Testimonials

I am from China, and I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Law there. While participating in the Jessup Moot Court Competition during my bachelor programme, I first discovered my passion for Public International Law. As a result, I made the decision to apply for the LL.M. programme in International and European Union Law in order to broaden my knowledge in that field.

This LL.M. programme is unique in many respects. What I benefitted most from was the combination of International and European law. This enabled me to compare the two disciplines of law, and to think beyond the scope of international law in a wider sense. What I learned in the EU Law classes provided me with a different perspective, and inspired critical thinking whenever I considered specific aspects of international law and the research I was carrying out. Even when I was having doubts regarding the processes I was learning about, I gained many new insights into international law.

The lecturers are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their (…) fields, and they always try to inspire and encourage us in learning ‘how to think’ rather than ‘what to think’, and in moving away from rote learning.

The course also gave us the opportunity to develop numerous friendships with people from all over the world. Our group was small, but very diverse, which allowed us to experience new cultures and perspectives. We now have connections spread around the world − a great incentive for travelling to new places and for job hunting across borders.

In addition to being a law student, I am a keen amateur photographer who is obsessed with travelling. I like travelling alone to different places, without a particular purpose or a specific plan. What I love most is just picking somewhere I have never been before, and exploring that unknown land with my camera.

To be honest, I am not sure where I will be next year, or even in the next 5 years (although I do have plans). But one thing I am certain about is that I will do something related to the field of International Environmental Law. This is the area I feel most passionate about, and it also the subject of my master thesis. A motto that I live by is this: ‘Life is full of uncertainties; just enjoy it!’

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. 

My name is Valeria, I come from Greece, and I am an attorney-at-law in the Athens Bar Association. Before coming to the Netherlands, I had gained my Bachelor’s degree in Law from Democritus University of Thrace as well as an M.Sc. in Banking and Finance Law from the University of Piraeus. 

After my graduation, I was privileged to work for one of the leading Greek law firms in the fields of Banking Law, Commercial Law, and Capital Markets Regulation. It was a unique experience because of the cooperation with experienced, prominent legal professionals, and the chance to work on large-scale, complex cases and with high net-worth individuals.  I expected that my enrollment in the LL.M. Maritime and Transport Law would be a gateway to a challenging future, where I would be called upon to employ the sum of my abilities and knowledge, to fulfill my professional vision, and to meet inspiring multicultural fellow students in order to share common interests and experiences. My expectations have been met in every respect.

I chose Erasmus School of Law because of the strength of its comprehensive curriculum and courses, such as Transport Law, Marine Insurance, and Law of the Ship, which provide extensive knowledge in the field of Maritime and Transport Law, and address my core interests as well. Furthermore, the facilities of the school, the high level of competition, the thorough knowledge and expertise of the professors – as well as the abundance of job opportunities after completion of the programme – are the key elements for a successful choice of a Master’s programme that would lead to my professional actualisation. 

My role at the Erasmus School of Law is double; as well as being a student, I am a board member of the Trade and Transport Law Association (TTLA) as the Commissioner of External Affairs. The TTLA’s main purpose is to represent, support, and connect. It is the face for all Commercial Law students, in all possible internal and external matters.  This organisation supports students mainly by preparing them for the job market through posting vacancies and hosting professional-oriented workshops, introducing students to various possible career paths, and connecting students with each other through social activities.

I was raised in an environment of over-achievers who instilled in me the belief that with hard work, persistence, and patience I could achieve any goal I had in mind. I am in the middle of this wonderful journey, and notwithstanding the difficulties and the rigorous pace that I have to follow, I always keep this thought in mind: All things are possible to those who believe!

I obtained my bachelor’s degree both in Economics at Erasmus School of Economics and Law at Erasmus School of Law. As well as studying, I have been active in the study association, and I like to play sports.

The European Master in Law and Economics (EMLE) consists of three different terms spanning three months each. I followed the first term in Bologna. At the moment, in this second term, I am studying at Erasmus School of Law in Rotterdam. In the third term, I will go abroad again, this time to Aix-en-Provence.

I liked studying Law while doing my bachelor’s, but I was not interested in becoming a lawyer or a judge. In the EMLE programme, I was able to learn about law from a different perspective. In the master’s, you learn how to conduct an economic analysis of laws and regulations. The master programme uses micro-economic models to analyse the changes in behaviour that result from different regulatory choices. In addition, I wanted to go abroad, and this programme provides the opportunity of going abroad twice or even three times during the year. In every country, you can follow a language course provided by the university, so it provides a good chance to learn new languages. After this LL.M. programme, I plan to do an MSc programme in Economics, probably health economics. I can say in all sincerity that I am really happy that I chose the EMLE programme, because I am interested in how law affects people, and in this programme I have the opportunity to go more deeply into this subject. 

