Ishan Das

Namaste! My name is Ishan and I am 28 years old. Moving to the Netherlands from the hustle-bustle of India was quite a unique experience. However, with time, I started to appreciate the beauty of silence after a long day. The Netherlands has so much to offer and explore from its quaint country-side to picturesque canals. Rotterdam on the other hand, is a vibrant city with beautiful modern architecture, like no other city in the Netherlands. Where the streets are waiting to be explored, and with every passing day my fondness for this city has grown.

Choosing a master’s programme isn’t easy. After going back-forth through various programmes, I opted for the LL.M. programme in International Arbitration and Business Law at Erasmus School of Law. A decision which I would be happy to make all over again. This programme complements the procedural aspects of arbitration with other substantive law courses, which was the selling point for me. The structure of the programme has helped me to put the fundamental principles of arbitration into better perspective through the substantive law courses. Moreover, the classroom is designed for interactive teaching, which allows for a healthy discussion between the professors and the students. Above all, you will meet faculty members and students from all across the globe – offering a truly global classroom. I would encourage you to discuss and share your passions with the faculty members during your time, who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Besides from the programme that the university offers, various events have added value to my time in Rotterdam, such as masterclasses from PhD candidates, special guest lectures from practitioners, and other off-campus events that one take part in through the year. I would highly recommend grabbing the opportunities that come your way. Although, it is vital not to get side-tracked with the activities in the offering, and keep your focus on the programme as there will be deadlines every week or two. Especially with block 1, which is quite demanding when compared to other blocks, but completing the block will bear the fruits for the year ahead. Therefore, evaluating what is important for your aspirations will be key to get the best out of our time at Erasmus University.

However, an unwelcome and unforeseen change was awaiting seven months into our studies – ‘global pandemic’. Due to which we had to switch to online education. The change was a bit tough for me, given that I enjoyed the physical academic environment, but collectively we have worked to make way for the changes in these tough unprecedented times. Credit to the staff of Erasmus University collectively, as they have made a huge effort to keep us informed, and has provided online classes to the best of their abilities. At the end of the year, I am positive that you will come out of Erasmus University with lots of cherished memories and relationships for a lifetime.