Qiuyi Liang is a law student from our partner university, Renmin University of China, who is currently spending a year at the University of Luxembourg as part of a Master’s dual degree in Law. She is the recipient of the Guillaume Dupaix scholarship for incoming exchange students.
Qiuyi chose to specialise in European Business Law in the second year of the Master in Law, among the various options offered at the University of Luxembourg. With a strong interest in how different legal systems work together, Qiuyi has focused her studies on American, EU, and Japanese law. To her, Luxembourg felt like the perfect place to dive deeper into European business law in practice.
During her time at our University, Qiuyi benefited from the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance’s (FDEF) partnership with A&O Shearman. This partnership provides a scholarship and internship opportunity for one incoming and one outgoing law student each year, at either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s level. Upon Qiuyi’s application to the University of Luxembourg as an incoming exchange student, she was selected as one of the incoming students in FDEF to receive a €5,000 scholarship (covering two semesters) and to complete an internship at A&O Shearman’s Luxembourg office.
In this interview, Qiuyi shares her experience interning at A&O Shearman, studying law in Luxembourg, and how she has grown both personally and professionally.
What motivated you to apply and choose the University of Luxembourg?
I was drawn to the University of Luxembourg because of its strong reputation in EU law and its unique positioning at the intersection of legal systems. From the available options in the second year of the Master in Law at the UniLu, I chose to pursue a Master in European Business Law. I was particularly interested in how the programme combines EU institutional knowledge with real-world legal integration methods.
In Beval campus
Could you tell us more about your A&O Shearman internship and scholarship? How did you find this opportunity?
I learned about the internship opportunity at A&O Shearman through an email from the Faculty. I applied with the support of the Faculty, who guided me on the application process and helped facilitate the connection. The scholarship amounts to a total of €5,000 for one year at UniLU and a paid internship at A&O afterwards. In the Master in European Business Law, the internship is mandatory at the end of the summer semester.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to work in two departments: the Corporate M&A team and the International Capital Markets (ICM) team. In the Corporate M&A team, I assisted in drafting and reviewing legal documents such as shareholder agreements and capital increase contracts. I also participated in case law reviews and contributed to a training presentation on company law topics, which allowed me to apply my knowledge of EU company law in a real-world setting.
In the ICM team, I worked on preparing legal memos, assisting with internal regulatory booklets based on the Prospectus Regulation, and participating in a research project on the application of artificial intelligence in legal practice. These tasks gave me valuable insights into the transactional side of EU financial regulation.
Overall, the internship allowed me to connect legal theory with practice. The tasks I was assigned were closely related to the EU law and legal methodology I studied in class, particularly in company law, legal research, and regulatory interpretation. It was also my first internship experience in a foreign law firm, which exposed me to a collaborative and multicultural work environment very different from my previous internships in China.
At the front desk of A&O Shearman
You received the Guillaume Dupaix scholarship from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs in Luxembourg. How did you learn about this opportunity? How has this financial support helped you to pursue your studies?
I learned about the Guillaume Dupaix scholarship through the program coordinator during my application process. This scholarship, as well as the A&O Shearman scholarship and paid internship, have been crucial in supporting my stay and studies in Luxembourg. They allowed me to focus on my academic work and internship without financial pressure, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity and recognition.
Why did you choose Master in European Business Law programme over all the other available options?
I chose this programme because it offers a highly practical and interdisciplinary approach to understanding EU law, especially in areas such as company law, financial regulation, and cross-border legal integration. Coming from a background in comparative law, I found this a perfect opportunity to deepen my understanding of how legal harmonisation and corporate practices interact within the European legal framework.
How would you compare your experience studying at Renmin University and the University of Luxembourg, in terms of teaching style, academic environment, and student life?
Studying at Renmin University and the University of Luxembourg has given me exposure to two very different yet complementary academic environments. At Renmin, the academic atmosphere is deeply rooted in theoretical study, with a more traditional model where professors lecture and students primarily absorb knowledge. The coursework is generally less demanding in terms of daily workload, and assessment is mostly based on written exams or academic papers.