I am not yet sure where I will be In five years, or what job I will have. Maybe I will be involved with policy making and government affairs, and I might want to work in the European Union. In any case, I believe this LL.M. programme will definitely contribute to such a career path.

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’.

My name is Anselm T. Grahl, and I am a 24-year-old German citizen from Latvia. I completed a Bachelor of Laws in European Law at Maastricht University, while also starting to work in the field of sustainability in the higher education sector.

After completing my LL.B., I wanted to continue on an international and particularly European law track. The LL.M. of International and European Union Law at ESL offered me a great opportunity to further pursue these multi-layered legal systems. For many of my study colleagues, this Masters offers a great opportunity to specialise in their starting or ongoing career as lawyers. I am, however, hoping that this programme will help take me into European or international governance within the next few years, thereby allowing me to connect my studies of Law with my work in the field of sustainability. The LL.M. programme has already made it possible for me to explore this connection. It not only deals with law in dry black-letter texts, but enables students and lecturers to consider critically the rationales and effects of international and European law and governance systems. And it does this while taking into account issues that include economic efficiency, development, environmental impact, and human rights. The amazing group of international students and lecturers from diverse backgrounds adds many layers and perspectives to these discussions. Remember this: ‘if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room’.

As a city, Rotterdam adds to this international spirit. Incredibly vibrant, cosmopolitan, and modern, it is one of the up-and-coming places to be in Europe. If you choose to come to Rotterdam, you will find all the culture, nightlife, and diversity you could hope for. Being largely newly built over the past several decades, the city also offers some of the best contemporary architecture in the world, along with many green spaces. It is – quite literally − a city designed for this and future decades.

After finishing high school in the Netherlands, I went on to Boston (MA, US) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Philosophy. During those four years, I specifically enjoyed the combination of economics, philosophy, and law. After serving as a research assistant in this field, I started to explore opportunities at universities in the Netherlands, where I could build upon this knowledge while still being part of an international environment. This led me to enroll in the European Master in Law & Economics (EMLE) programme.

Consisting of three trimesters, EMLE is a one-year master’s programme that enables you to spend each trimester in a new city (such as Hamburg, Ghent, and many others). Rotterdam, being one of those cities, offers an abundance of culture, bars, great food, friendly people, and a university that provides an awesome atmosphere for its students. Furthermore, the EMLE programme offers courses both in law and economics, which leads to an understanding of the overlap between the two subjects, and that is helpful in almost every line of work. Moreover, your classmates will be from all over the world, and every student has unique insights.

I would highly recommend Rotterdam, and the EMLE programme, to prospective students. The renowned academic excellence of the EMLE programme as well as its international character are aspects that drew me to it. A year later, as I finish my studies, I look back on a year in which I made lifelong friends, had priceless cultural experiences, and am more than ready to embark on my future academic endeavours.

I am 32 years old, and my wife and I are from Israel. The decision to study in this programme was not an easy one, as we had also been admitted to similarly prestigious institutions in London. After taking a number of parameters into account, however, we decided that we would benefit most from the EMLE programme.
We are both practising lawyers in the field of commercial litigation, with more than four years’ experience, but we wanted to take a break from work in order to further our knowledge and to broaden our horizons.

The EMLE programme offered the perfect means to achieve our goals. The combination of Law and Economics is fascinating, and has led to us enhancing our academic and professional way of thinking. In addition, because the EMLE caters to many students from all over the world, it has enabled us to get to know other cultures and societies. And because most of us had left our own countries in order to participate in this programme, and we did not have our own family and friends with us, we were able to develop a new community − the EMLE family (we call it FEMLE) − and we gained friends for life. Living in Europe in general and in Rotterdam specifically was extremely pleasing, and the student experience in this city was amazing.

After completing this programme, I can say that we have gained not only friends but also a solid professional network that will help us to grasp new opportunities on an international level.

I am 24 years old and although a Russian according to my passport, I am a global citizen by character. With this testimonial, I would like to share my unforgettable experience as an LL.M. student.

