China
Summer Law Study 2013
ABA
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Comments from prior China Summer Law Study program attendees:
The UMKC China program was fantastic. In addition to learning about China, an
unexpected benefit was to better understand my own country’s legal system.
Because of this program I am more prepared to handle domestic and international
legal problems.
Michael Neal, Lewis & Clark Law School
China Summer Law Program Participant 2012
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I would have to recommend UMKC’s China Summer abroad program. After deciding to go to China, I literally researched every China study abroad program offered by American universities. The main reason I chose the UMKC program was the opportunity for work experience that UMKC's program offered. As a student in today’s economy, simply taking classes during the summer was not enough for me to feel as though I was remaining competitive with my peers. What’s more, when the UMKC staff found out about my career interests, they used their unique connections to place me in a firm tailored to my areas of professional interest. I am truly grateful for that, as work experience in China truly helps a résumé stand out in today’s job market.
Another great aspect of the UMKC program is the thorough cultural immersion. It is difficult to define how enriching living and studying in a country as different as China can be. Almost every day there were structured cultural activities, which was great as you did not have to worry about transportation or seeing all the major sights. At the same time, these were flexible in allowing you and some friends to go off and grab a Tsing Tao before heading back to campus.
Last but not least, the education was top notch. UMKC brings in speakers on different subjects who are experts in their field. Learning about different areas of the law helped give me interesting insights into Chinese culture that I would not otherwise have gleaned. Additionally, the speakers are open to speaking frankly about the areas of tension in U.S.- Sino relations. I don’t think I will ever forget the lectures given by the Communist Party members or the comments made by the Supreme Court of China judges. As I am sure you can see, I would recommend UMKC’s summer abroad in China program to anyone with an interest in living, working, and studying in China.
Christopher Grobbel, University of Florida Levin College of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2011
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My UMKC China Summer Law Study trip was one of the highlights of my time in law
school. The academic portion of the trip was a horizon broadening experience
interacting with the Chinese legal system. Even though I do not advise clients
on any aspect of Chinese law as part of my practice, the experience taught me a
different perspective from which to view the social and civil function of US
law. The trip ultimately improved my understanding of the law that I practice
every day by teaching me the basis of an entirely different legal system.
Troy Sexton, Lewis & Clark Law School
China Summer Law Program Participant 2009
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I attended the China Law Summer program through UMKC in 2007 and stayed through
the summer to work as an extern in Shanghai.
I made the most of the entire experience by aggressively exploring the
culture on both a business and personal level during the program and externship,
and by connecting with dozens of global professional along the way.
We traveled extensively, learned as much as we could, partied hard, and
created memories that will for certain last the duration of our lifetimes.
The program is designed to have a balance that allows for extensive
travel and plenty of free time, and is an excellent opportunity to learn about a
very old culture that is rapidly changing. If you want to do things you would
never do, say things you would never say, eat things you would never eat and
learn things you never thought you would, then this program will suit you aptly.
Seldom are we presented with what I refer to as “lifetime opportunities”; this
is one of them.
Adam C. Maxwell, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2007
I attended the China Summer program the summer after my first year of law school
in 2009. I was very pleased with how organized and well planned the trip
was and how accommodating they were with me bringing my (non-law student)
partner. For the price, it’s definitely worth the investment, and the
timing was perfect as I was still able to make it back for a summer internship
in DC. I would highly recommend this program for anyone interested in
studying abroad in law school.
Evan Mascagni, UDC David A. Clarke School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2009
Attending the UMKC Beijing Summer Program was one of the most exciting and life
changing experiences. Not only was I able to explore and observe the Chinese
culture, but I was also able to learn Chinese Law. Peking University and its
students were extremely inviting and friendly. They really helped make the
experience memorable. The best part was getting the opportunity to climb the
Great Wall and having McDonalds delivered to our hotel!
Going to Beijing will be an experience
that you will not want to miss.
Sophia Washington, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2009
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The greatest socio-cultural / academic and shopping exchange I have ever been
to.
Amadu Wiltshire, Charlotte School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2012
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The China Study abroad program was an incredibly useful and fun experience.
At a fraction of the cost of other study abroad programs, the cultural and
educational value is rivaled by none. Whether it was lectures by
professors high in government, museums and sightseeing, or interactions with
business leaders, every day offered something new.
Jonathan Lowrey, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2009
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The UMKC China program was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I made
lifelong friends during the program’s three weeks. The program itself gives you
unprecedented access to the Chinese court system - a system normally closed off
to foreigners. Your studies take place at the most prestigious Chinese
University, Peking University. Interestingly, Chairman Mao was a librarian at
that institution. Even in Chinese legal circles this program is viewed as the
most prestigious. Most importantly this experience gave me a different
perspective on life and the law.
