USAI-Szymanski Rule of Law Program for Chinese Students
Are you a US law student that is fluent in Chinese? Click Here for our sister-program, the USAI-Szymanski Rule of Law Program for US Students!
OVERVIEW
For four weeks each summer, this program hosts a small group of English-fluent Chinese law students in Washington, DC to meet US officials and observe the US legal and political system. Since 2008, a total of 82 students have participated. Participating students are fluent in English and familiar with the US legal system. They have viewed legislative and judicial proceedings and held interactive meetings with officials across all three branches, including 120+ Members and 700+ staff of Congress, 175+ administration officials, and 110+ presidentially-appointed judges (some of which are recognized in our list of sponsors). They have averaged six meetings per day during their month in DC. When not in meetings, they have been visiting our museums and landmarks, joining our cultural and social events (e.g., July 4 fireworks, baseball games, backyard BBQs, birthday parties), and gaining lifelong impressions and friends. This program offers social and professional connections that will be remembered for years to come, and many of our hosts have expressed gratitude and support to those participating in this program (which you can read our letters of support here)
SPONSORS
The program is sponsored and managed by USAI and one of its Senior Advisors, J. Matthew Szymanski, who worked for Congress from 2001-2007, and lived and taught in China from 2007-2014. Funding is provided by USAI, Mr. Szymanski, and participating students. Donations to USAI for this program are most welcome.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Each year’s program is highly structured, with the students lodged together near Capitol Hill to facilitate a busy schedule. On weekdays, they attend congressional and judicial proceedings and meet with federal lawmakers, judges, and agency officials, and with private sector scholars, lawyers, and lobbyists. On weekends, they explore the DC area, visit other cities in the region, and interact with Americans in a wide range of social settings.
Daily meetings: Daily meetings with US hosts, especially US government officials, are the largest portion of the program. The goal of these meetings is to expose the students to a wide array of issues in American politics, culture, and society. For example, students may ask their hosts about their personal and professional background as well as the nature of their jobs and their employers. In addition to these meetings, students attend congressional and court proceedings.
Teach-In Sessions: Once or twice a week, there are “teach-in” sessions with law professors and other public policy experts in the DC area. These sessions are usually more focused discussions on a selected legal topic and are conducted as Socratic seminars, as is typical of American law courses.
Friday Wrap up sessions: Each Friday there is an informal group meeting with all students and USAI interns to discuss the preceding week’s events and meetings. This allows students to discuss the observations they made throughout the week, ask questions, and process the week’s events.
Cultural activities: USAI organizes cultural activities in DC that can help the students immerse themselves in American life. Typical activities include visiting the National Mall, museums, restaurants, concerts, etc., as well as visiting the homes of USAI staff members or advisors.
Writing Requirements: All Participants will be require to submit a Pre-trip expectations form, Four weekly reflection write-ups, One seven-page final paper, and an Evaluation form
Visit the photo gallery to see the program in action.
For more information, please contact:
