Academic and Application Information

The University of Minnesota Law School is an ABA accredited law school, and the 2009 Summer Study Abroad Program at Renmin University has been approved by the ABA. The University of Minnesota will grant credits for each course completed, providing the student attends all class sessions and required field trips, and satisfactorily completes the examinations. The program will apply the University of Minnesota Law School grading system, assigning each student a letter grade for each course.

Acceptance of any credits or grades earned during the program is subject to and determined by the law school in which the student is regularly enrolled. Students from other institutions should contact their home school regarding acceptance of credits or grades, especially regarding credits earned from Chinese language classes. It is unlikely that participation in this program will accelerate graduation. Students interested in accelerated graduation should contact their home school.

Students must complete the first year of legal studies at an ABA-accredited law school before seeking admission to the program. In addition, students must provide proof of good standing at that law school.

Law school students desiring admission to the program must submit a letter of good standing from an ABA-accredited law school. Lawyers interested in participating in the program must provide a transcript from the institution granting their J.D. degree.

The program may be cancelled if (1) security or health issues, either locally or nationally in China, warrant concern for the safety of participants or (2) enrollment is less than 15 students. In the event of such cancellation, students’ paid tuition and fees will be refunded.

A current Consular Information Sheet will be provided in admissions material, and students will receive updates if changes occur during the program. If the State Department declares China or Beijing to be an “area of instability” or issues a travel warning for China or Beijing at any time during the duration of the program, the Program Director will notify students and offer the opportunity to withdraw from the program.

Applicants may contact the Program Director to request a refund if significant changes to the program occur.

Students participating in the program will be provided international health insurance issued by CISI at no additional charge. This insurance provides for care in China while participating in the program and for medically necessary repatriation. Students should maintain their regular U.S. health insurance to cover them when they return.

Both the housing and teaching facilities are equipped with ramps and elevators making them accessible for individuals with disabilities. Students with disabilities should be aware, however, that facilities, buildings, and transportation in China often are not equipped for accessibility by individuals with disabilities.

Applications should be submitted by April 1, 2009.