Testimonials

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 enrollment in the LL.M. programme − Maritime and Transport Law at Erasmus School of Law (ESL) – feels like participation in an exchange programme in my own homeland: namely, meeting international students, and increasing my academic knowledge by taking part in workshops and company visits. This LL.M. provides the opportunity to expand my professional network across borders, to make friends all over the world, and to learn from each other.

After finishing my Bachelor’s degree, it was quite a challenge to choose ‘the right’ LL.M. out of hundreds of programmes Finally, I decided to go for an LL.M. in Maritime and Transport Law (MTL) at ESL.

My decision was based on a number of factors. Firstly, in addition to my general interest in Commercial Law, I was very attracted to this programme because it provides students with more than just the old-fashioned ‘Lectures and Seminars’ style of learning. You can expect the following: company visits (law firms, Rotterdam Port Authority), a Marine Insurance Masterclass, workshops organised by the study association TTLA, and even Moot courts, to further improve your debating skills. Secondly, this programme does not limit me to staying and working in the Netherlands for the rest of my life. Because the programme is conducted completely in English and makes comparisons between civil and common law approaches, you can work in almost every country. Moreover, my expanded network, which includes study friends around the world, will definitely help me to easily launch my professional career elsewhere. Finally, I cannot imagine a better place to study Maritime and Transport Law than Rotterdam: the city with one of the world’s most important seaports. This thriving city in the heart of Europe is ideal for a really good cup of coffee, a tasty lunch, and a special beer as well!

‘Goedemorgen allemaal’ (Dutch for: Good morning, everybody!). I am Ottavia, a 26-year-old student from Italy, who is currently enrolled in one of the unique LL.M. programmes offered at Erasmus School of Law in Rotterdam.

After graduating in law in my country of origin, I started working as a trainee lawyer. I coincidentally ended up in in Genoa, in one of Italy’s most internationally orientated Maritime law firms. My work experience there motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in Maritime Law in the city where Europe’s most important port is located: Rotterdam!

If I could name one place to obtain a master in Maritime Law, it would be Erasmus School of Law. You will not only study the theories on which Maritime and Transport law are based, but you will also gain a practical insight into how they apply. Moreover, because of the organisation of monthly visits to different companies, you get the chance to visit the harbour’s business leaders. During my year at Erasmus University, I developed a special interest in Transport Law, and I see myself working as a claim handler in the near future.

As well as studying and visiting several companies, I am active as a volunteer for the Yearbook Committee. Together with LL.M. students from the Company and Commercial Law and International and European Union Law programmes, I am responsible for publishing the Yearbook 2016-2017. It has been a great opportunity to work on this project with other students. I have the chance to conduct interviews with prominent professors, to develop my creative writing, and to improve essential skills such as time-management and teamwork.

I have one final tip for international students: I learned that you cannot survive in a Dutch city without a bike… So actually I would change the Beatles lyrical line ‘All you need is love’ to  ‘…a bike is all you need’.

I am 21 years old, and was born in Poland, but I spent the first 12 years of my life in the German city of Cologne, before my family moved to Zurich, Switzerland. After graduating from high school in Germany in 2013, I moved to London to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Law at Kings College London.

I have chosen to join the Maritime & Transport Law programme because shipping and transport law has intrigued me ever since the beginning of my law studies. My decision to study at Erasmus University was mainly because of its location in Rotterdam, home to the largest port in Europe. There are constant opportunities to take part in visits to various companies, such as Maersk Liners, the Port Authority in Rotterdam, the Dutch P&I club, and Damen Shipbuilding, as well as plenty more companies that are active in the shipping industry. Outside of my studies, I enjoy snowboarding and playing various team sports such as American Football, Rugby, and Soccer. After completing this L.L.M. programme, I intend to take part in the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in London, with a view to working in the future as a solicitor at a legal practice that specialises in Transport & Maritime Law.

In my experience, studying at ESL has been demanding, but at the same time very interesting. Life in Rotterdam is comparable to life in Zurich, since both cities are relatively quiet, as well as being clean and efficient. My advice to any incoming students is to participate in the various company visits, as they provide tremendous insights into the operations of the many different parties involved in the shipping industry. 

I am Mauricio García, a 29-year-old lawyer from Bogotá, Colombia. I have a Bachelor’s degree and a specialisation degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. During my specialisation in Commercial Law I discovered my passion for Transportation, mainly aviation and maritime. I subsequently decided to forge my path in this exciting world. After some years gaining experience as a lawyer in transportation matters, in 2014 I decided to join my brother in an ambitious project − called Garciarboleda Abogados − to develop our specialised law firm in Transportation Law. Being committed to the challenging and gratifying experience of leading a law firm encouraged me to keep improving my skills and knowledge as a transportation lawyer, especially in the maritime field. I realised there was no better place in the world to achieve that goal than Rotterdam − the heart of the maritime world in Europe.

The decision to take the LL.M. in Maritime and Transport Law at Erasmus University has been without doubt the best choice regarding my professional goals. Indeed, this Master Programme perfectly combines the theoretical and the practical side of maritime law, because in addition to having the most recognised legal authorities in this field as professors, there are various company visits, which offer insights into the exciting maritime world. This perfect balance between theory and practice has provided me with tools to provide legal services in the maritime field, and with the highest standards of professionalism and quality.

In addition, the experience of living in Rotterdam is just perfect.The city is full of energy, friendly and multicultural people, and multiple transportation choices suitable to every budget. Rotterdam is also well organised, with beautiful places to meet up with friends. It makes your life as a student easier in every way.

For prospective students who are considering obtaining an LL.M. at Erasmus School of Law, I would advise you not to think twice about it. There is no better place in the world to learn about Maritime Law, and at the same time have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable life experience that includes making friends from different countries, learning about the fascinating Dutch culture, travelling through this beautiful country, and being located in a hub that is perfectly located to reach many other marvelous places in Europe.

Finally, I would like to share a quote that I live by: ‘Happiness is a choice of life; enjoy what you do daily, and do it from your heart’.