Chinese Law Summer Program
May 17 - June 15, 2013 or May 17- June 1, 2013
Prof. Lloyd Wilson, Director
Applications for the 2013 Chinese Law Summer Program are being accepted now.
The application period ends on March 15.
Early application is recommended as enrollment is limited.
NEWS FOR 2012-2013:
International Law Student Forum Expanded and Speaking Opportunities Available: Participants in the Chinese Law Summer Program can apply to make a presentation at the 4th International Forum for Law Students. [more…]
Law Firm Internships Available: Participants in the Chinese Law Summer Program can apply for internships at leading Chinese law firms. [more…]
Curriculum Now Includes Course on Chinese Environmental Law: Environmental Law in China has been added to the curriculum for 2013. [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 the evolution of Chinese domestic law within 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, such as the National People’s Congress, the Supreme People’s Court or the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, the Haidian District Court, an international arbitration agency, and a major Chinese law firm. The Program 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 cost of admission are included in the Program Fee.
Any interested law student is invited to apply. Applications from 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. The Chinese Law Summer Program is the premier course of study in Beijing that focuses on the legal aspects of China's evolving market economy, the increasing opportunities for trade and investment, and the development of the rule of law in China. U.S. law schools formally affiliated with the program are Boston College Law School, University of Minnesota Law School, University of Oklahoma College of Law, and University of Tennessee College of Law. Students come to the Program from all across the U.S. Since the Program’s inception, participants have come from nearly 100 American law schools. In just the past few years, students have also come from law schools in seven foreign countries.
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. For the first time, in 2013 the curriculum will include classes on Chinese environmental law.
In 2013, the curriculum is expected to include the following subjects: 
- Overview of the Chinese Legal System
- Lawyering System of China and Criminal Procedure Law
- Constitutional Law of China
- Intellectual Property Law of China
- Environmental Law of China
- Foreign Investment and Joint Ventures in China
- Labor Law 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 to such destinations as:
- National People's Congress
- Supreme People's Court or Supreme People's Procuratorate
- People's District Court in the Haidian District
- Ministry of Commerce
- Chinese International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission
or Beijing Arbitration Commission - A Prominent Chinese Law Firm
Instruction is in English and the course is graded. Most lectures are delivered on weekday mornings. Law-related field trips occur on one or two weekday afternoons per week. Cultural field trips occur on Saturdays. 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 final 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 have 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 Beijing South Railway Station make it easy to connect with other parts of China via high-speed trains.
Academic 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.
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 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 easy walking distance of the university.
Program Fees / Cost
Program fees for 2013 are $3,790 for the four week program or $1,895 for the two week program (plus any tuition charged by the student’s home school).
The Program Fee includes classroom instruction by Renmin faculty, textbooks, health insurance, housing (double occupancy), field trips, and scheduled sightseeing activities.
Students are responsible for transportation to Beijing and for the cost of a visa. 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 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 participate in program field trips at a rate of $25 per person/per event (subject to space on university busses). Hotel accommodations are available for guests at the same rate charged to participating students.
You may download an estimated Financial Aid Budget in PDF format and print it using Adobe® Reader®
Submit an Application
Applications are due by March 15th.
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 15, 2013, is the application deadline. Each application must be accompanied by a $300 deposit and a letter from the Registrar or similar administrator at 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 students who attend the IU McKinney School of Law. Non-law students should provide similar evidence of good academic standing with their school or department. 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. See Cancellation Policy below for more details.
Payment Procedure: Friday, May 10, 2013 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.
Due to the protocol involved in visiting high-level government offices, enrollment is limited. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment in the 2012 program was very near capacity. Early application is advised.
Travel and Preparation
- Travel and visa assistance is available from the Program Director, Professor Lloyd Wilson, ltwilson@iu.edu and from the Program Coordinator, Richard Griffin, rilgriff@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 15, 2013 and may stay at the program hotel through check-out time on June 16 (June 2 for students in the two-week program). Accommodations during this period are included in the program fee.
- 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. Some immunizations must be begun many weeks before your departure date.
