Chinese Law Summer Program
May 18 - June 16, 2012 or May 18- June 2, 2012
Prof. Lloyd Wilson, Director
2012 Application Period is Now Closed.
Applications for the 2013 Chinese Law Summer Program will be Accepted in early December.
NEWS FOR 2011-2012:
Law Schools Affiliate with the Chinese Law Summer Program: The University of Minnesota Law School, the University of Tennessee College of Law, and the University of Oklahoma College of Law join Boston College Law School as affiliates of the Chinese Law Summer Program. [more]
International Forum Speaking Opportunities Available in 2012: Participants in the Chinese Law Summer Program can apply to make a presentation at the 3rd International Forum for Law Students. [more…]
Internships Available in 2012: Participants in the Chinese Law Summer Program can apply for internships at leading Chinese law firms. [more…]
Program Overview
The Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law offers a 4 week/5 credit or 2 week/2 credit summer study program in Beijing, China. The Program provides an overview of the Chinese legal system and focuses on Chinese domestic law relating to the country's emerging market economy. The Program is hosted by Renmin University of China Law School, generally recognized as China's premier law school. Classes are taught in English by Chinese faculty who are experts in their fields.
Classes meet in the mornings, which leaves the afternoons and weekends free for study, sightseeing, or language instruction. In addition to classroom instruction, students will visit numerous government offices and agencies, including the National People’s Congress, the Supreme People’s Court or the Prosecutor’s Supreme Court, the Haidian District Court, arbitration agencies, and a major Chinese law firm. The Program cost also includes sightseeing trips to major cultural attractions in and around Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Great Wall. Transportation to field trip sites and admission fees are included in the Program Fee.
Any interested law student in good standing is invited to attend. Applications from attorneys and graduate students in areas other than law and from community participants such as government officials and business leaders are also welcome.
Indiana University - A Tradition of Summer Law Study in China
The Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law pioneered summer law study programs in China. In 1987 the Law School launched a summer program in Shanghai, which operated annually for ten years. In 1998 the Law School began a new summer program in Beijing - China's ancient capital and its political and cultural center. The host institution is Renmin University of China Law School. Law students and lawyers from nearly 100 law schools in the United States and seven foreign countries have participated in the program.
The Chinese Law Summer Program is the premier course of study in Beijing that focuses on the legal aspects of China's emerging market economy, the increasing opportunities for trade and investment, and the development of the rule of law in China.
Renmin University of China
Renmin University of China was established in 1950, the year following the founding of the People's Republic of China, making it the first university in the New China. Its tree-lined campus is located in the University Sector of Beijing. Approximately 1,000 students are enrolled in Renmin's Law School, which confers both undergraduate and graduate law degrees and which has established academic exchange and other cooperative programs with more than 50 law schools in over 20 countries. The Law School (pictured at left) is a modern, air-conditioned and technologically sophisticated facility.
Curriculum and Field Trips
In addition to its focus on the legal aspects of China's evolving market-based economy, the curriculum introduces students to the Chinese legal system, to its dispute resolution mechanisms, and to the lawyering system of China. To convey the formal structure of China's political system, the course of study also includes instruction on China's constitutional law.
In 2011, the curriculum consisted of the following subjects: 
- Overview of the Chinese Legal System
- Lawyering System of China
- Constitutional Law of China
- Intellectual Property Law of China
- Foreign Trade with China
- Foreign Investment and Joint Ventures in China
- Labor Law and Labor Arbitration in China
- Company Law of China
- Contract Law of China
- Arbitrating Disputes with Chinese Entities
In addition to classroom lectures and discussions, each student’s learning experience is enriched through a series of field trips. They include:
- National People's Congress
- Supreme People's Court or Supreme Prosecutor’s Court
- People's Court in Haidian District of Beijing
- Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation
- Chinese International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission
or Beijing Arbitration Commission - Jun He Law Firm
Instruction is in English and the course is graded. Most lectures are delivered on weekday mornings, and most field trips are scheduled on weekday afternoons. A final examination is administered and evaluated by the Indiana University Resident Professor at the end of the Program. Evaluation of student performance and the awarding of academic credit are the responsibility of Indiana University. Course topics, sequence of courses, and field trip destinations are subject to determination by Renmin.
Sightseeing and Cultural Activities
The program includes memorable sightseeing excursions. Students will travel beyond Beijing for a day trip to the Great Wall of China. In Beijing students will visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and the site of the Heroes Memorial and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum. Tiananmen Square is flanked on the east by the National Museum of History and on the west by the Great Hall of the People. To the north of the Square stands the main gate to the sprawling Forbidden (Imperial) City, where students will tour the classical buildings that were home to a succession of imperial dynasties. The sightseeing itinerary also includes the impressive grounds of the emperors' Summer Palace and the famous Temple of Heaven.
