Testimonials

Why a master? Why the Netherlands? Why International Trade Law at Erasmus University of Rotterdam? These are simple questions with difficult answers.  

In 2018, I was working as a lawyer in Singapore specialising in international trade and insolvency disputes. As the nature of my practice surrounded commercial contracts, trade finance and carriage of goods, I was keen on advancing my knowledge in this area of law. A part of me was also yearning to go back to my student days of having the academic freedom to read and learn about a topic without the crushing pressure of billable hours. Doing a masters in international trade law was therefore an attractive option to achieve both my academic and career aspirations. Sometime in June I was granted the Excellence Scholarship for non-EEA students by the university, which covered a large part of my international student tuition fees. With the golden ticket in hand, I packed my bags for Rotterdam.

Did the master live up to my expectations? Generally, yes. As the master programme was spread across 5 blocks over the academic year, there was balance between work and play. Apart from the graded assignments, you have the freedom to plan your schedule and the flexibility to choose an elective of your interest in one of the blocks. The students are diverse and there are plenty of opportunities to excel. While there is a focus on independent learning, the faculty also has experienced professors who are passionate and knowledgeable on maritime, shipping and international trade law. If you have an interest in this area of law, you would be hard-pressed to find a better university in Europe to do your masters.

The Netherlands is a beautiful country and English is widely spoken. Like Amsterdam, Rotterdam is teeming with life and has a strong international presence. The city is a beautiful sight to behold - a combination of modern architecture with the rustic charm of buildings from the past. Cocktail in hand at a rooftop bar while admiring the city lights over the meandering Maas on a Friday night? Check. Beer with friends in an underground grimy bar? Also check. New and old. Clean and rough. There is a place for everyone in Rotterdam.

So what can you do with this masters? I have classmates who went into various industries like banking as well as oil and gas. As for me, I am happy to be working as a Transaction Lawyer at Loyens & Loeff. The university has given me the gateway to a life in the Netherlands and as they say, the rest is history.

 Curious to learn more? Find me on LinkedIn!

Choosing a master’s programme that fits ones interests, needs and ambitions is hard, especially as the options seem endless. My name is Paulina Kletschke, I am 24 years old, German and finished an LL.B. programme in European Law at Maastricht University. I had former experience studying in the Netherlands and knew that I also wanted to pursue my master’s degree in this beautiful country. During my bachelor’s, I did a business law minor, which awoke my interest in corporate law. After researching my options, it was clear that the Commercial and Company Law master’s at Erasmus University Rotterdam is the correct choice for me. It combined all the fields I am enthusiastic about, such as intellectual property-, competition-, corporate governance- and tax law. Furthermore, I saw Rotterdam as the perfect city to live in. It has the typical Dutch small-town flair, but is at the same time a big, vibrant, modern city. It has job perspectives for international professionals, but also offers a great student life. The combination of the city itself and the master’s programme made me pick this LL.M. above all others and I was not disappointed.

The master’s offered me the chance to grow personally and academically. I was impressed by the effort and work the professors put into supporting me and my personal goals. I felt incredibly supported and encouraged to grow above my own expectations during the LL.M. programme. Next to academic advice, I received personal feedback and opportunities. The university does not only want you to do well in your studies, but also to support you beyond that step. Once you are in the Erasmus School of Law family, you are part of a community and continue to be part of it as an alumnus or alumna. As I had the great opportunity to be the Commissioner of External Affairs for the Trade and Transport Law Association, I was in contact with many alumni. It was interesting to exchange information about how the programme developed and grew throughout the past years and what my options for the future are.

One aspect I appreciated most about the University is the openness concerning critical feedback. After every period, a feedback round was held in which the students could give direct feedback to the people responsible and exchange their experiences. This is a really good system to ensure a steady improvement of the programme, which benefits all the parties involved.

When starting a new academic block, the list of readings and deadlines one finds in the syllabus may seem overwhelming at first. But in my opinion the workload is well balanced and doable through proper time management. I was able to follow the programme, while working and being engaged in different extracurricular activities. So, I encourage everyone to not be discouraged, since the community, from staff to fellow students, is understanding, supportive and very helpful.

