Testimonials

Great to see your interest in the LL.M. programmes of the Erasmus University Rotterdam! My name is Tessie Schuurs, and I completed the Master in Maritime and Transport Law in 2018. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Dutch law at Utrecht University, where I also studied a semester of Marketing in Australia.

During my studies, I discovered my interest in Maritime and Transport Law through the course Commercial Law. This field focuses on contracts involving various parties (carriers, freight forwarders, insurers, banks) and has a direct link to business activities and international trade. Additionally, I found it advantageous to pursue an English-taught master's programme, as I aspired to work in an international environment. The programme itself is very international, with a focus on international treaties and students from all over the world coming to study in Rotterdam.

The intensive course Research and Writing Skills quickly familiarised me with the teaching methods, lecturers, and study materials. My favourite course was Transport Law, as it provides a good overview of the various modes of transport (ocean, inland waterways, air, road, and rail) and focuses on the carriage of goods and passengers. For instance, it is useful to know your rights as a passenger under the Montreal Convention in case your flight is delayed or cancelled.

The master's programme has been of great value to me. The high level of lectures and seminars further sharpened my analytical skills. I also became familiar with reading legal documents such as Bills of Lading, general terms and conditions, and international treaties. This knowledge was very beneficial when I recently transitioned from practising law to working at CEVA Logistics (one of the world's largest logistics service providers).

The research for my master's thesis particularly contributed to my personal growth. I conducted empirical research on the still relevant topic of the liability of food delivery couriers working within the platform economy (Uber Eats, Thuisbezorgd, Foodora). I learned how to set up a survey study and subsequently conducted and processed dozens of surveys. I also interviewed a Dutch insurer on this topic. As the icing on the cake, I was able to present my findings at a conference in Paris. This experience allowed me to develop both my hard skills (transport law with a focus on the CMR Convention) and my soft skills (research skills, presenting).

For me, the Master in Maritime and Transport Law represents #whereLawMeetsBusiness. The programme included many guest lectures, a masterclass, and activities organised by the TTLA. This broadened my perspective beyond just the law. I now see this reflected in my role as Legal Counsel Benelux at CEVA Logistics. A good corporate lawyer delves deep into legal knowledge but also maintains a broad perspective. When negotiating commercial contracts, I not only focus on legal aspects but also advise the business on operational and financial risks.

My golden tip for students is: do not hesitate to contact a company or person who has sparked your interest. People generally enjoy being approached by an enthusiastic student and are happy to share more about their work. Who knows, this contact might even lead to a valuable (part-time) job!

My name is Filippos Batsoulis and I am 26 years old. I have studied my Bachelor of Laws in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and during my bachelor years, I had already decided to specialize in Maritime Law. When I was searching for a relative LLM program, I decided to come to Rotterdam, because it is the biggest port in Europe. The city itself was magnificent as well, with a very nice environment.

This LL.M. program is unique for Erasmus School of Law, because it offers a good opportunity for the students to understand the basics regarding maritime issues in general. The courses are more than interesting and after finishing the master great opportunities are emerging for everybody who wants to work in this industry. While studying I was fascinated by the different courses that were provided, especially the course “Transport Law”, in which the student has the opportunity to learn about the different transportation methods and not merely focus and the sea voyages.

Overall the experience was very nice. The program was competitive, and the courses were taught and examined in several Blocks with two months duration. Except for the final exams, there were also some assignments during each block that were contributing to the final grade. Although the schedule may be overburdened because of the many due dates that must be followed, I believe this is a helpful experience promoting a vibrant and unique way of teaching.

In general, I would suggest to everybody that aspires to study this LLM to study a few hours every day, so that the overall experience ends up in a smooth way. The university will provide you with general guidelines but after that a student should be proactive and try to acquire knowledge through personal and active research. Also, I would suggest to check out the Dutch Courses, because they are very cool, if you are interested to further stay in Rotterdam for work.

My name is Mauricio Gómez-Rodríguez. I am a 27-year-old lawyer, born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. Before coming to Rotterdam, I was doing an internship at my country's embassy in Rome. After that, I went to live in Madrid for two years to do a postgraduate degree in Air and Space Law.

Which master programme did you pursue?

Maritime & Transport Law at Erasmus School of Law.

Why did you decide to choose this programme?

When the time to choose a master's degree had finally arrived for me, it was not an easy decision to make, mainly because I was sure my choice would define the course of my career. My main doubt was in deciding whether it was worth doing a master's in a country other than my own. There is always the idea that you cannot study law in a foreign country because laws and societies are different. That was why I knew the Master of Laws (LL.M.) I would choose must have a solid international focus and a link with commercial law, which I like. And that's how I found the LL.M. in Maritime & Transport Law at Erasmus School of Law.

What do you remember most about the programme?

Despite being passionate about air law, discovering maritime law's world was fascinating. The best thing about the master programme is that behind every business, there is a whole legal framework that is one of a kind. Insurance, contracts, casualties, multiple jurisdictions, and different forms of transportation are some topics that each of the classes in this programme addresses.

