Is there a minimum TOEFL score required for admission to the USCAE program?

No. The USCAE program is taught in English so being able to speak and understand English comfortably is necessary, but there is no minimum TOEFL score required to apply.  If you would like to gain additional experience speaking and writing in English, we offer a Legal English course during the week before the USCAE program.  You can learn more about that program here.

Are meals included?

The USCAE program cost includes three special group meals (the Opening Dinner, Dinner on the Boat Cruise, and Lunch on the last day).  The Legal English Program will include two group meals.  Participants are individually responsible for all other meals.

How do I get from the airport to the hotel?

If you fly into either Dulles (IAD) or Reagan National (DCA) airports on the designated check-in day (July 4 for the Legal English Program and July 11 for the USCAE program), we will provide transportation for you.  Specific details about the transportation will be given after you have been admitted.  Participants who come in by train or bus to Union Station will be on their own to get to the hotel because Union Station is within walking distance of the hotel.

How do I get to the airport from the hotel at the end of the Program?

Each participant is responsible for his/her own transportation to the airport at the end of the program.  You have several options.  If you are flying out of Reagan National (DCA), you can take the Metro (Yellow Line) or a taxi (~$18).  If you are flying out of Dulles (IAD), you can take a Shuttle (Super Shuttle reservations are ~$30/person) or a taxi (~$60).

Can I request to room with a particular person?

We will assign everyone a roommate (unless you request to room alone).  We try to match you with people from other schools who share similar interests with you – and who will be at the hotel on the same nights as you.  Sharing a room with someone is a great way to get to know them and their background!

What is the weather like in Washington, D.C.?

Summer in D.C. is hot and humid.  The temperature ranges from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.  Evenings can cool down, and rain and thunderstorms are possible.

What should I wear?

The USCAE Program is a professional program and, therefore, you will be asked to wear suits or business professional clothes for the majority of the program.  Admitted students will be given additional information about what to wear for each day.  We walk a lot during the program, so please bring professional shoes that are comfortable for walking.  The Legal English Program will have a more casual dress code.

Will we have time to explore D.C.?

The USCAE Program is comprised of both lectures and experiential activities.  These experiential activities will include visits to key D.C. landmarks, such as the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the National Archives (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution are displayed).  Students have many evenings free and are given complete free time over the weekend, so you will have time to explore museums and other landmarks not included in the USCAE Program Schedule.

Will we have time to travel to other cities like New York or Boston or Philadelphia?

If you are interested in exploring other cities, we suggest that you do that either before the Program begins or after the Program ends.  Some participants have tried to use the middle weekend to travel to New York City, Boston or Philadelphia, but that cuts down on the time you have to explore D.C. and often makes participants travel weary, so we do not encourage people to travel outside of the D.C. metro area during the weekend in the middle of the Program.

 

If you have additional questions, please contact Dr. John Baker <jsb97@law.georgetown.edu>