Spring Break Trip Frequently Asked Questions (for 2007)

This page will be updated with frequently asked questions. If you asked one of the Japan Law Society board members about the application or the trip, the response will be posted here.

Q: When will the trip take place?

The Spring Break Trip 2007 is currently scheduled for the entire spring break of 2007, specifically, March 16 (Friday)–23 (Friday). When planning travel, please note that travel time by air from Chicago is approximately fifteen hours. Time goes forward by one day when traveling to Japan. Time goes backward by one day when returning to Chicago from Japan.

However, the schedule has not been finalized yet. Depending on the availability of venues, the trip may include some optional events on or before March 16.

Q: How is the trip paid for, and how much does the trip cost?

Through the sponsors of the Japan Law Society, the Law School provides a significant subsidy to trip participants. The total trip cost varies based on several factors, including hotel, airfare, and ground transportation costs. Many meals are paid for through generous donations from the Japan Law Society sponsors or from our trip hosts, such as international law firms.

Spring Break Trip 2005 cost around $1,500 per person; of that, the Japan Law Society provided a subsidy between $1,000 and $1,500. The subsidy is provided as a reimbursement; every participant will get the same amount. We do not screen based on financial need.

Q: How many people will be on the trip?

Based on our past experiences, we aim to have approximately sixteen current law students on the trip, plus or minus a few (probably as few as fifteen or as many as nineteen). In the past, we have found that twenty or more law students quickly becomes unmanageable: try navigating a huge group of foreigners through the Tokyo subway system together! However, we also want to admit as many law students as are genuinely interested.

Q: Can people other than current law students attend?

People other than current law students are handled on a case-by-case basis. For example, we appreciate the significant help that we receive from our alumni, who occasionally join us on part or all of the trip.

Q: When is the application due?

A hard copy of the application is due in Dean Richard Badger’s office, Room A206 in the Administration Wing, on Friday, January 5, 2007 at 5:00pm.

Q: When will the Japan Law Society decide on applications?

The Japan Law Society will decide on applications and notify applicants by Friday, January 12, 2007.

Q: Will there be a wait list?

We do not plan on having a wait list at this time. However, we are flexible and we understand that some students may really want to attend even though they were not selected, and that other students may really want to attend but find themselves in circumstances that prevent them from attending after they were selected. If we decide to create a wait list, applicants will be notified of it.

Q: Where can I find a copy of the application?

The application was e-mailed out to the student body. Look for the keywords “Spring Break Trip 2007” in the subject line.

Q: I have an additional question that is not listed here. What do I do?

Please contact one of the board members (see the sidebar to the left), or ask the whole board at . We will try to answer your question as soon as possible.