Christina Boyksen is a student from the Faculty of Law at Universität Hamburg in Germany. She participated in the CESL Chinese Law International Summer School 2025. In this article, Christina Boyksen shares her experiences in summer school.
This summer school program was a unique and enriching experience for me, both academically and personally. Having already spent a semester abroad at San Diego State University, where I became familiar with the American legal system and university life, I was eager to explore an entirely different legal culture. China offered exactly that: a new perspective, unfamiliar values, and an entirely different understanding of law and society.
The beginning was not easy. Everything worked differently here than in Germany or the United States. Using Alipay or WeChat to pay, navigating apps, and reading signs that were entirely in Chinese were all quite challenging at first. However, over time, especially with the help of the student ambassadors, I found my way. Their support was incredible, and I’m happy that some of them will visit Germany in September. It means a lot to me that our friendships don't have to end when the program does.
I was especially impressed by the cultural aspects of daily life. The campus canteens and breakfast options were delicious, fresh, varied, and affordable, something I will definitely miss back home. At first, I was unsure about some of the dishes since the menu was in Chinese, but the staff was always friendly and willing to help. Compared to Germany, where cafeteria options are much more limited, and the U.S., where food on campus is often heavily processed and unhealthy, I really appreciated the balance of quality and taste in China.
One cultural difference that really stuck with me was the remarkable level of trust in society. I saw students leave their laptops and other personal belongings unattended in parks. Food deliveries were simply left in front of buildings, seemingly without any fear of theft. I even lost my handbag in a museum, but to my surprise and relief, it was turned in with everything still inside. This kind of honesty and respect for others' belongings made a deep impression on me because I haven't experienced it to the same extent in Germany or the US.
From a legal perspective, the experience was equally valuable. The lectures were well structured and engaging. I felt honored that the professors took the time to teach us and interact with us personally. I gained a deeper understanding of how the Chinese legal system is structured and functions, which has helped me better understand the broader mindset and legal reasoning in the People’s Republic of China. The visit and presentation at Xiaomi were particularly interesting. I can see myself working in a corporate setting later in my career, so it was exciting to see how law operates within a large, international company and connect theory with practice.
Beyond the academic aspect, the excursions were a real highlight. I was impressed by the many museums we visited and the richness of Chinese culture. One unforgettable moment was standing on the Great Wall of China. I had dreamed of visiting it for many years, and being there in person was even more powerful than I had imagined.
In retrospect, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to immerse myself in three legal systems: the German, American, and Chinese. Each system has shaped the way I think about law and its role in society. This broader legal understanding will certainly be an asset in my future career as a lawyer, and I am grateful to have gained this insight so early on.
I would like to express my deepest thanks to the entire organizing team, the professors, the university, and everyone who helped make this summer school possible. Their meticulous planning, attention to detail, academic input, and warm atmosphere truly made this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the very first day, I felt welcomed and well taken care of. Meeting people from different countries, gaining academic and cultural insight, and growing personally and professionally in such a short time are experiences I will always treasure. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity and will cherish the memories and lessons from this program for a very long time.
Photo and text : Christina Boyksen
Assistant Editor：Zhang Xinyi
Responsible Editor：MA Anna
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