Tyler A. Knott, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2009
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When I first started law school, I figured I would attend the Ireland program because I really wasn’t interested in China, and I figured all the cool kids go to Ireland. Then I realized that the China program would provide the credits I needed, is a fraction of the cost, and would be an adventure unlike the familiar type of escapades I would encounter in Ireland. What was really most important to me, however, was an opportunity to familiarize myself with the legal and political system of a country that makes up 1/5 of the world’s population. By going to school at China’s highest rated university and attending nearly all of UMKC’s sightseeing tours, China is no longer a strange land in a galaxy far, far away. Rather, it has become a much more familiar culture with a people for whom I’ve acquired an appreciation and a fondness. Lastly, I should mention that it’s an opportunity to meet law students from all over the US (and the world) who are in the same boat, are just as confused by the street signs, and want to meet other law students. What I mean is, the program is a lot of fun – it’s A LOT of fun.
Alec Locascio, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2012
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The UMKC China Summer Program is going to be the same as you would expect:
ADVENTUROUS, MIND-BLOWING, AND EDUCATIONAL.
I participated in this program at the end of my first year in law school, in
2009. Just as I had anticipated, the program turned out to be extremely fun,
educational, and I got to earn credits towards my J.D. degree.
In addition to the fulfillment of my fascination of the long Chinese history and
culture, I was provided an amazing opportunity interning in a prestige IP law
firm. It was a truly EYE-OPENING and REWARDING experience. I earned a great
recommendation and went back for another internship the following summer with
the same boutique firm. If not for the UMKC China Summer Program, my law school
experience would not be as memorable.
Jeff Chang, Wayne State University Law
School
China Summer Law Program Participant 2009
I would highly recommend participating in the UMKC-Peking University study abroad program. I enrolled in the course in the Summer of 2011 and the experience was valuable both as an introduction to Chinese legal systems and as an opportunity to experience a different culture. The course was great in that it touched on all aspects of the law - from Chinese Criminal Procedure to Intellectual Property Rights. And while I enjoyed my studies, I enjoyed touring the exciting city of Beijing even more! I had the opportunity to visit the city of Xi’an one weekend with a Chinese student I met. She was kind enough to act as a translator for me and a few other students as we visited the Terra Cotta Warriors and rode bikes on top of the Xi’an City Walls. I still exchange emails with her regularly as well as with most of the other students who were enrolled in the course. Some of my best law school memories occurred on my Beijing trip, including visiting the Great Wall of China, trying some delicious Peking Duck and even learning a little Mandarin to impress my friends and family with.
Jenna Bever, University of Alberta Faculty of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2011
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I am an attorney in Brazil and currently finishing my Juris Doctor at Saint
Thomas University School of Law. A
journey to China has always been part of my dreams but it seemed too distant and
inaccessible. A month before summer
school of 2012 I decided to do an internship and a class in China. I searched
through the ABA list of accredited law schools with summer abroad programs in
China and UMKC was on the list. I
called and emailed several other schools but UMKC Summer Abroad in China was the
school that sounded the most interesting due to cost-benefit purposes.
Initially, several factors led me to decide to go to China through UMKC:
(1) Ms. Nancy Kunkel was so receptive and friendly that it made me want to be
part of the program; (2) the program offers classes on several Chinese topics;
(3) the program was just the right amount of time, not too long, not too short;
(4) the price of the tuition was reasonable; (5) the program included tours
everyday during three weeks; and (5) the program gave me the option of doing an
externship at a Chinese law firm.
Acacia Barros, St. Thomas University School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2012
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Spending my summer in China as part of the UMKC study abroad program was one of the most fun and rewarding experiences of my life. Not only was I given an amazing chance to experience a fascinating culture, I was also given a chance to further my law career and enhance my resume. During the program I was able to learn from some of the most renowned professors in all of China and put what I learned to practical use during my externship at a prestigious international law firm.
Putting aside all of the great benefits the program has to offer in regard to educational purposes, the program also offered a lot to do outside of the classroom. Every day the program offered a different outing, such as going to the Great Wall and visiting the Forbidden City. These outings gave me a chance to see and experience things that I never thought I would get a chance to do in my lifetime. And if you are more interested in the nightlife aspects of the various summer programs that are being offered, I guarantee that China’s night life will top them all while also being very kind on your wallet.