Students will enjoy ample time during afternoons, evenings and weekends to explore Beijing, walk its streets, shop in its small markets and modern stores, and experience its active night life. Students may choose to travel to other cities in China or to other countries in the region. Beijing’s modern subway system and the new, world-class railway station make it easy to connect with other parts of China via high-speed trains.
Academic and CLE Credit
This program is fully accredited by the American Bar Association. Students can earn either two or five credit hours for successfully completing the program. Students should consult with their home law schools about transferability of credits. Members of the Indiana Bar may enroll in all or part of the program and earn CLE credit. Local CLE accrediting agencies will determine the availability of CLE credit in other states.
Accommodations and Meals
Accommodation is included in the Program Fee, explained below. Renmin University provides housing in a nearby hotel of at least 3-star quality. Each of the air conditioned rooms has a private bathroom and shower, a television, and a telephone. The rooms should also have internet access.
Restaurants, a post office, convenience stores, athletic fields, basketball courts, and other amenities are located within the campus gates. There are also a large number of restaurants and shops around the Renmin campus. Students can take meals at campus restaurants or sample local cuisine at inexpensive neighborhood restaurants, which offer a wide variety of dishes in every price range. Additionally, western "fast food" restaurants can be found within walking distance of the university.
Program Fees / Cost
Program Fees for 2012 are $3,790 for the four week program or $1,895 for the two week program (plus any tuition charged by the student's school).
The Program Fee includes classroom instruction by Renmin faculty, health insurance, housing (double occupancy), field trips, and scheduled sightseeing activities.
Students are responsible for transportation to Beijing. Single occupancy for housing is available for an additional charge. Tuition costs, if any, are determined by your academic institution.
Meals
Breakfast (traditional Chinese fare) is included in the Program Fee. Other meals are not included. Meals at local restaurants can be purchased for a few dollars per meal. The cost of meals obviously varies from student to student, depending on preferences.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Travel expenses outside of organized events and miscellaneous expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, gifts, and entertainment are not included in the Program Fee.
Financial Aid
Students may choose to finance all or part of their expenses with student loans obtained through the financial aid offices of their home schools. Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law will provide supporting documents.
Guest Travelers
Friends or family of participating students can apply to attend the program on a non-credit basis at a rate of $25 per day. Minimum fee of $250 applies. Scheduled field trips are included in the Guest Fee. Hotel accommodations are available for guests at the same rate charged to participating students.
Submit an Application
Apllications are due by March 1st.
You may download an application in PDF format and print it using Adobe® Reader®.
Please submit applications to:
Richard Griffin
Chinese Law Summer Program Coordinator
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
530 West New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
phone: 317-274-8008
e-mail: rilgriff@iupui.edu
March 1, 2012, is the application deadline. Each application must be accompanied by a $300 deposit and a letter from the Registrar, or similar administrator, of the applicant's law school certifying that the student is currently in good academic standing. These requirements apply equally to applicants for the four week program and for the two week program. The Program Coordinator will verify good standing for IU-Indianapolis students. Non-law students should provide similar evidence of good academic standing and attorneys should provide evidence that they are in good standing to practice law in an American or foreign jurisdiction. Community participants should contact the Program Coordinator for further information. The application fee will be applied toward the Program Fee and is non-refundable unless the applicant is not accepted or the Program is cancelled.
Payment Procedure: May 14, 2012 is the deadline for full payment of the Program Fee. Payment for both the deposit and the balance must be made by personal check. Make your check payable to Indiana University. In the memo section of your check write Chinese Law Summer Program.
Enrollment is limited and eligible applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, early application is advised.
Travel and Preparation
- Travel and visa information is available from the Program’s Director, Professor Lloyd Wilson, ltwilson@iupui.edu. However, program participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and for obtaining their own visas. The Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law will provide participants with documents from Renmin University that will facilitate visa procurement.
- Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your scheduled stay in China.
- Participants may arrive at Renmin University as early as May 16, 2012. Participants may depart up to two days after the conclusion of the two-week or four-week program in which the student is enrolled. There is no additional charge for pre- and post-program accommodations. The Program Coordinator will assist participants who wish to make arrangements for earlier arrival or later departure.
- Participants are encouraged to consult travel guides and/or other sources to inform themselves about life and culture in contemporary China.
- Each participant should consider consulting with a physician well in advance of departure to determine whether immunizations or medications are recommended.
Neither Indiana University nor Renmin University will be responsible for personal injury, illness, or property damage or loss. Participants should consider purchasing health insurance, insurance for lost or damaged luggage, and trip cancellation insurance.
For assistance, direct questions to:
Richard Griffin
Chinese Law Summer Program Coordinator
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
530 West New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
phone: 317-274-8008
e-mail: rilgriff@iupui.edu
Cancellation or Alteration
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law may cancel or alter the program should circumstances warrant, including lack of sufficient enrollment. In the event of cancellation (or significant alteration), all fees and deposits will be refunded within 20 days, and applicants will be provided with information on other summer programs that may be of interest. The director will use his best efforts to make arrangements for students to attend a similar program.