I first discovered the challenging world of international law during my Bachelor`s programme in Moscow. Subsequently, I was given a unique opportunity to apply this knowledge to practice during an internship at the United Nations Office in Vienna, where I was part of the legal team that keeps a record of material damage in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Needless to say, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, during which I gained practical work experience, made friends from all over the world, and, most importantly, discovered my true passion for international law. How do you hold a state accountable for breach of international norms? What do multinational corporations have to do with international human rights law? I wanted to explore all these things, and much more, in depth, and that is why I decided to pursue an LL.M. degree. And what  better place to study international law than in the home country of its founder Hugo Grotius?

Receiving the letter of acceptance from Erasmus University was one the most exciting days of my life. Without any doubt, this master raised my perception and knowledge of law to a whole new level. Every lecture or written assignment was an opportunity to be creative and to think outside the box. I remember how anxious I was at the beginning: meeting fellow students for the first time, listening to the first lecture entirely in English, and submitting the first written assignment. But the common denominator for all these things were the exceptional professors who taught us during the year: they were always there to encourage, to answer any question, and to point us in the right research direction. The teaching approach is different from the one in Russian universities; in The Netherlands, you are given much more independence and freedom of choice, but this also means taking full responsibility for your actions and for any missed deadlines. Our faculty has done an amazing job at keeping our course interactive and enjoyable: this included study visits to such prominent places as the Peace Palace and the International Criminal Court; arranged guest lectures with legal practitioners; and of course I cannot forget the fun part, which we certainly enjoyed at the Christmas dinner party.

Of course, one should not forget the vibrant and welcoming Rotterdam atmosphere, which cannot be compared to anything else. Moscow is diverse and energizing, Vienna is dignified and artistic, but Rotterdam is all these things and much more. The best plan for a weekend is to get on your bike and explore the hidden Rotterdam gems. But living here is not just about discovering the city and getting your degree; it is also about getting to know the locals. Dutch people are very open and easy-going, and they made me feel very welcome; I found some of my closest friends here. We have had so much fun together that I have not even had time to feel homesick.

Following graduation, I feel that there is an ocean of possibilities out there, and I cannot wait to explore it. I would love to continue the Dutch journey, and to fulfill myself professionally here as well. Erasmus taught me to be courageous and ambitious, and not afraid to stand out in a crowd. This master year gave me so many opportunities and life lessons, and I wish all the newcomers the same possibility. I strongly encourage all future LL.M. participants to go for every opportunity that comes your way, and to make the most of what Erasmus has to offer; you will not regret it.

I would like to leave you with this thought: Dare to be free, dare to go as far as your thought leads, and dare to carry that out in your life.

Gent is my hometown

“I decided to study Criminology, because I am interested in law, psychology and sociology. All these fields come together in the study programme of Criminology. I studied in Gent for five years: bachelor and master Criminology and both the European Criminology and Criminal Justice Systems masters. After graduating, I was offered a research job in Gent. I joined the research project “Leadership and leadership development at the police agency”, commissioned by the Belgian Ministry of Internal Affairs. The research project was a great way to gain experience in the field. I had only just graduated, when I started interviewing mayors, prosecutors, and police chiefs, sometimes even in French!

After conducting research for two years, I had learned a lot and discovered my passion for research. Due to a fellowship by the Special Research Fund from Gent University and the University of Applied Sciences in Gent I was able to conduct doctoral research into the trafficking of electronical waste (e-waste) and hardwood, with a focus on the governance context of this phenomenon in the Port of Antwerp. During this time, I was also able to do fieldwork in Ghana, which has been an incredible experience.”

From New York to Rotterdam

“After my doctoral research, my partner and I moved to the United States. He got a job in New York (Cornell University, Ithaca) and I got to finish the last six months of my appointment at HoGent remotely. Not long after receiving my doctorate, I started working at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice (City University of New York). I taught Theoretical Criminology and Research Methods, but I also learnt a lot about the American educational and judicial system and about American society. However, the job presented quite the challenge on a personal level. Cornell University and John Jay College are five hours apart; so, I stayed in Manhattan three days a week and the rest of the week I went back to Ithaca, a beautiful place located by Cayuga Lake in the wooded hills. The green environment suited me better than the city, even though I enjoyed exploring ‘the Big Apple’.”

“After two and a half years, me and my husband decided to find jobs in closer proximity together. We weighed multiple options, but the offers in Rotterdam seemed like the best fit for both of our ambitions. I started working at Erasmus School of Law and my husband at Rotterdam School of Management. In the meantime, I was granted a postdoc fellowship from the Flanders Research Foundation, which allowed me to start my research about environmental crime at Gent University. This was a parttime appointment which enabled me to also work for the department of Criminology at Erasmus School of Law. At the time, I used to travel to Gent for my research approximately once a week, but I am glad to now have a fulltime appointment here in Rotterdam.”