All in all, the LL.M. in Commercial and Company Law at Erasmus University Rotterdam is a great choice for students that look for a supportive environment and a compelling study.

My name is Benedict Tan and I am from Singapore. In the academic year 2019/2020, I was enrolled in Erasmus University Rotterdam’s LL.M. programme Commercial and Company Law, under a dual degree programme with the National University of Singapore.

Erasmus University Rotterdam was an excellent choice for me because it is such an international university. There are many wonderful opportunities in Erasmus University Rotterdam to meet people from all around the world, as well as develop an international mindset. Coming from a common law background in Singapore, it was also intriguing to experience the differences in a civil law jurisdiction.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Erasmus University Rotterdam. The curriculum for the LL.M. programme Commercial and Company Law was well-designed. It featured many international aspects, which means that it was relevant even for those who intended to return to their home country after completion of the degree. Moreover, many of the subjects provided a broad overview with useful comparative analysis. This is exactly what education for a master’s degree ought to be – concerned with more than just the black letter law, but also normative questions of what an effective legal system should be. Finally, the pace of lessons was also appropriate, in that it was sufficiently rigorous whilst still allowing me ample time to make friends, build a network, as well as travel around Europe.

I would highly recommend prospective master’s students to think hard about what they want to achieve in their master’s programme. Erasmus School of Law has much to offer, including well-run co-curricular activities such as study trips, student associations and moot competitions. The community is also friendly, warm, and welcoming – even for non-Dutch speakers like me. I never felt out of place and my Dutch friends truly made me feel at home. Ultimately, a master’s degree is for many of us the final few steps in our formal education, so do make the most out of it!

My name is Stefan Haeussler Vesco; I am an Italian student, raised in Guatemala, Central America. I applied to the specialisation of International Trade Law at Erasmus University Rotterdam around February of last year and ecstatic to find out I was accepted to the programme. I had very high expectations of the city when I first arrived to Rotterdam and fortunately they were met.

Life in Rotterdam is very relaxed and chill, with many parks and lakes to visit around. I cannot say there was once a moment where I felt I could not go on a short bike ride and find a new and beautiful place to visit. Even the most iconic landmarks in the Netherlands are a short train ride from Rotterdam’s central station.

My first few weeks of the master were a bit hectic, the pace and level of the master’s course is very high; Nevertheless, I knew from the start it was not going to be easy. The University is a very well-known academic institution through Europe and it does show by the professionalism the lecturers show during the classes. Not once I was met with a lecturer that could not answer the very hard and confusing questions that other students threw at them, which showed the experience and competence of the professors the University employs.

Students who want to apply for this LL.M. programme must know that they will be met with a great task, which is working and reading every week; whether it be by doing assignments, preparing for finals exams or constantly working on the master’s thesis. This does not mean that there’s no leisure time, there are many activities held either by the University on the campus or by student associations.

I highly recommend registering for a student association, because they not only organise professional meetings with important lawyers and advocates that work in different branches of the law, it is also a great way to meet new people and make friends that will make the journey much more pleasant during the year in Rotterdam.

The master’s degree is very internationally focused. I met people from all over the world and created great friendships along the way. Although social life was cut short for many due to the coronavirus outbreak, student associations held online meeting and games to maintain the morale of the group. Overall it was a great experience with different people, cultures, and ideas.

Last but not least the University has many facilities that make the student experience quite comfortable, even on high stress weeks, such as exams week. The lecturers and faculty are always eager to lend a hand to struggling students and will pay attention to the student’s need even on weekends. I would like to thank Erasmus School of Law for this academic year because, even through the pandemic, they rose up to the occasion to give students the education they deserve.

My name is Gonzalo Rizo Patron, I am 31 years old. I was born and raised in Lima, Peru, where I did bachelor studies, got the qualification to practice law, and acquired professional experience. Before enrolling at the Commercial and Company Law LL.M. programme  at Erasmus University Rotterdam, I worked in the legal department of the Peruvian subsidiaries of multinational companies for a few years, mainly in the field of corporate law with a focus on contract and company law.

