Fang Shu

The IE–CSC Full Scholarship Program Empowers Her to Build an International Legal Career

The China Scholarship Council (CSC), in collaboration with IE University, has launched the IE-CSC Full Scholarship Programs, aiming to cultivate future professionals for international organizations who possess a strong sense of responsibility toward China, a global outlook, and international competitiveness. To help prospective applicants, particularly those interested in law-related full scholarships, better understand IE Law School and its academic strengths, we will continue to feature current students, alumni, and scholarship recipients who share their academic journeys and professional achievements.

In this issue, we speak with Fang Shu, alumna of the Master of Laws (LL.M.) at IE University and recipient of the IE–CSC Full Scholarship. Let’s explore how her passion for technology law and intellectual property, combined with a full scholarship and IE Law School's personalized training approach, has broadened her global perspective and solidified her career path.

Chinese nationals interested in applying for the IE–CSC Full Scholarship may contact: china@ie.edu

Driven by a Legal Mission, Confidently Pursuing Her Dreams

After completing her legal education in China and qualifying as a legal professional, Fang Shu sought to further expand her international perspective and explore technology-related legal issues. This ambition led her to pursue a master’s degree in Italy. Her academic experience across both Chinese and European systems gradually shaped a distinctive research perspective and deepened her interest in addressing complex legal challenges in a globalized context.

Determined to pursue an international career, she later applied for the IE–CSC Full Scholarship jointly offered by CSC and IE University. In her view, IE Law School’s multidisciplinary approach stands out: interactive classroom learning helps students build a solid professional foundation, complemented by practice-based activities such as visits to international organizations that broaden their global perspective. For Fang Shu, pursuing a second master’s degree at IE University—one of the world’s leading institutions—was a truly "life-changing opportunity."

After successfully passing the selection process, she joined IE Law School’s Master of Laws (LL.M.), specializing in Digital Law and Intellectual Property. In her view, the IE–CSC Full Scholarship has not only enriched her academic knowledge but has also significantly broadened her global perspective.

"I hope to develop my professional abilities and pursue my career aspirations within international organizations. The IE–CSC Full Scholarship program continuously encourages me to hold on to my dreams, while equipping me with the skills and confidence needed to achieve my goals." Fang Shu


A Personalized Legal Learning Path That Enhances Career Competitiveness

When asked why she chose IE Law School, Fang Shu summarizes her reasons with three key words: efficient teaching, international vision, and a concentration of experts. Thanks to IE Law School’s top-tier academic resources and comprehensive academic support, she has been able to strike an ideal balance between theoretical learning and professional practice.

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) features a flexible structure, allowing students to specialize in one of three tracks: International Business Law; Digital Law and Intellectual Property; or International Dispute Resolution. This structure enables students to develop deep expertise aligned with their academic interests and career goals.

Fang Shu chose the Digital Law and Intellectual Property track, which offers a forward-looking perspective on data protection, cybersecurity, content governance, and intellectual property law. Her interest in this field dates back to her undergraduate studies. “My undergraduate thesis focused on EU data law and global data governance. During the writing process, I gradually realized my strong passion for data law.”

Graduates of this specialization develop solid interdisciplinary expertise in law and technology, preparing them to manage and protect digital assets in a global business environment. In addition, students receive a specialization certificate jointly issued by IE Law School and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), further strengthening their professional profiles. 

"I have benefited tremendously from the rich curriculum at IE Law School. I have not only gained solid legal expertise, but also developed a deep understanding of business." Fang Shu

From Immersion Week to Classroom Practice: Becoming a Future Talent in Technology Law at IE

As digital transformation accelerates, new legal questions continue to emerge: How should digital assets be defined? How can data be effectively protected? What legal frameworks should govern emerging technologies? The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Digital Law and Intellectual Property at IE University addresses these challenges by integrating legal training with technological insight, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things.

Fang Shu highlights Immersion Week as one of the most distinctive learning experiences in the program. Through visits to organizations such as WIPO and IBM, she gained firsthand exposure to international legal practice. These experiences closely aligned with her academic goals and laid a solid foundation for her future aspirations of joining international organizations and contributing to the development of global technology law.

Her daily coursework has also contributed significantly to her development. "In the course Human Rights Litigation, I was systematically exposed to judicial cases in the field of human rights, which helped me gain a deep understanding of judicial reasoning and practical operations across different legal systems." Beyond academics, interacting with classmates from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds further strengthened her cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.

"IE’s courses integrate rigorous academic training with practical application. They have not only enhanced my adaptability in diverse environments, but also laid a solid foundation for my future communication and collaboration within international organizations."

Through immersive learning in a multicultural legal environment, Fang Shu has learned to turn diverse perspectives into professional strengths—an ability she believes will be essential whether working in courts or international legal roles.

Advancing in the International Workplace: How to Quickly Integrate into a Professional Environment

A few months ago, a recruitment announcement from the Law School’s Career Services Center caught Fang Shu’s attention. "After noticing that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) was recruiting interns, I immediately prepared my résumé. From the interview to the writing sample and the final offer, the entire process went very smoothly."

This success was built on careful preparation. During interviews, she drew on her strong background in legal analysis and her familiarity with ECHR case law. When completing the writing sample, she actively sought clarification and feedback, which helped her refine her work and demonstrate professionalism.

At the ECHR, her responsibilities included updating case-law guides, conducting legal research, and preparing third-party submissions. More importantly, she values the growth gained from working in an international setting. "Interning at an international organization is a rare opportunity. I wanted to maintain an open, proactive, and reflective mindset to adapt more quickly to an international working style."

To adapt quickly, she familiarized herself with Western workplace communication norms, reviewed the Court’s statutes and procedures in advance, and applied the intercultural awareness developed during her studies at IE. She also emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance. "I frequently consulted IE professors and alumni with international experience. Learning to seek feedback and adjust accordingly was essential."

Fang Shu expresses particular gratitude to Renata and Altagracia from IE’s Career Services Center, as well as senior students who supported her throughout the process.

Looking Ahead: Realizing Personal and Professional Aspirations

Today, Fang Shu hopes her experience can encourage other students interested in international organizations. In her view, opportunities must be actively pursued—not only through solid preparation, but also through meaningful engagement during interviews. "An interview is a chance for mutual understanding. That’s how you truly demonstrate your potential."

Her internship at the ECHR strengthened her confidence in working across cultures and reaffirmed the value of diverse perspectives in the workplace. She now feels better equipped to grow within international environments and contribute her expertise to global legal practice.

Fang Shu’s journey toward an international legal career is driven by passion and a strong sense of professional purpose. Step by step, she has shaped a promising international legal career. If you share a similar ambition to work in international organizations or specialized legal fields, IE University Law School offers a world-class environment where your aspirations can take shape.

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Supported by the IE–CSC Full Scholarship, students with a strong interest in international organizations—such as Fang Shu—are empowered to pursue their professional aspirations with confidence. Jointly established by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and IE University, the scholarship selects outstanding candidates each year for fully funded study at IE University in the following seven programs:

* Master of Laws (LL.M.)

* Master in International Legal Studies

* Master in International Development

* Master in International Relations

* Master in Applied Economics (Economics for Public Policy Track)

* Master in Technology and Global Affairs

* Master in Business Analytics and Data Science

Since its establishment in 2019, the IE–CSC Full Scholarship Programs has successfully sponsored more than 100 exceptional Chinese students to complete their studies at IE University. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition, international travel, and living expenses.

Chinese nationals interested in applying are welcome to contact: china@ie.edu