Semester Abroad in China

Fudan University Law School, Shanghai

• Overview
• Location
• Course Offerings and Credits
• Language Proficiency
• Academic Calendar
• Application Process and Timeline
• Housing
• Contact Information

Overview

Founded in 1929, Fudan University Law School has emerged as one of the most elite law faculties in China. Fudan Law’s research and curriculum cover a broad range of legal topics, including constitutional law, administrative law, civil and criminal law, environmental law, international law, and economic law. The school has a particularly strong reputation for research in international politics, political science and demography. It also serves as a think tank for the Chinese government. Fudan Law’s distinguished faculty includes professors who have served as justices and vice-deans of the Supreme Court of Shanghai and the Supreme Court of Jiangsu Province, as well as a current member of the World Trade Organization’s panel.

Location

Just off of China’s Pacific east coast, Fudan University is located in the dynamic metropolis of Shanghai, which will hold the 2010 World Expo. As the thriving economic hub of China, Shanghai attracts many law firms and is an ideal place for students to become fully immersed in the Chinese legal and business worlds. Fudan is within short walking distance of two other major universities (Tong Jing University and Shanghai Finance and Economics University), and the area is known for its vibrant student life and stimulating intellectual atmosphere. The Fudan campus is easily accessible by public transportation.

Course Offerings and Credits

Fudan Law offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Generally, classes meet once per week. One Fudan credit is 45-minutes of class time, and most courses offered are two or three credits. (Note: one HLS credit is one hour of class time, and the number of credits actually earned will be based on that formulation.)

HLS students may receive a total of 10 to 12 ungraded classroom credits in relation to work done through the semester abroad program.  Please see the HLS semester abroad webpage for more information about semester abroad credits and course requirements.

Language Proficiency

Nearly all courses offered at Fudan Law are in Chinese. Although many Fudan professors and students speak English, HLS students interested in spending a semester at Fudan are expected to have a level of Chinese fluency that will enable them to perform well in class and on exams. HLS students may improve their language proficiency and receive credit for foreign language courses at Harvard College in accordance with the HLS cross registration policy.

Academic Calendar

The academic year at Fudan Law is divided into two semesters. In 2009–2010, fall semester starts on September 7, 2009 and ends on January 23, 2010. Spring semester starts on March 1, 2010 and ends on July 10, 2010.

Application Process and Timeline

Students interested in the Fudan Law exchange program should follow the semester abroad application process described on the HLS semester abroad webpage.

The HLS International Legal Studies staff will inform approved students if there are any additional application materials to complete.

The exchange agreement with Fudan Law stipulates that one HLS JD student may study at Fudan for a semester each year. HLS may recommend more than one candidate but ultimately selection of the student will be made by Fudan.

Housing

The Administrative Department in Fudan’s Foreign Student Office provides assistance with finding accommodations, both on- and off-campus. Contact information for staff members who assist with this process is available on Fudan’s website.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact either Sara Zucker at (617) 495-9030 / szucker@law.harvard.edu or Ben Cook at (617) 496-0899 / bcook@law.harvard.edu.