"If you haven't considered studying abroad, now is the time! MC Law's Korea study abroad program offers a dynamic combination of classroom instruction and cultural exploration. The four-week summer study will journey to Seoul, Korea, where the students and faculty will stay at Sookmyung University in downtown Seoul. Led by Professor Gregory Bowman, Director of MC's International Law Center, and Professor Cecile Edwards, the Korea study abroad program offers 3 hours worth of credit. Professor Bowman will teach International Business Transactions and Professor Edwards will conduct the Global Issues in Corporate Law class. Both courses are intended to serve as introductions to the subjects.
If you're asking yourself "Why Korea?", Professor Bowman challenges you to ask "Why not?" Korea is an economic powerhouse. Not only does the U.S. carry on extensive trade with Korea, the country is a military ally. We also share a rich history with the country. Aside from these reasons, Seoul is a beautiful, safe, and affordable city. Although there are about 24 million people in Seoul, students will find the housing, food and transportation satisfying and enjoyable.
Everyone can benefit from participating in a study abroad program, not just those students interested in international law. Every lawyer will likely face an international matter at some point in their career that requires both cultural sensitivity and a basic understanding of international law, so it is critical that all students expose themselves to the international dimensions of the law. This is especially true as our world becomes increasingly interconnected. Domestic lawyers will likely come across an international adoption; labor lawyers will encounter more companies and businesses expanding into the global market; intellectual property lawyers must know about IP and trademark issues; even the fast food industry is quickly expanding into the global market with franchising. So it is easy to see how international exposure can benefit everyone.
As one of only three law schools that travel to Korea, MC Law's Korea program is designed to encourage daily exploration of Seoul and weekend travel to surrounding areas, with classes held three days a week. Several organized excursions are planned, including a optional weekend trip to China and to the de-militarized zone (DMZ), as well as to the Korean Constitutional Court and a Korean law firm.
Andy Thomas, a 3L who participated in the program last summer stated that "For me, the trip was an awesome experience. It was my second chance to visit Asia and I found that Seoul was a great city to lear about Asian/Korean culture and really immerse oneself and have a great cultural experience, while also having some of the amenities we enjoy in the U.S. The city has a great transportation structure with metro lines that will take you anywhere you want to go. It also boasts an abundance of shopping and unique Asian markets that sell anything and everything you could want. Also, the location of the university is excellent and provides a great starting point in the center of Seoul for any daily excursions. The nearest metro station is only 5 minutes away by foot. So, to conclude, if someone wants to have an exciting and exhilarating experience abroad, and be introduced to the Asian/Korean culture, Seoul is definitely a great place to visit."
As the lawyers of tomorrow, students should sincerely consider participating in this unique opportunity to expand our learning of the law beyond the classroom and prepare ourselves for practicing in a global world. The program can accommodate up to 30 students and all those interested will be invited to apply for the program in February. Informational flyers and pamphlets will be published soon. Students are welcome to contact Professor Bowman with any questions."
The article was written by Lindsey K. Eadler.
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