at: your law school. Sometimes, they can point you in the right direction when it comes to housing. Living in a big city? Consider having roommates: while it might be challenging, it could help you getting more integrated in your new country.
Second place: try to find out which websites people in your new city use to advertise accommodation online.Â
In conclusion, it takes time to find a good spot, but it will be crucial in making sure your studies go smoothly.
4. Set your goals
Identify some goals for your LL.M. It could be academic, but they could also be more personal.
Think about what you want to achieve: you want to take the Bar Exam? Then maybe start by reading some introduction to the common law. Want to get an internship? then identify what courses you will need.Â
Your goals matte, whether personal, professional or academic, don’t miss an opportunity for growth.
5. Refresh your Skills
Consider a summer law program. Many law schools offer programs to better prepare yourself for your LL.M. It is a chance for you to brush up on your legal English skills to make sure that language and vocabulary won’t hold you back during your LL.M.
Enroll in classes, find a conversational partner, listen to podcasts or read new books! Every little bit helps!
6. Look at your new home’s local customs and culture
Research your destination, speak to people you know who have visited the country, read travel guides and seek tips from locals! It can also be helpful to learn the cultural etiquette and values of the country you are going to study in. Learning some of the country’s basic history, politics, national events and what the weather will be like can really help you with cultural adjustment in your new home.
Be open-minded and ask questions. If you ever feel like you need help, just ask someone.
7. Be Prepared
Sometimes you have to expect the unexpected. You will definetly encounter people with different concepts and goals: be ready to integrate yourself without being judgmental. It will be these same differences that will without a doubt enrich your experience.
So even though you can never really expect to be fully prepared, we hope that our tips will help you ahead of time, and if you ever have any question, just reach out! (Here)Â
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