Some of the students are not American and are just studying there. For example, some come from South Korea, Poland and Canada.

The one-month program, initiated by Renmin University of China and Indiana University of the US, is aimed at spreading an understanding of Chinese law and China's legal system in the foreign academic community. This year's program is the third since 1998, when it started.

"Foreign students can attend classes by leading Chinese law professors in English covering a wide range of issues, including the Constitution, corporate law and intellectual property rights," said Zeng Xianyi, dean of the school of law of Renmin University, which is noted for its law education in the country.

Stephen Schmidt, one of the students, said he has been impressed by the progress China has been making in corporate law, copyright law, and said the enforcement of the legal framework is improving.

Joel Cloud, a US law student, has decided to study China's corporate law next year as he said China's booming economic growth and business start-ups can give him hands-on experience.

However, the students said that language remained a big hurdle. They are also concerned about adapting to a new environment and their lack of background knowledge about China's legal history.

(China Daily 05/26/2001)