Christopher Kline, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2011
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The program is intensive and comprehensive, the course work is extremely
interesting and relevant in the wake of China’s emerging world dominance. The
instructors and the university are great. The Organization is phenomenal as
there is some sort of cultural activity that is planned every day of the trip
where major historic sights are all scheduled to be visited by the students. I
felt that what I saw and did in 3 weeks was a great accomplishment that would
have taken me much longer to do had I gone on my own, the compact nature of the
course is a great way to explore and learn many things in a relatively short
period, I highly recommend this summer course.
Aziz Al-Alami, University of Louisville - Brandies School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2012
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The China Study Abroad program was one of the best law school experiences in my
three years at UMKC! I not only had a blast enjoying the daily cultural field
trips, I more thoroughly understood the American common law legal system by
learning about a civil law system. It also is a great addition to my résumé and
conversation topic in interviews. The best aspect of it, however, was the cost:
it was affordable and I got 5 credit hours in three weeks!
Sadia Aslam, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2010
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If I could pick one experience to be a part of again during law school it would
be to go on the China trip. I can say in all honesty and sincerity that UMKC's
China Study Abroad is the single most enriching academic experience I’ve had the
privilege of attending.
If you miss this trip, you'll never have the opportunity to attend Peking
University, which is not quite the equivalent of going to Harvard in the U.S. --
it’s more akin to being an astronaut to the citizens in China. You'll never
have access to spar with senior Communist Party members who will be willing (for
the most part) to be candid with westerners, nor will you ever have the
opportunity to speak with justices from China's Supreme Court -- think about
this, when was the last time you were inside the U.S. Supreme Court, let alone
had the opportunity to meet/question its judges?
Matt Gass, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2011
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It is impossible to distill the China summer semester program into distinct
parts. You’re learning the culture,
the law and building the skillset necessary to live on your own in China
simultaneously. The semester was a
transformative experience. I highly
recommend it to anyone with an international law focus or anyone who feels the
urge to see the world outside of the United States.
Bob Reynolds, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2012
Fellow Students,
I wanted to write a quick plug to all those interested in the China Summer Study
Program at Peking University. This program is honestly one of the most
fun, action-packed, educational opportunities I have ever taken part in.
If you have never traveled in Asia now is the time to do it! The economy
is dynamic, the law is developing, and the beer is cheaper than the water (also
possibly cleaner). Here are a few of my own reasons for participating:
(1) Peking University is the Harvard of China; upon successful completion
you receive certification in Chinese Law;
(2) International Law Experience at Top Tier Firms (we offer it) piques
the interest of recruiters almost without fail;
(4) US/MO firms are rushing into China. Anyone heard of these guys?
(see website)
(5) [Missouri] Governor Jay Nixon inked a deal in Shanghai last year for
over $4 billion in direct trade, lawyers in tow;
(6) Oh yeah, China is awesome - Great Wall, Terracotta Soldiers, Pandas,
Fortune Cookies, etc.
Bobby Afshar, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2010
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Still looking for something to do this summer?
Go to China! Seriously! I went to China [in 2011], and had an amazing
experience. I enjoyed learning about the civil law system, and getting cheap
summer credits. The program does a great job of exposing you to the culture and
day to day life of Chinese people. I enjoyed exploring Beijing, Shanghai, and
Xi’an on my own and with my classmates. I also participated in the internship
program. I worked with a women’s rights group and law firm in Beijing. I know
that some rumors have been circulating that you have to have summer work
experience, and that the China program doesn’t cut it. This couldn’t be further
from the truth. My China trip stands out on my résumé and sets me apart from
other candidates. When interviewers ask me about it, I am able to tell them
about all of the positive and unique skills that learning and working in China
taught me - skills such as communication, flexibility, and patience. If you have
any questions about the program please contact me!
Michelle Cocayne, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2011
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Going on the study abroad trip to China was an amazing experience. First
off, I received 5 hours of credit; I would have paid the same amount to take 5
credit hours at UMKC and I got to go to Beijing. We were able to study at
one of the most preeminent schools in the world with highly esteemed faculty.
Beijing is an incredible city. It is the cultural center of China and it
is very rich in history. There is so much to do, it's impossible to be
bored. The cultural and historical trips are great, and the bars/clubs are
awesome. All the tours are organized for you and you always have plenty of
support from the student assistants with things like translation, directions, or
advice on what to do. You have plenty of free time to do things on your
own. And it’s easy to get around by subway or taxi.
It really is a great program and a great experience. I would recommend it.
It was an amazing trip!
Jason Kumar, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2011
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I was a participant in the China Summer Law Program the summer after my first
year of law school. I love to travel and going to Asia was definitely on my
bucket list so I was very excited that my law school had this program.
