Choo Shermane is a bachelor student from the Faculty of Law at  University of Leeds in UK. She participated in the CESL Chinese Law International Summer School 2025. In this article, Choo Shermane shares her experiences in summer school.

As the ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi once said, “千里之行，始于足下” — a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For me, joining the CUPL-CESL Summer School was the important first step in a meaningful journey of cross-cultural legal learning. This experience helped shape my understanding of law across different systems, deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity, and allowed me to build valuable connections with people all over the world.

Coming from a Chinese heritage background, I thought I had a good understanding of my own culture. However, through this summer school, I came to realise that there was so much more to learn. The lectures and museum visits gave me a fresh perspective, allowing me to connect with Chinese history on a deeper level. Seeing the changes from the Xia Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, and from the Republican Era to the Socialist Era, I began to understand that each legal and political shift carried not just structural changes, but also emotional and human stories.

One of the most powerful moments for me was visiting the museum. The experience made me feel as if I wasn’t looking at a static object behind glass, but having a silent conversation with the past. I was especially moved by the story of Yue Fei, a national hero from the Southern Song Dynasty. His strong sense of duty and moral values left a deep impression on me. I was touched by the story of how his mother tattooed the words “精忠报国” – meaning “serve the country with loyalty” – on his back. This simple yet powerful act demonstrated the importance of honour, integrity, and patriotism in Chinese culture, and reminded me how deeply personal values can shape one’s commitment to society.

In our classes, I also learned about the ideas of Confucius and Han Fei, who represent two very different approaches to how a society should be governed. It was eye-opening to see how Li (ritual and social norms) and Fa (law) were interconnected in early Chinese governance. It helped me appreciate how China historically maintained stability, and how the balanced approach helped the country achieve long-lasting peace and development.

A particular highlight of the programme was visiting one of China’s largest international law firms. During the visit, I gained meaningful insights into how legal practitioners handle cross-border transactions and navigate the complexities of advising multi-jurisdictions’ clients. The lawyers explained how effective communication across jurisdictions is essential in resolving conflicts and safeguarding clients’ interests. This greatly enhanced my commercial awareness and gave me a clearer view of the practical side of transactional legal work.

Beyond academics, I made new friends from different countries and cultural backgrounds. We often had open and thoughtful discussions about the differences and similarities between Chinese and European laws. I felt encouraged knowing many of us shared similar goals and dreams in the legal field. These exchanges helped me learn more about cultures, legal systems, and ways of thinking, making me feel more connected to the wider legal community.

In conclusion, the CUPL-CESL Summer School was a defining experience – one that not only deepened my legal and cultural knowledge but also shaped me into a more open-minded and globally conscious future lawyer. This journey, though only a single step, has laid the foundation for a thousand more in my pursuit of intercultural legal understanding and collaboration.

Photo and text: Choo Shermane

Assistant Editor: Zhang Xinyi

Responsible Editor: MA Anna

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