Tessie Schuurs

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!