The unique aspect of this program is that not only is the “studying”
aspect emphasized by the introduction of Chinese Law courses, but also the
“social” aspect of studying abroad. I was able to see things that many only see
on television. Including excursions like climbing the Great Wall, walking around
Tiananmen Square, visiting the site of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the
Mao Zedong mausoleum. If I had to
sum up my experience in the program in one word it would be—AMAZING! I would
highly recommend it to any student wanting to expand their worldview by studying
abroad.
Akayla J. Jones, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2010
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My experience with the China study aboard program was very rewarding and one of
the best decisions I have made in my law school career. The ability to be
immersed in a culture completely different than our own is a priceless
experience in itself. The opportunity to learn about the law of that culture and
see the differences and similarities to our own legal system is not only
informative but can change the way you view the world.
The cultural activities outside of the classroom are by far the best part of the
program. Seeing some of the most famous historical sites in the world is truly a
once in a lifetime opportunity. I walked up and down the Great Wall of China and
even took a toboggan down to the bottom!
We also visited the Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, and the Summer
Palace; these are beautiful and rich cultural sites with an amazing history.
There are open weekends that allow you to travel outside of the Beijing area and
see even more of China. I took one free weekend to go to Xi’an and see the Terra
Cotta Warriors, which are to be considered one of the marvels of the world.
Going on an exchange program that has students from other law schools beside
just UMKC allows you to make connections and friends from all over the U.S. and
Canada. I keep in regular touch with many of the friends I made over the summer
in China. This program is a great networking opportunity as well and fantastic
experience. It will be beneficial in getting jobs the following summer and after
law school. In an increasing global workplace employers look for employees who
are willing to travel and are knowledgeable about other cultures. Plus, it an
easy way to open up an interview; I have been asked about my experience in China
at all of my interviews.
The externship is also a very beneficial part of the program allowing you to
gain some real world experience working in an international law setting. I would
strongly encourage anyone to go on the China study aboard program and take
advantage of the great cultural opportunities as well as the educational and
practical benefits of the program.
Oakley Coleman, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2011
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I would encourage all law students to study abroad during their time at UMKC.
My experience in China was hands-down, my favorite memory of the past 3 years.
The program allowed me to travel to a country filled with culture and truly
experience the beauty and power of China. Even more, we were afforded the
opportunity to surround ourselves with some of the greatest legal minds in China
and were thoroughly taught the basics of Chinese law. The law firm
visits gave me a valuable understanding of what it means to practice
international law and re-ignited an already burning flame of working in the
international realm. Going to China with UMKC was an amazing
experience that I hope many other law students will have the pleasure
of experiencing.
Brittany Coleman, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2010
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The China Summer Law Program proved to be one of the highlights of my time in
law school. It is right up there in the top 5 experiences of my life. The
experience exceeded my expectations and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the
program.
After the Peking University classes ended, I started my externship. It was
wonderful to get some practical experience. The timing of the externship
coincides with the Dragon Boat Festival. Several of us took a trip to Inner
Mongolia to spend the weekend in a village shooting off fireworks and riding
around on ATVs. Good times.
Mark Forshee, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2010
We stayed at a hotel in the “Global Village” of Peking University. The village
is “westernized” for the University’s international visitors. It’s a westernized
hotel and pleasant. I shared the room with one roommate and the toilets were
western which is key. We had our own bathroom and internet access. No complaints
really. Tea soaked hard-boiled eggs with pickled stuff and a cup of coffee was
my standard breakfast for the 3 weeks.
Melissa Thaisz, Lewis & Clark Law School
China Summer Law Program Participant 2011
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I really enjoyed the Beida program and I feel very privileged to have met
Professor Randolph. I learned so
much, and as I expand my business interests in China I have found it very
helpful.
James Wu, St. John’s University School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2012
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Dear Prospective UMKC China Expats:
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Purchased custom-made suits for under $300.
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Found love. (A UMKC student is dating a Canadian student)
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Partied until 6 am.
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Attended the Chinese Opera.
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Took the Toboggan at speeds of over 40 miles an hour down the side of the Great
Wall.
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Climbed the Great Wall.
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Traveled throughout the country.
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Cheap shopping!
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Telling interviewers that you immersed yourself in a different culture versus
drinking your summer away in Ireland.
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Hong Kong…enough said.
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Possibility to live and work in Shanghai.
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Visited the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace.
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Disneyland in Hong Kong.
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Mt. Victoria in Hong Kong.
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The Bund in Shanghai.
Marshall Blinzler, UMKC School of Law
China Summer Law Program Participant 2011
