Pietro Fantin is a student from the Faculty of Law at University of Bologna in Italy. He participated in the CESL Chinese Law International Summer School 2025. In this article, Pietro Fantin shares his experiences in summer school.
My experience at CESL Summer School 2025 has been filled with meaningful experiences and enriching cultural exchanges that I will always carry with me. From the very first day, I felt welcomed and encouraged to immerse myself in a new academic and cultural environment that was both exciting and eye-opening. Attending lectures at China University of Political Science and Law allowed me to learn from brilliant professors and interact with students from around Europe and China, making it a truly multicultural experience.
The academic program was a wonderful opportunity to explore the Chinese legal system, which differs in many ways from the one I am used to in Italy. Yet, what surprised me most was discovering the historical connections between our systems. As a student from Italy, I was especially fascinated by the influence of Roman Civil Law on the development of the modern Chinese legal system. This connection reminded me that, even across great distances, legal traditions can influence and inspire one another.
Despite the differences in structure and approach, I greatly appreciated being able to observe the similarities and the ongoing dialogue between East and West. In an increasingly globalized world, the exchange of legal knowledge and comparative legal studies are essential. I believe it is now time for Western countries to pay closer attention to Chinese legislation, especially in areas such as economic development and technological regulation. These are sectors in which Europe sometimes struggles due to outdated frameworks or bureaucratic inefficiencies, while China is experiencing rapid progress.
Another aspect I deeply appreciated was the chance to develop my own personal understanding of the People’s Republic of China. Studying and living here for this short period gave me the opportunity to see beyond the sometimes limited or biased narratives that circulate in Western media. I was able to form my opinions based on direct experience, daily interactions and academic insight.
One of the most touching elements of my stay was the atmosphere on campus and in the city. Walking through the streets, I could feel a strong sense of community, solidarity, and collective responsibility. The student ambassadors, in particular, showed remarkable dedication, professionalism and kindness. Their willingness to help and explain, even when language barriers made things more difficult, demonstrated the values they carry with pride.
I cannot express enough how thankful I am to CESL and the university for offering me this incredible opportunity. The way I see the world has changed, and I hope to return one day to China and apply my legal knowledge.
Photo and text: Pietro Fantin
Assistant Editor: Zhang Xinyi
Responsible Editor: MA Anna
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