Neither Indiana University nor Renmin University will be responsible for personal injury, illness, or property damage or loss. Participants may wish to consider purchasing additional 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 of the program, 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 to the student. 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
International Law Student Forum Expanded and Speaking Opportunities Available
Students participating in the 2013 Chinese Law Summer Program can apply to make a presentation at the 4th 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 2012, the theme of the conference was Transnational Legal Education: Learning Across Borders. Under the umbrella of this topic, students made presentations on diverse topics, including outsourcing legal work to foreign attorneys, a “stateless” law school curriculum, and bi-national dual law degree programs. The theme for the 2013 Forum will be announced soon.
A significant expansion of the Forum is anticipated for 2013. In addition to students enrolled in the Program and Chinese students, the goal for the 4th Forum is to include law students from other Asian countries and from Europe.
» International Forum Application
- 2010 International Forum Brochure
- 2011 International Forum Brochure
- 2012 International Forum Brochure
Law Firm Internship Opportunities Available
Participants in the 2013 Chinese Law Summer Program will be eligible to apply for internships with Chinese law firms. In 2012, internships were available at firms in Beijing, Qingdao, Nanjing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Opportunities may also be arranged in other cities, such as Guangzhou and Chongqing.
Internships last two weeks and begin immediately after the conclusion of the four-week program. The anticipated dates for 2013 are Monday, June 17, to Friday, June 28. These dates allow participants to complete an internship and still return to the U.S. in time to hold jobs or clerkships during July and August. The internships are separate from the Program and are unpaid. 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, these internships 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 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. The great majority of interns in prior years spoke no Chinese.
Environmental Law Added to Curriculum
The condition of China's land, water and air is a matter of prime importance to its 1.3 billion citizens and an important responsibility of China's leaders. China's environment is also a matter of great international interest as local behaviors have global repercussions. In this new module in the Program's curriculum, students will learn about China's environmental laws and policies.
Snapshot of Participants
Participants in 2012 Chinese Summer Program:
- Total number of students: 46
- Number of students in four-week program: 43
- Number of students in two-week program: 3
- Number of U.S. law schools represented: 8
- Boston College Law School
- Case Western Reserve University School of Law
- Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
- University of Minnesota Law School
- University of Oklahoma Law School
- University of Tennessee College of Law
- University of Wisconsin Law School
- Widener University School of Law
- Number of non-U.S. law schools represented: 1
- Santo Tomas University Faculty of Civil Law, Manila, Philippines
- Number of student speakers at the 3rd International Forum for Law Students: 6 from the U.S.; 1 from the Philippines; 7 from China
- Number of students who participated in externships in Chinese law firms: 14
Renmin Professors
Renmin University of China Law School Professors Expected to Teach in the 2013 Chinese Law Summer Program:
| Zhu Jingwen | Overview of the Chinese Legal Systems |
| He Jiahong | Lawyering System and Criminal Procedure Law in China |
| Zhu Jingwen | Constitutional Law of China |
| Guo Shoukang, Wang Chunyan |
Intellectual Property Law of China |
| Zhu Xiao | Environmental Law of China |
| Zhao Xiuwen | Foreign Investment and Joint Ventures in China |
| Lu Haina | Labor Law in China |
| Liu Junhai | Company Law of China |
| Zhang Zinbao | Contract Law of China |
| Zhao Xiuwen | Arbitrating Disputes with Chinese Entities |
Other Information
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.”
General Information From and About China
Business
- Development Research Center: http://www.drcnet.com.cn/Drcnet.channel.web/english/
- China Economic Net: http://en.ce.cn/
- Ministry of Commerce of PRC Invest in China
China Studies
- Indiana University East Asian Studies Center
- Chinese Language Academic Research China East View
China (News)
- China Daily.com: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn
- SINA: http://english.sina.com/index.html
- People's Daily Online: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/
- Beijing: Beijing International: http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/
Law
- Civil Law in China Information Site
- Institute of Law of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
- Law Info China
- China Court Organization – Sponsored by the Supreme Court of China
Science
- The Institute of High Energy Physics, Beijing (IHEP) for public scientific, technical, and business information about China.
Travel
- National Tourism Administration (http://en.cnta.gov.cn/)
- Detailed Beijing Subway Map
- Detailed Shanghai Subway Map
