On the afternoon of June 30, the opening ceremony of CESL CHINESE LAW INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL 2025 was held in the first conference room on the fourth floor of the International Exchange Center on Changping Campus. Twenty-four international students from all over the world gathered together to start a 12-day study trip on Chinese law and culture. This summer school is hosted by China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL), organized by China-EU School of Law (CESL), and co-organized by the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange at CUPL. He Xin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice Dean of CESL, Zhang Yuchen, Director of the Project Section of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange at CUPL, Ma Anna, Director of the Academic Affairs Office of CESL, as well as faculty members of CESL were present at the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony was hosted by Wei Yixuan, Programme Administrator of the “Chinese Law Taught in English Program” (CLTE) of CESL.
Opening remarks: Building a Bridge between Chinese and Foreign Legal Exchanges
He Xin, on behalf of CESL, extended a warm welcome to the international students. She introduced the development history and educational situation of CESL. She hoped that students could learn something from this summer school, actively experience the profound heritage of Chinese civilization and appreciate the vigorous development of contemporary China. She encouraged the students to become the inheritors of Sino-foreign friendship, to bring back to their own countries what they have seen, heard and felt in China, to tell the world a true and comprehensive story of China, and to take China as a new starting point for their academic and professional development in the future.
Student Voices: Starting a Two-way Empowering Academic Journey
Vincon-carlos Barduhn, a representative of the students from Universität Bremen, Germany, shared his passion and anticipation for studying Chinese law. He mentioned that he had come into contact with the Chinese delegation during the Sino-European legal exchanges and cooperation, and thus developed a strong interest in China's legal system and society. In addition to systematically studying Chinese law courses, he particularly looks forward to in-depth communication with Chinese legal practitioners, so as to gain a deeper understanding of the practical operation logic of the rule of law in China. At the same time, he is very willing to introduce European legal and social systems to Chinese students, and welcome Chinese students to go to Europe for exchanges, so as to realize the mutual learning and appreciation of Chinese and European legal culture.
Carefully arranged: Creating Diverse Learning Experience Scenarios
Ma Anna elaborated on the schedule of this summer school. This summer school is carefully designed with a "trinity" curriculum to help international students systematically study Chinese law and deeply experience the essence of Chinese culture. In the professional learning section, it covers core courses such as "Overview of China's Legal System", "China's Legal Culture and Tradition", "Chinese Constitution Law", and "Market Entry Regulation by Licensing in China: A Law and Economics Analysis". In the practical learning section, visits to different types of legal practice institutions such as Zhong Lun Law Firm, Xiaomi Corporation, and Beijing Arbitration Commission will be organized. The cultural experience section includes a night tour of the Great Wall at Juyongguan, a silk craft experience, a cultural tour of the Summer Palace, and visits to China Archaeology Museum and China National Arts and Crafts Museum. In addition, Ma Anna gave some warm tips to the students about studying and living in Beijing.
Campus Tour: Touching the History and Culture of CUPL
After the opening ceremony, students were guided by volunteers to visit the Changping Campus. Volunteers told the students about the pioneering spirits of CUPL in front of the sculpture of the Pioneering Ox. In front of the teaching building of CESL, volunteers explained the school's characteristics and mission. In front of the statue of Mr. Qian Duansheng, volunteers introduced his outstanding contributions to the rule of law in New China. In the Fa Yuange library, volunteers displayed the library 's rich collection of law books and digital resources, and shared the mythological story of Xiezhi, an ancient Chinese mythical beast that knows the right from the wrong. The campus tour allowed international students to experience the cultural heritage of CUPL and the development of the rule of law in China.
This summer school aims to enhance cross-cultural understanding between Chinese and European students through in-depth experiences and interactive exchanges of legal culture, promote cooperation in legal education, and cultivate legal talents with an international perspective. Over the next two weeks, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of China's achievements in the rule of law and the charm of traditional culture through various forms such as course learning, practical learning, and cultural experiences, laying a solid foundation for future engagement in international legal cooperation.
Text: Jiang Qinwen, Double Master Student from 2024 Intake
Photo: China-EU School of Law
Assistant Editor: Wu Xiaochen
Responsible Editor: Chen Yingfang
