The Washington College of Law and the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) have recently established a Cooperative Exchange Program in which WCL students can study for a semester at CityU and earn credit toward their J.D. degrees. The program offers an opportunity for students to study in an exciting part of the world and at a time of significant legal, social and political change. As you know, Hong Kong was formerly a British colony and, as such, has a strong common law tradition. In addition, its legal system has been shaped, in part, by the influence of Chinese law. On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong's status changed from that of a British colony to a unique political component (or "Special Administrative Region") of the People's Republic of China. The launch of this unique academic program coincided with that transition. The expected integration of Hong Kong's existing legal system with the legal system of China will create a unique legal and political situation. CityU and its law faculty are well situated to examine the transition both in its historical perspective and in its implications for a city that has been one of the most important banking and financial centers in Asia.
On a less academic note, Hong Kong is both a modern and thriving urban center as well as a more traditional south Asian society. It is renowned for its eclectic and excellent cuisine and for the vibrancy of its street life. It has modern residential and commercial facilities in close proximity to undeveloped natural areas. It borders on the People's Republic of China, including the great shopping in the Shenzhen special economic zone, and is only a short hydroplane trip from Macau.
The program has been approved for the award of academic credit by the American Bar Association. Each year WCL students spend the Fall or Spring semester at CityU in Hong Kong. The program is open to J.D. candidates in their second and third years, as well as students in the LL.M. program. Students in the program may earn up to 12 credits at CityU toward their WCL graduation requirement. The program focusses primarily on issues of international trade, commercial law and comparative law, with a emphasis on Chinese law. All courses are taught in English by an experienced and highly qualified faculty.
CityU is a modern university whose main campus was completed in 1990. The campus is located in Kowloon about 20 minutes by rapid transit from Hong Kong harbor. The CityU campus itself boasts a full range of student amenities, including various shops and restaurants; athletic facilities include a Olympic swimming pool. Classroom facilities include large and medium size lecture halls as well as a variety of classrooms and seminar rooms. Most are equipped with video and computer display technology. Library facilities include bound volumes, periodicals, microfilm and microfiche, video and audio materials and several computer based research services including LEXIS and WESTLAW. There is a main reading room, equipped with student carrels and study and discussion rooms. An English-speaking library staff is available to assist students on library and research related issues. Library facilities are accessible to students with disabilities.
There are also two special offices with staffs available to assist WCL students; the Administrative Office and the Student Affairs Office. Both of these offices have English-speaking staffs who are available to advise foreign visitors. Among other things, they conduct extensive orientation programs for new exchange students, including campus tours and tours of essential Hong Kong landmarks. WCL program participants have been enthusiastic in their praise of "support system" at CityU.
No circumstances are anticipated in which the program would be canceled for next year. However, in the unforseen event of such a cancellation, students would be notified and permitted in courses at WCL. Most recently, the SARS epidemic was a concern for students studying in Hong Kong, however the current information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention removes all travel advisories and alerts for Hong Kong. For additional information, consult the Center for Disease Control and Prevention SARS for Travelers information web site.