Inequality in society and economy

“In addition to my work at the Criminology department, I have been a permanent member of the Erasmus Initiative on Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity (DoIP) since 2018. Therefore, I spend some of my time with researchers outside of our faculty. This really excites me as we share an interest and a passion for all cases concerning inequality in society or the economy. I like working with my colleagues from DoIP, because together we take a step outside of our faculties and get to learn about other disciplines and shared interests. It allows me to continue to research environmental crime, from more perspectives than criminology alone. For example, philosopher Yogi Hendlin and I are currently recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for a project on the production, use and regulation of so-called “forever chemicals” (e.g., PFAS).”

From January 2021, I have also been appointed co-chair (with René Repasi) of ‘Public & Private Interests’ within the sector plan of Erasmus School of Law. I look forward to further developing research on public and private interests within legal sciences and criminology, together with René, the postdocs, and PhDs, and with the others that are involved in the sector plan.

Combining research and education

“Because of my appointment at DoIP, I could spend a lot of time on my research. In the past two years, I have spent a lot of time on the research project on drugs crime in the Port of Rotterdam, assigned by the Rotterdam Consultative Body for Safety, consisting of municipality, police, customs, and public prosecution services. My colleagues Richard Staring, Robby Roks, Elisabeth Brein and Henk van de Bunt and I presented our research report in May 2019. But we still like to keep ourselves informed on the latest developments in the port. It is nice to hear that our recommendations are being appreciated and implemented by public and private actors.

Together with criminologists from Maastricht and Rotterdam, Karin van Wingerde and I also conduct action-oriented research for the Dutch Research and Documentation Centre into the so-called reinforcement movement: improving the approach to subversive drug crime. During the research we closely follow 13 (of the 126) projects throughout the country and mainly examine them from a public administration perspective.

Besides my research, I have taught the minor Criminology for several years. However, my focus within education is set on the supervision of students during their thesis and co-teaching two courses in the Masters programme Criminology and the International Research Master (IMARC) in close collaboration with Karin van Wingerde (Corporate & White-Collar Crime) and Robby Roks (Organised Crime). With support of Community for Learning and Innovation (CLI) we have redesigned these courses to the model of case-based learning. This means that students take on real cases of company- and organised crime, for which they develop legal policy advice in small groups. I really enjoy developing and teaching of courses together with others and would therefore really recommend it.”

Friends around the world and nature close to home

“Nature is a great source of inspiration for me. As a kid, I grew up playing in the woods in Hertsberge, a small town near Brugge. During my holidays, I love to spend time in the mountains of for example Austria, Switzerland, Norway, or Canada. At the moment, travelling has been put on the backburner. Even spending a weekend with friends and family in Belgium is very difficult. Especially in this time I consider myself very fortunate to have nature close by. About a kilometre from my home, there is this little creek where we can swim in summer or ice-skate like last winter.

My social life is also very important to me. I have a group of close friends from Belgium, who I talk to or meet up with on a regular basis, no matter where in the world I am. I also like to keep in touch with friends that I have met on foreign adventures and I have a strong family relation.”

Interesting people and fascinating research

“Last January, I was appointed professor and I already got to experience many great things during my doctorate and post doctorate research. I am very happy with my work at DoIP and Erasmus School of Law. I work in a great team and I love how direct the Dutch are, I might even have adapted this directness (or maybe I always had it in me, who knows).

I am also proud of what I achieved with colleagues on a research level. In addition to our research in the port and the waste crime research, I spent some time in Louisiana research local coastal land loss. For this project, I did some fieldwork at a native community on the Island Isle-de-Jean-Charles; I was invited to a first nation community to talk to someone who has lived on the island for 85 years, who told me everything about their community. This resulted in great research material.”

Plenty to learn and discover

“Being a mom of two young daughters and working fulltime, can be quite the challenge, especially during an ‘intelligent lockdown’ or when they are sick. Within the academic world I still see many great challenges on the horizon. I, for example, aspired to take on more responsibilities within Erasmus School of Law, and due to my recent appointment, I have the chance to do just that. I love the combination of research and education. Therefore, I can see myself working in academia for a long time. If my partner and I would ever receive an offer for a position that suits us both and in which we could live in the mountains and the jobs would suit us both, then I might say goodbye to the Netherlands. However, it should be a very good deal, before we would even consider it!”