On August 31, 2021, at noon, the China-EU Law School's 2021 Double Master's Student Exchange was successfully held with foreign faculty. Due to the pandemic, the meeting was conducted online and was chaired by the Head of the CESL’s Teaching Affairs Office, Ms. Ma Anna, with the participation of international faculty members Monty Silley, Susan-Gale Wintermuth, and Monika Prusinowska.
First, Prof. Susan-Gale Wintermuth made a statement. This semester, Prof. Wintermuth will offer two courses in English, one on legal research and writing and the other on international business law, for the first year double master students. She mentioned that students may find it difficult to take law courses in full English for the first time, but this is not difficult to overcome. The professor suggests that students improve their English in their spare time by memorizing vocabulary, reading materials, and engaging in group dialogues, so that they can better understand the contents of their courses. On the other side, the professor will help students adapt to the English classroom by using slides, providing preview materials, and when necessary, slowing down the pace of speech. Prof. Wintermuth encourages students to strengthen their contact and communications with each other, make more friends and maintain good interpersonal relationships with their classmates.
The second speaker was Prof. Monika Prusinowska. She also offered some advice for her students to prepare for learning the law in English. She emphasized that language is just a communication tool, and that students need not be too concerned with immediately attaining perfection in their pronunciation, etc. At the same time, she hopes that students can actively participate in the class discussions and other activities in English. In class, she expects more communication with students, and not to let language become a roadblock on the path of learning. In addition, the professor stressed that students should keep an open mind in learning, and to consider problems from many aspects and perspectives.
Subsequently, Monty Silley, European Executive Dean of CESL, made a statement. He explained how CESL provides excellent conditions for students to study law in both Chinese and English. While that the "three-year, two-degree" curriculum will probably be a challenge for the students, they should not worry too much about facing and overcoming this challenge. That supportive professors will work with students to overcome their difficulties. At the same time, the Dean Silley stressed the importance of "time management". The curriculum of CESL is relatively demanding and students should arrange their study times, complete assigned tasks in advance, but also balance learning and extracurricular life, actively participate in sports and other activities around campus, and maintain a positive attitude.
After the three professors finished speaking, the students asked some questions. Through this exchange, the professors could better address particular student concerns and students gained a better understanding of what the international faculty expected of them, as well as a better understanding of the differences in teaching styles of foreign faculty. They warmly welcome the new students and eagerly look forward to meeting each of them as the classes begin.
Contribution and photos by: Huang Xueyi, CESL double master student
