March 5, 2007

BU Law Launches New Study Abroad Program in Singapore

This month, BU Law established a new student exchange program with one of Asia’s leading law faculties: the National University of Singapore (NUS). The program will enable second- and third-year BU Law students to receive 12 semester credits to study international, comparative and Asian law topics at NUS during either a fall or spring term. The Singapore initiative is the School’s 12th foreign study program and third English-language program in Asia.

“Singapore’s highly-developed, free-market economy and status as one of the world’s top trade outposts make it a vibrant participant in the global economy – and a unique destination for Asian, transnational and international law studies,” says John Riccardi, BU Law’s Assistant Dean for Graduate and International Programs and Director of the Office of Foreign Programs.

“Asia represents an increasingly important region of economic, legal and political activity,” says Riccardi. “Familiarity with Asian legal systems and cultures will be a valuable asset to any lawyer who aspires to work on international business matters.”

In addition to studying a range of Chinese law and international business and financial law topics, students can take classes focusing on Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing economies, such as “Introduction to Indian Business Law” and “Commercial Law in Vietnam.”

NUS ranks 19th out of the top 200 universities worldwide and 11th in the world in social sciences, according to The Times Higher Education Supplement. Newsweek named the university as one of the top three “global” universities in Asia and Australasia, based on “openness and diversity as well as distinction in research.” The law school’s teaching philosophy is distinctly global, with comparative perspectives regularly integrated into class materials and discussions.

“As one of the world’s leading global law schools, our new partner at NUS is an ideal complement to our Asian portfolio,” says Riccardi. BU Law students will now have an option of receiving a semester’s credit for studies in Beijing, at Tsinghua Law School, in Hong Kong, at the University of Hong Kong, or in Singapore.

According to The Economist, Singapore is the 11th best city to live in the world and best place to live and work in Asia. Despite its small size, the island state offers myriad attractions and activities, with dining and shopping among the top-rated pastimes. Its strategic location at the heart of Asia also makes it an excellent hub from which to explore the Southeast Asian region.

As the practice of law becomes a truly global profession, BU Law has emerged as a national leader in developing semester-abroad programs. The School offers one of the widest selections of overseas study opportunities, with twelve programs in Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

Learn more about BU Law's Study Abroad Programs

Reported by Caitlin McCartan

Image Source: Singapore Tourism Board