While having stable job, I felt that I needed to get out of my comfort zone, so I decided to pursue new challenges to enhance and give an international perspective to my career. I was looking to increase my knowledge and experience in corporate law, but as a native Spanish speaker I also wanted to improve my English, and overall live a life-enriching experience. I did right by choosing Rotterdam and Commercial and Company Law at Erasmus University Rotterdam for that purpose!

The LL.M. programme provides an attractive duality between company and commercial law. Courses like International Corporate Governance and Company Law and Restructuring meant learning relevant insights of the European corporate law framework, which surely add value to my career. Courses like Commercial Law and Carriage of Goods got me to explore the legal aspects of international trade at the biggest port of Europe (situated in Rotterdam); which is an interesting field for countries like Peru, with a large part of its economy based on exports.

For those enrolling in this LL.M. programme, be advised that sometimes it can be very demanding. During the first course, attendance is mandatory. Herein you will face frequent deadlines, and at an early stage you will have to start working on your thesis, so better start thinking on potential topics. The school has been struggling to better some organisational aspects and their communications to students. They have been actively collecting feedback from students and I am sure that it will just get better. They have demonstrated its commitment to improve by quickly adapting to the online format within the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic and being keen to listen to students in the whole process.

Finally, I must say that Rotterdam is an amazing city to live in, it is a really safe place and its atmosphere is pretty open-minded and welcoming to internationals. Its modern architecture and skyline are impressive, and it has plenty of beautiful parks and lakes, which together with the ‘Nieuwe Maas’ river deliver great landscapes. So when the weather is nice you will definitely want to be out! There are also plenty of cultural and nightlife activities to enjoy when you are not struggling with the -sometimes tight- deadlines. The best of all is that due to its bike friendly infrastructure, you can safely cycle to anywhere in the city in about 15 to 20 minutes. Moreover, although the official language in the Netherlands is Dutch, English is absolutely widespread, so it is a perfect alternative to experience an English-speaking life.

My name is Ata Yiğit Bozkurt. I am 21 years old and from Turkey. After having obtained my bachelor’s degree, before starting my career, I knew that I wanted to continue my studies with commercial law and especially with international arbitration. I already knew that Erasmus University was a prestigious institution, especially in the field of economics. After attending the master’s open day, I was convinced that the ‘International Arbitration and Business Law (IABL)’ master’s programme was the match for someone who wants to pursue such a career. 

The International Arbitration and Business LL.M. programme gives a solid basis in the field of international arbitration and teaches the essentials of international business law. Ranging from international commercial arbitration to contract drafting, I may say that the programme has equipped me with the skills necessary for an international arbitration/business lawyer. Visits to prospective employers, career fairs and -days, visiting lecturers, and with foremost professors who are experts in their fields, the programme has taught me a lot. It has introduced me to the area of international arbitration and business law.

I should say that the programme, with its highly experienced professors, has provided me with insight which, otherwise, I would not be able to obtain. Since arbitration itself is a private administration of justice, it is very challenging for a student to know the facts of each and every case. Here in Rotterdam, in addition to the already defined curriculum, what I valued the most was that our professors shared their personal experiences, especially in the field of international arbitration. Them sharing their experiences has enabled me to further develop my skills for my future career.

Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that I have enjoyed the International Arbitration and Business LL.M. programme very much. I would positively recommend this LL.M. programme to those who want to study international arbitration and business law.

My name is Aaron Nagtegaal and I am 23 years old. I grew up near Rotterdam where I am currently still residing. In 2015 I started my bachelor of Law at Erasmus University. Therefore, it was only natural that I would choose a master programme at Erasmus University too. The master Commercial Law has four different specialisations: Commercial and Company Law, International Arbitration and Business Law, International Trade Law and Maritime and Transport Law. As hard as it was for me to choose which bachelor I wanted to study, as easy it was for me to choose my master. A minor on shipping, an exchange period in Athens and an internship at a law firm really paved the way for choosing the Maritime and Transport Law programme.

