University of Minnesota Law School
Summer Study Abroad Program
Renmin University of China, Beijing

Over the past three decades, China has emerged as a force in the global economy, a position that will continue to strengthen. The demand is increasing for experts familiar with the ever-changing nature of the Chinese economy and with Chinese political and legal systems to provide advisory services to businesses and policy makers. The University of Minnesota Law School recognizes these needs and offers students an opportunity to experience China firsthand in its summer study abroad program.

Program Information

Program Description

The University of Minnesota Law School and Renmin University (People’s University) of China School of Law in Beijing offer a special opportunity to learn Chinese law through courses taught by world-class faculty from the University of Minnesota Law School and the law school of Renmin University. Spanning a five-week period from June 20 to July 25, 2009, the program will focus on comparative law, allowing law students to study firsthand the Chinese economic, legal, and political systems. In addition, interested students will have the option of taking Mandarin Chinese courses—an opportunity distinct to this program.

As part of their hands-on learning experience, students will visit important legal institutions in Beijing, including the National People’s Congress, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning and Design.

The program, its academic content, and credit determinations are administered by the Law School. Renmin provides cultural expertise and assistance with instruction and planning of educational and cultural trips.

Program Location

The program is conducted on the Renmin University campus, which is located in the Haidian District of Beijing, near other major universities and educational centers. One of the new light rail lines is only one block from Renmin University and provides convenient connections to other parts of the city. Taxis also are available and typically charge about $10 to reach the center of Beijing.

Classes will be held in the Renmin University law school. Students will have access to the Law Library, which contains more than 500,000 volumes, including a collection of American and other treatises and journals, and offers access to Lexis and WestLaw through a high-speed Internet system.

Program Dates

Orientation will begin on Saturday, June 20, 2009, and includes some introductory class sessions. Regular classes will run from Monday, June 22, through Wednesday, July 22. Final exams will be on July 23 and 24.

Housing and meals

Students may reside at the Huixian Hotel on Renmin University’s campus, located about 200 yards from the classroom building. The Huixian is a recently built, fully modern facility with television, high-speed Internet and telephone access, and private bath (with shower) in each room. Rooms are tended daily. The hotel housed some of the international supporting staff for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and is currently used for Chinese and international visitors to the University.

For June 19 to July 25, a single room costs $1,500, and a shared double room costs $1,125 per person. The prices include breakfast each day and lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Other meals can be purchased at nearby restaurants or student cafeterias.

We can help students arriving a few days early or staying a few days longer obtain reservations at the Huixian Hotel at favorable rates, but students must pay the hotel directly for any additional nights.