In contrast, the University of Luxembourg places more emphasis on practical skills and independent thinking. The study pressure is slightly higher, and students are expected to handle tasks with greater autonomy. Classes are more discussion-based and closely connected to practical legal developments, such as recent CJEU judgments or regulatory reforms, which require active participation. The assessment methods are also more diverse and flexible, often including oral exams, presentations, and case studies, which I found intellectually stimulating and professionally relevant.
In terms of academic environment, Renmin offers a strong scholarly atmosphere, with frequent academic lectures delivered by professors from top universities around the world. These events create great opportunities for intellectual exchange. In Luxembourg, such academic events are slightly less frequent, but the teaching remains highly relevant to real-world legal practice.
As for student life, I personally prefer the experience at the University of Luxembourg. The living conditions are better, and there are a variety of student clubs and extracurricular activities that make campus life vibrant and engaging. My classmates are also very friendly and supportive, which has made adapting to a new environment much easier.
In conclusion, these two institutions have distinct yet complementary academic cultures. The international student body and multilingual environment at Luxembourg enriched my perspective, while Renmin gave me a strong foundational discipline and research rigour.
Were there any particular challenges you faced while adapting to a new academic system or living in Luxembourg?
Yes, one of the early challenges was adapting to the use of multiple legal languages, particularly French, in the context of Luxembourg corporate law. Although I primarily work in English, understanding some legal documents or court decisions in French was initially difficult. Living independently in a new country also required adjustments, but the support of the University and my peers helped me overcome these challenges.
You participated in the Moot Court. What did you learn from that experience? Would you encourage other students to take part in it?
Participating in the Jessup Moot Court was one of the most intellectually demanding yet rewarding experiences I’ve had. I worked as a researcher focusing on the international law of sea and public international law. It sharpened my legal research and writing skills and taught me how to think strategically in advocacy. I would strongly encourage other students to take part. It’s a unique opportunity to apply your legal reasoning in a simulated but high-pressure environment.
Preparation for the Jessup Moot Court in Washington, DC
How do you think this international experience will contribute to your future academic or professional career? What kind of career would you like to pursue?
This experience has affirmed my desire to work in the field of EU and international business law, either as a legal practitioner in a cross-border firm or through academic research in EU corporate or technology regulation. The practical exposure to complex transactions and the EU’s regulatory landscape has given me a clearer roadmap for my career ambitions. I also plan to pursue further studies, potentially a PhD focusing on EU data or technology law.
Looking back on your journey, what has been the most rewarding part of this international legal education path so far?
Looking back, I would say that almost every step of this journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Many of the experiences I’ve had here were completely new and unique compared to my previous life—adapting to the European educational model, participating in the Jessup Moot Court, interning at A&O Shearman, and completing all my exams and thesis within a rigorous academic schedule. Each of these brought a strong sense of achievement.
But if I had to highlight one thing, it would be the personal transformation I experienced. The most rewarding part has been successfully challenging myself – doing things I once thought I couldn’t do. Whether it was speaking up in class, working in a foreign legal environment, or tackling unfamiliar areas of EU law, I pushed beyond my own limits and discovered both resilience and passion. Through this journey, I not only grew as a legal professional but also found what I truly enjoy and the direction I want to pursue in the future.
2025 Moot Court Ceremony in Luxembourg
How has this international experience contributed to your academic and personal growth?
It has completely transformed the way I think about law. It is not just a national rulebook, but as a dynamic, transnational framework shaped by culture, politics, and institutions. Personally, it pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me become more independent and proactive, and taught me how to communicate across legal cultures. This has been essential in preparing me for a truly international legal career.
What advice would you give to other international students who are considering studying at the University of Luxembourg?
Be open to differences—in teaching styles, in legal systems, and everyday life. Make the most of the opportunities to connect with professors and practitioners, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with internships or research outside your comfort zone. Most importantly, take initiative. At Luxembourg, you will be given space, but you must step forward to make the most of it.
All images ©Qiuyi Liang
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The Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF) is partnering with A&O Shearman in providing a scholarship and internship opportunity for one outgoing and one incoming law student at either the Bachelor’s or Master’s level. Students eligible to apply are informed by the Faculty once their application has been accepted. The scholarship is additional to any other scholarship incoming students might receive from other sources. The internship period and length depend on the programme where the student is enrolled.
Learn more about A&O Shearman opportunity: A&O Shearman Scholarship.