As one of only a few Dutch students in the programme it was quite new for me doing an international master even though I had already done a semester abroad. However, the master’s introductory course is structured in a way that really helps students to get used to the pace of the year or rather the pace of assignments and deadlines which you will get used to (eventually). I found the regular courses quite challenging but very doable if you put in the work. Even without mandatory attendance you are forced to familiarise yourself with the course substance in order to complete assignments that count towards your final grades. This encourages students to attend lectures anyway which I always enjoyed. Since our programme consisted of just under 30 students this created a very personal atmosphere as opposed to the lectures in the introductory course with all four specialisations consisting of maybe 150 students in total.

Besides that, there is also the master’s student association, the Trade and Transport Law Association (TTLA), helping students as much as possible. I even got a job through TTLA early in the year and eventually went on to become the association’s treasurer. This gave me a chance to help organise events such as company visits and social drinks together with my fellow board members.  Unfortunately, the current COVID-19 pandemic cut the year short and shattered plans for a career day which we had planned for all students in March. On the other hand, when concerns grew among students that graduation might get delayed, the university fortunately acted quickly and provided online lectures and online exams for all courses.

If you are interested in maritime and transport law, this programme is definitely worth it. Where possible, the faculty blends in company visits and moot courts that complement the courses that you are following at that time. Furthermore, monthly social drinks, karaoke nights and even online pub quizzes from the student association make sure you keep in touch with students from all four specialisations. For internationals, the university’s international office will be very helpful as it was also very helpful for me when I was in Athens for my exchange semester. Finally, do not let the COVID-19 pandemic keep you from pursuing this master’s degree as the university has implemented lots of digital tools to help students get through the year.

My name is Dimitra Maria Palaiologou, and I am both an American and Greek citizen. I grew up in the United States, and later moved to Greece, Scotland and the UAE. I obtained my LL.B. at Université Paris-Descartes, Sorbonne University.

Having an international background, I wanted to specialize in a graduate programme that would enable me to pursue an international career. The Netherlands, and in particular Erasmus University, has a renowned reputation in academic excellence and an international outlook. Moreover, arbitration had always intrigued me due to my past work experience, so choosing Erasmus University and enrolling in International Arbitration and Business Law was a natural choice for me.

The LL.M. programme on International Arbitration and Business Law of Erasmus University is an intensive and demanding programme and the curriculum prepares the students excellently. Teaching is done by leading professionals in the field of international arbitration, therefore raising the standards and expectations which in turn inspires us, students, to excel. It is an irreplaceable experience to learn from the very best and also cultivate interpersonal connections. Erasmus University caters to the needs of its students and provides us with several professional opportunities. One of which is the Willem C. Vis Arbitration Moot competition. Being among the 5 students to be selected to represent the University in this prestigious global event was an amazing experience. I was able to apply the knowledge I acquired through my studies and expand my exposure to international arbitration. I strongly recommend any student, especially in arbitration, to try out for the team!

An important factor in choosing the right LLM programme is location. I had never been to Rotterdam before, so I didn't really knew what to expect. I was very happy to find out that Rotterdam is a beautiful, warm and welcoming city and Erasmus University reflects these qualities in the best way. Rotterdam, having a major port, plays a significant role in the Netherlands and offers a rich cultural environment for its visitors and residents. Rotterdam’s history blends well with modern life and the city is full of unique architectural designs. Its public transportation system makes navigating around a breeze and despite the heavy workload I was able to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Looking back, I feel that I made the right choice selecting Erasmus University for my LL.M. studies. Life in Rotterdam has been very special to me. I was able to grow in many ways and my time at Erasmus University was filled with knowledge and valuable experiences. What made it even more special though, was sharing these experiences with people from different countries, people that I have been lucky to call friends. They filled my life with fun and loving memories.

Finally, my advice to a future student would be to make the most of your time in Rotterdam grabbing any opportunity Erasmus University offers in order to fully experience your life as a graduate student. Be proactive, manage your time wisely and most importantly enjoy yourself, as I did!

