Admission to the Academy of American and International Law is based upon materials submitted by the applicant and other available data. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to reject any applicant without statement of reason.

Qualifications
Applicants must have a college degree and experience in one of the following fields: public service, law, economics, journalism, teaching, or business. They must reside or have domicile outside the United States. Applicants must have substantial ability to read, speak and understand the English language. Instruction is in English.

Applications
An application form from the 2010 Academy is provided at The 47th Academy for American and International Law . Applications should be submitted in March, in writing, in English to:

Admissions Committee Academy of American and International Law The Center for American and International Law 5201 Democracy Drive Plano, Texas U.S.A. 75024-3561 Fax: 972.244.3401

Enclose the following:

1. The completed signed application form (An application form may be found at the end of the Academy catalog).
2. A statement in English of ways in which the Academy will benefit you in your professional career.
3. A statement of substantial ability to read, speak and understand the English language.
4. Two letters of recommendation in English from lawyers, judges, professors or employers. The letters of recommendation should indicate the applicant’s qualifications and the significance of participation in the Academy of American and International Law to the applicant’s future career.

Applications should be submitted as early as possible, but not later than March, 2011.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tuition

Tuition for the six-week course is $8,000. A deposit of $1,000 must be made by May.

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An alternative to the $8,000 tuition may be found on the IICL membership website. Become a member of IICL and reduce your tuition cost!

Living Accommodations and Expenses

Arrangements have been made for the Academy participants to be housed at a specific hotel (to be designated later). We believe it is very important for all Academy participants to stay in the same location. Payment for rooms is made directly to the Hotel. However, initial hotel arrangements are handled by our staff and room assignments are coordinated with the Hotel.

Other incidental expenses, including the cost of food, should be considered. Lunches during class days may be purchased for approximately $7-10 per day.

Visa Information

Academy participants should apply to the U.S. Consulate for a B-1 Business Visitor’s Visa. Check with the particular Consulate that has jurisdiction for your place of residence for specific requirements and procedures for this type of Visa. (Particular attention is required to the type of passports required at the time of application at the Consulates, as well as at the time of entry into the United States.) We understand that personal interviews are now required for most applicants by most Consulates, and that processing times can be extended given the work load at many Consulates. So, we recommend that you commence the process early so that there is adequate time to schedule the interview.

We do not purport to provide legal advice regarding U.S. immigration requirements, so we recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney if you have any questions or doubts about the requirements and procedures that are applicable to you in particular. As a general matter, however, we understand that you should be prepared to establish your connections with your home country and your intention to return to your home country upon completion of the Academy. It is also important that you understand and communicate to the authorities that you will not be performing any work or receiving any compensation from a U.S. entity while in the United States.

Evidence of ties to your home country and your intention to return can consist of deeds to property, contracts for services either to be rendered or received, and letters from relatives or an employer. For example, you might want to submit a letter from your employer that states your name and address, how long you have been employed, that you will be returning to work for your employer following the Academy, and that describes the Academy program as an extended legal education and business conference, why the employer supports your attendance and what is likely to be gained by your attendance.

If your employer is responsible for the costs of travel to and from the United States, the letter should probably include that fact also. (If you are self-employed, the letter should probably explain the nature and size of your business, your ties and obligations to the business and your community, and describe the Academy program as an extended legal education and business conference and what is likely to be gained by your attendance.

Because the Academy is in the nature of an extended continuing legal education conference for foreign attorneys that have previously completed their degree studies, we do not issue a Certificate of Eligibility. But, you will have a copy of your letter of admission to the Academy to submit.

The Dallas Experience

Education, of course, takes place both inside and outside the classroom. A substantial effort is made to introduce Academy participants to the Dallas community. There is an opportunity to be interact with members of the Dallas Committee for International Visitors, or the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. These local hosts meet with the participants and provide a first-hand introduction to life in Dallas.

The Academy schedule also includes a variety of extracurricular activities. Participants will frequently attend a rodeo, a major league baseball game, a Texas barbeque and a visit to a Dallas law firm. Our goal is to introduce Academy participants not only to the study of American and international law, but also to the people of the United States.