If an applicant cancels after the application has been accepted and the registration fee has been paid, no refunds of any payments will be made, except in cases of certifiable personal medical emergency or other extraordinary circumstances that make it unduly burdensome for the student to attend the program or if the U.S. State Department issues certain types of travel warnings.
News
Law Schools Affiliate with the Chinese Law Summer Program
In 2010, Boston College Law School became the first U.S. law school to join Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law as an affiliate in the Chinese Law Summer Program (CLSP). In 2011, the CLSP welcomes three additional affiliates: The University of Minnesota Law School, the University of Tennessee College of Law, and the University of Oklahoma College of Law. By combining their strengths and contacts within China, the affiliation of these five law schools is expected to provide increased opportunities for CLSP participants.
International Forum Presentation Opportunities Available
Students participating in the 2012 Chinese Law Summer Program can apply to make a presentation at the 3rd International Forum for Law Students. The purpose of the Forum is to give law students an opportunity to investigate and engage a topic relating to legal education. In 2011, the theme of the conference was Pro Bono and Experiential Learning in Legal Education. Under the umbrella of this topic, student presentations ranged from recounting their experiences in legal clinics, not-for-profit organizations, and NGO’s to calls for grading reform and the place of skills education in the law school curriculum. The theme for the 2012 Forum will be International and Transnational Legal Education.
» International Forum Application
Internship Opportunities Available
Participants in the 2012 Chinese Law Summer Program will be eligible to apply for internships with prestigious Chinese firms. In 2011, internships were available at firms in Beijing, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
Internships last two weeks and begin immediately after the conclusion of the four-week program. The anticipated dates for 2012 are Monday, June 18, to Friday, June 29, which will allow participants to return to the U.S. in time to hold other jobs or clerkships during July and August. The internships are unpaid, and students are responsible for living expenses associated with an internship. Host law firms located outside Beijing will provide suggestions for affordable and conveniently located housing. Due to scheduling and administrative issues, internships through the CLSP are available only for participants in the four-week program. The two-week program was created to meet the needs of students who cannot be away from family or a job for longer than two weeks.
Knowledge of Chinese language is not required to obtain an internship. However, if an applicant has some knowledge of Chinese, that fact may open up additional opportunities.
Other Info
Quotes from Previous Program Participants:
“The program was a fantastic success. The information presented was timely and well prepared. The level of proficiency in English demonstrated by the professors and staff was extraordinary.”
“The program was great. Not only did I learn a great deal, but I had a lot of fun.”
“The Program exceeded my expectations.”
“I would certainly recommend the Program to others. It has been a great and certainly valuable experience.”
*A reflection on the 2010 program, with photos, by a law student from Arizona (pdf)
General Information From and About China
Business
- Chinese Business World: http://www.cbw.com/
- Development Research Center: http://www.drcnet.com.cn/Drcnet.channel.web/english/index.aspx
- China Economic Net: http://en.ce.cn/main/index.shtml
- Ministry of Commerce of PRC Invest in China
- Job Searching China Human Resource
China Studies
- Indiana University East Asian Studies Center
- The Best Search Engine for Chinese Materials China East View
China (General)
- China Daily.com: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/home/biznews.html
- SINA: http://english.sina.com/index.html
- http://en.ndrc.gov.cn/
- People's Daily Online: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/
- SOHU.com: http://english.sohu.com/
- Beijing: Beijing International: http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/
Law
- Washburn University School of Law Library - People's Republic of China.
- http://www.civillaw.com.cn/english/
- Institute of Law of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences: http://www.iolaw.org.cn/en/
- Law Info China: http://www.lawinfochina.com/index.asp
- China Court Organization – Sponsored by the Supreme Court of China
- Chinese Law – A Library for Chinese Law in English, with Alphabetical List and Search Engine
- Isino Law – A database for Chinese Laws and Regulations
Music
- University of North Carolina's Sunsite FTP Music files.
News
- China News Digest China-related news and information services, including a Map of China.
Science
- China Home Page The Institute of High Energy Physics, Beijing (IHEP) for public scientific, technical, and business information about China.
Travel
- http://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/
- http://en.cnta.gov.cn/
- Beijing: Beijing Tour , Travel Map of Beijing, Detailed Map for Beijing Subway
- Shanghai: Shang Tour , Travel Map of Shanghai, Detailed Map for Shanghai Subway
- Xi’an: Xi’an Tour , Travel Map of Xi’an
- Hotel Reservation and Other Travel Information:
- China Trip – Flight and Hotel Information
- Muztagh Travel Service - Hotel Reservation
- E Long Travel – Introduction to Cities in China