I am Freda Amoako. I come from Ghana in West Africa. When I decided to pursue an LL.M. programme, I looked for a programme that was both challenging and practical to the core. Maritime and Transport Law was an easy choice because I was aware how the maritime and transport industry affects various facets of the world’s economies. For me, choosing to study Maritime and Transport Law was a sure way of staying relevant in my practice as a lawyer.

The programme began with Research and Writing Skills and I was overwhelmed with the ton of work and group assignments. However, it turned out to be fun, especially through the group assignments as I made new friends. I particularly enjoyed the moot court competition. I thought it was a great way of practicing what had been taught in class. The programme is taught in a practical way. This is particularly evident in the several assignments and workshops that are included in the programme. It is a lot of hard work! If you are looking for a programme that is merely theoretical then pursuing an LL.M. in Maritime and Transport Law at Erasmus School of Law is probably not the way to go. However, if your goal is to gain practical and theoretical knowledge in your LL.M programme., then this is the master for you!

For someone who was coming from very far away, I was anxious about how easy or difficult it would be to adjust to my new environment. Adjusting to the new environment turned out to be easier than anticipated. The relationship between students and lecturers didn’t end in the classroom. I could send emails to my lecturers and get a response. To me that was impressive! The city of Rotterdam is vibrant and yet serene. It has interesting places to visit. It was always great for my friends and me whenever we took walks to relieve the stress after exams.

The COVID-19 pandemic came with challenges and I had my fears concerning the possibility of not being able to graduate due to measures put in place by the Dutch government. It turned out there was nothing to fear because the programme continued as scheduled, only now online.My regret is not having enough time to study the Dutch language. I think it would be awesome if some basic Dutch was included in the programme.

Nevertheless, I am glad I made the decision to study at Erasmus School of Law. In the end, I am positive I will leave the university with so many attributes I didn’t think was possible with university education.

My name is Laurène Mennesson and I am 24 years old. I'm French and I spent my childhood in the South of France. I did my bachelor's degree, as well as my first master in international law in Bordeaux. Having spent my life in France, I wanted to broaden my cultural experience by spending my second year of this master's degree in Hanoi, Vietnam. During that year, I wrote a thesis in investment arbitration and I realised that if I wanted to work in international arbitration, I had to spend a year specializing.

For this reason, I started looking for an LL.M. programme in international arbitration abroad, to perfect my English, and to explore a new country in Europe. In this way, the LL.M. programme offered by Erasmus University in Rotterdam met all my expectations. The LL.M. programme provides a unique curriculum, notably about international arbitration skills with expertise in international business law.

Living in the city of Rotterdam, I decided to adapt to Dutch culture and get around by bike, which I realised I love, because it gives me a huge sense of freedom. Everything around Rotterdam is very close by. And I loved having a sports complex right on campus, which allowed me to do a lot of sports.

The main advantage for me at Erasmus University is the large group of international students. There is a lot of diversity which is the reason I wanted to continue my education abroad. Our class this year was quite small compared to France which is an advantage, as it allows you to have real discussions with the teachers. The teachers are very attentive to our perfection of the course, both on a theoretical and a practical level. Furthermore, from the beginning of the year, we are prepared for the programme as we had to write a mini dissertation that allowed me to better understand the writing of my final thesis. I definitely have a better understanding of international arbitration. In particular, because of the practical exercises. It is very different from the French system, in the sense that the LL.M. programme is very practice-oriented, and the use of the law in our future professional life.

Moreover, I really feel that there are more professional opportunities in the Netherlands than in France. In addition to the LL.M. programme, the programme department provided us with opportunities to work in the field. I was successfully handpicked and I used to work twice a week at Linklaters in Amsterdam at the Dispute Resolution Department. This experience gave me practical insight supporting what I studied during the LL.M. programme.

I would advise students who want to join this master's programme to make sure that they find accommodation in advance because it is quite hard to find. You also must take into account that this LL.M. programme is very demanding, I spent most of my weekends at the library, but the efforts always payed off. More importantly, expect a great year with a lot of fun!