However, I must say that it is not an easy master. There are certainly times when you have to focus on studying seriously, plus having a background in law is essential. Some of my classmates had to work hard because they lacked the experience. The classes could be intellectually challenging, as the academic demand is high. That is a reason why this master's is so internationally recognized. However, I must also say that it is worth the effort, and there are many other fun moments. During the academic year we visited companies and law firms. We had debates and working groups, making all the students relate to each other quickly since most of us were foreigners. Besides, Rotterdam is a charming city, full of young people and with a unique vibe.

What would you say to Erasmus School of Law students who are now choosing their master programme?

I can confidently say that the Maritime & Transport Law master programme opened the world's doors to me. It is a complete master's full of exciting topics in an industry with many opportunities to grow. My advice is not to be overwhelmed by how difficult it can be to find a house in Rotterdam or how long the rainy days can be. Most of your classmates will be experiencing the same things you are, and Rotterdam is a city where there is always something new to do or learn.

My name is Leon Goh, and I am from Singapore. After spending the first three years of my bachelors at the National University of Singapore, I was given the opportunity to pursue a masters in Maritime and Transport Law at Erasmus University Rotterdam  as part of the Exchange plus programme between the two universities. The choice of maritime law was an easy one as the international nature of shipping has always appealed to me.   

One noteworthy advantage of the exchange plus programme is the fact that the two institutions are in two different legal systems. This affords students the opportunity to consider any given area of law from two different perspectives. In my case, I was able to immerse myself in shipping law and experience it from both the common law and civil law perspective. In addition, as a bonus, both Singapore and Rotterdam are important port cities. Furthermore, owing to the international nature of the classroom which is made up of people hailing from a multitude of jurisdictions, every student brings something new to the discussion.     

Another reason why I decided to pursue not only a masters at Erasmus University Rotterdam, but a maritime law masters, is undoubtably its location. As the largest port in Europe, there is an entire maritime ecosystem here. The curriculum at Erasmus University Rotterdam leverages this major boon and this adds a practical dimension to our studies. As students, we get to experience a wide range of activities from company visits to interactions with real-life practitioners from companies like Van Traa and Boskalis.  

However, the life of a master student is more than just the classroom. Aside from academics, life in Rotterdam certainly did not disappoint. Rotterdam is such an eclectic and international city, there truly is something for everyone. Whether it is experiencing new cultures, meeting other people from around the globe or taking in the new sights and sounds, life in Rotterdam is rarely a dull moment.

My name is Ana Carolina Gossain and I am working as a Legal Analyst for BG Freight Line BV, the headquarters being in Rotterdam.

BG Freight Line BV is a shipping line that provides a comprehensive range of logistics services to and from Ireland, the UK, and continental Europe. These services include door-to-door shipping, feedering, and quay-to-quay shipping for all types of containerised cargo.

My current work entails drafting Charter Parties, reviewing and providing legal advice regarding Bills of Lading, Terminal Contracts, and Transport Service Agreements. Additionally, I assist the Head of Claims. A working day as a Legal Analyst at BG Freight Line BV roughly looks like coming to work and checking emails first thing, evaluating and drafting several type of contracts, doing legal research, and maintain contact with different stakeholders in order to procure facts and evidence, that will enable us to handle claims properly.

The knowledge I have gained in the Maritime and Transport LL.M is reflected in my work on a daily basis. The courses on Charter Parties and Bills of Lading, Transport Law and Bills of Lading especially, have been crucial to the work I do as a Legal Analyst at BG Freight Line BV.

My name is Rubilita Hooff. I’m Dutch and I studied Maritime and Transport Law while being a mom and running a legal office. This is my introduction for saying that I that was an older student during the 2019-2020 master. This is also my introduction for telling everyone who works in the transport industry, and everyone who wants to make a career switch in the field of law, that this LL.M. programme is definitely worth giving up one year of your life.

After having finished my bachelor’s degree at the Open University, I decided to do this master programme for the following reasons. I have working experience in this sector. Once I stepped into this world of shipping, it instantly fascinated me. Furthermore, I have the ambition to practice law either at an insurance company or other related business where specialised people in the maritime and transport sector are highly appreciated and needed. Moreover, I have experienced from my job at the claims department of a shipping company, that there is a lack of qualified legal advisors in this area. So, combining all these reasons, it was only a logical step to sign up for this course. Also, knowing that I would meet people from all over the world was a big bonus.

My experience with this master programme can be best described as a marriage of ten months. You must be fully committed to make it work. The first eight weeks are very confronting, and I have experienced these weeks as very intense. However, this period prepares you for the rest of the programme. You have to do presentations, work with other students, debate, upload assignments continuously (throughout the whole year), perform in a moot court and submit your mini thesis. After that, the programme is divided into different courses which aim to fully master you in every aspect of maritime and transport law.

To those of you who are more mature, and who are seriously considering signing up for this master, I would like to leave you with some thoughts. Be convinced that you want to achieve your goal in the end. Know that you will encounter a very stressful year, and you will want to give up at least three times. However, bear in mind that this programme will reap the rewards for the rest of your life. In the end, it is worth it.