The journey to and through a PhD research is a voyage of discoveries and challenges, often characterised by in-depth exploration and academic growth. Sometimes, this path leads to unexpected destinations, where PhD researchers gain unforgettable experiences and develop new perspectives on the world. Such was the case for Warren de Waegh, a PhD researcher at Erasmus School of Law. Warren spent time in New Orleans from January to May, where he studied at Tulane School of Law and developed as both a researcher and an individual. Let's look back on his adventure in New Orleans.
Warren's journey towards his PhD did not initially start as a long-cherished ambition but rather as an exploration that unexpectedly guided him towards an academic career. In his early years, he already found joy in crafting precise connections between thoughts through writing. "However, I was not thinking about a PhD or an academic career back then", Warren reflects. After his graduation, his path took an unexpected turn when he had the opportunity to stay at the university as a scientific instructor. "During that year, I realised that the academic environment suited me well. The freedom that comes with a PhD to thoroughly delve into a specific topic on my own really appealed to me", Warren continues. The seed for a PhD research was planted. With the support of his supervisor, Warren eventually submitted a research proposal to the Erasmus Graduate School of Law, which was warmly welcomed.
Different methods, habits, and interactions
Warren's research focuses on an internationally oriented subject: international bankruptcies of shipping companies. His research field revolves around the complex issue of coherent and fair settlement of bankruptcies involving ships located in different places and subject to various legal systems. "The topic of my dissertation is highly internationally oriented, which makes it necessary to incorporate international and comparative legal elements into my research", Warren explains. At the beginning of his doctoral research, he already saw the option of going abroad. "Additionally, I thought it would be enriching as a researcher to explore a new academic environment and learn about different methods, habits, and interactions," he adds.
After a previous foreign experience in Hamburg, the choice for Tulane School of Law in New Orleans was made quickly: "I wanted to have a second foreign experience in a country with a common law legal system. Tulane is one of the world's most renowned universities in maritime law – an area of law that plays a crucial role in my research. Moreover, the head of the Tulane Maritime Law Center, Professor Martin Davies, has written extensively about my topic, and we had already been in contact about my research before my stay."
And so it happened: Warren spent a semester in vibrant New Orleans. His stay was funded by the support of Erasmus School of Law and the Erasmus Trust Fund. "During this process, I discovered that there are indeed opportunities within Erasmus School of Law and beyond to receive support for an overseas stay during your PhD research", Warren shares.
Unforgettable experiences and valuable lessons
Warren's time in New Orleans enriched his academic network and gave him a chance to attend university classes there, which allowed him to develop perspectives and see possibilities that might not have come to him otherwise: "On one hand, I had far fewer social obligations, which enabled me to work on my research for longer periods without interruption. On the other hand, being in a new environment – both academically and otherwise – naturally provides many new stimuli. I noticed that I was much more energetic and developed more creative ideas as a result."
Besides research opportunities, Warren also carries unforgettable moments with him, both academically and beyond. "For example, there was a lecture by the distinguished Professor Randall Kennedy of Harvard Law School about racial discrimination in the southern states of the US. This lecture deeply affected me; the passion and expertise with which he analysed this complex subject were so inspiring that everyone in the auditorium was captivated, and no one minded when he went over the allotted time by an hour!" Warren also experienced the world-famous Mardi Gras festival: "A unique experience that I would recommend to everyone. It was truly beautiful to see how inclusive this celebration is. The whole city turns upside down for a week, and everyone celebrates together, including at the university. A professor even organised a Mardi Gras dinner at his home for international students and researchers to involve us in the festivities – everyone dressed up, of course!"
"Take control and make the most of your PhD and foreign stay"
Would Warren recommend a foreign adventure to others? Absolutely. "In New Orleans, I was initially on my own. This forced me to be more assertive and take the initiative to participate in certain academic activities and connect with other researchers. Ultimately, the outcome of this was always enriching and thus an important lesson I could give to other doctoral students: take control and make the most of your PhD and foreign stay."
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