Testimonials

Before joining EMLE, I was working as an in-house counsel in Colombia. Discovering this program completely transformed the way I think about my career, my personal ambitions, and even the role of law in society.

What makes EMLE truly unique is that it goes far beyond a traditional law master’s. The program challenges you to rethink law through an economic and business-oriented perspective, fundamentally changing the way you analyze legal problems. More importantly, it shapes you not only as a lawyer, but also as a professional capable of understanding complex global challenges.

One of the most enriching aspects of EMLE is the opportunity to study in three different countries: Rotterdam, where I fell in love with the culture and the life style; Ghent, where the academic content exceed all the expectations we could have had; and Barcelona, a place that allowed ourself to enjoy every aspect that EMLE has to offer. Experiencing distinct academic environments, legal traditions, and cultures broadened my perspective in ways I could not have imagined before joining the program. Learning from professors and scholars from around the world also exposed me to diverse approaches to the economic analysis of law, encouraging critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

This international and interdisciplinary experience has given me a global outlook that I now apply in my professional life. After the program, I began working as counsel in a global company, advising on matters across several jurisdictions. The adaptability, analytical skills, and international mindset developed during EMLE have been invaluable in this role.

For future students, my advice is simple: come with an open mind and be ready to embrace the challenge. EMLE is much more than an academic program, it is a transformative experience that will reshape how you think, work, and see the world. If you fully embrace the journey, it may very well become one of the most meaningful and defining years of your life. 

My name is Ahmet Ufuk Yener. I attended the International Arbitration LL.M at Erasmus University between August 2023 - August 2024. My academic experience before this consisted of acquiring my bachelor’s in law at the Bilkent University Faculty of Law in Ankara, Turkey. 

I was always interested in arbitration and wanted to pursue a career in the field also in line with my previous work experience after graduating from Bilkent. This program at Erasmus University stood out as a great opportunity for me to further specialize in this topic as it had a specific and dedicated focus on arbitration, which separated it from a majority of other master’s programs I was considering applying to at the time. It also provided me with the chance to learn from several well regarded and established academicians and practitioners alike. 

My favorite aspect of the master’s was its calculated balance between theoretical knowledge, and the added importance to real world application. This was not a surprise, as the program had specifically advertised itself through the #WhereLawMeetsBusiness hashtag as well, which it held up to in every regard. Many topics and cases that we had covered in the master’s later came back in my work life, both providing familiarity as to keystone cases in the field as a starting point in legal research, as well as allowing for construction upon the base of knowledge accrued during the master’s with regards to key legal concepts in the field. Specifically, my experience with arbitration had previously been very focused in commercial arbitrations, but the master’s provided a condensed but very thorough introduction into investment arbitration, allowing for an expansion of perspective. Not surprisingly, it was also my favorite course in the master’s as a whole. 

The master’s also helped me develop both professionally and academically. I felt through the structuring of the courses and the blocks, I was able to improve upon many aspects of my drafting and research processes and learn about new sources and avenues I could use to collect information. The continuous suggestions of the lecturers to keep up to date with developments in the field has also been a major assistance later in my work life, providing for the ability to both better understand certain trends with regards to theoretical knowledge in courses, or just to make interesting conversations with colleagues and new acquaintances alike. 

The master’s was also a great experience for personal growth. Alongside the valuable knowledge I acquired with regards to legal concepts and practice, I had the opportunity to be in a very diverse environment with classmates from all around the world. Experiencing different viewpoints and cultures, and forming lifelong friendships will remain with me wherever I go from now on. 

My most prudent advice to prospective students considering this program would be fairly simple: manage your time well. While assignments and courses are demanding in their own regard, also do not miss out on the wonderful social aspects of the master’s and the city alike. 

My name is Maurizio Porrino. In 2024, I graduated from EUR’s master’s programme in International Commercial Law, specialising in international arbitration. I am a Mexican lawyer from Universidad Panamericana and currently work as an associate at a boutique arbitration firm in Mexico City. My master’s thesis was titled “Assistant.exe: An Analysis of Generative Artificial Intelligence as a Tribunal Secretary in International Arbitration”.

This programme was a pivotal step in my legal career. I was always passionate about arbitration and international dispute resolution, and this master’s gave me the tools I needed to secure opportunities in this field. I was driven to this master’s specifically for its specialised approach to arbitration. My prior academic experiences with the discipline felt limited or self-taught. This master’s was the first time I comprehensively studied arbitration in an academic setting, from its most basic concepts to its most challenging and complex notions. I wanted to build a solid foundation of knowledge in this field, which was just what this programme offered. 

I appreciated the faculty’s teaching style the most. All lectures were dynamic and practical, which was very welcome when studying a subject as technical as arbitration. In fact, the faculty is the master’s greatest added value. EUR’s school of law has a deep tradition with arbitration, and this connection is nurtured to this day. All faculty members are renowned practitioners and/or academics in the field. Although all lecturers have different teaching styles, everyone has interesting ‘war stories’ and vast technical knowledge. I found all lectures engaging, accessible, and in-depth.

Beyond the programme’s excellent academic aspects, this experience certainly made me grow as a person. As an international student, I was far outside my comfort zone and disconnected from the network of support that my friends and family provided. While this was intimidating at first, navigating these personal challenges massively enriched my experience in Rotterdam. Every day I interacted with new cultures and worldviews. I learned a lot from all my international friends and became much more aware of the world around me.

Finally, the master’s has a clear business focus. For me #WhereLawMeetsBusiness meant that, as students, we were encouraged to think about the entrepreneurial side of law quite often. EUR hosted several networking events and practical webinars which reminded us that legal work goes beyond textbooks.

The most important tip is to live this experience to its fullest. As law students we can sometimes become too fixated on the academic and professional aspects of a master’s. Rotterdam is a beautiful city full of interesting people and places. Make time to interact with your fellow students or wander around. You will be rewarded with amazing friends and lifelong memories.My name is Maurizio Porrino. In 2024, I graduated from EUR’s master’s programme in International Commercial Law, specialising in international arbitration. I am a Mexican lawyer from Universidad Panamericana and currently work as an associate at a boutique arbitration firm in Mexico City. My master’s thesis was titled “Assistant.exe: An Analysis of Generative Artificial Intelligence as a Tribunal Secretary in International Arbitration”.

This programme was a pivotal step in my legal career. I was always passionate about arbitration and international dispute resolution, and this master’s gave me the tools I needed to secure opportunities in this field. I was driven to this master’s specifically for its specialised approach to arbitration. My prior academic experiences with the discipline felt limited or self-taught. This master’s was the first time I comprehensively studied arbitration in an academic setting, from its most basic concepts to its most challenging and complex notions. I wanted to build a solid foundation of knowledge in this field, which was just what this programme offered. 

I appreciated the faculty’s teaching style the most. All lectures were dynamic and practical, which was very welcome when studying a subject as technical as arbitration.  In fact, the faculty is the master’s greatest added value. EUR’s school of law has a deep tradition with arbitration, and this connection is nurtured to this day. All faculty members are renowned practitioners and/or academics in the field. Although all lecturers have different teaching styles, everyone has interesting ‘war stories’ and vast technical knowledge. I found all lectures engaging, accessible, and in-depth.

Beyond the programme’s excellent academic aspects, this experience certainly made me grow as a person. As an international student, I was far outside my comfort zone and disconnected from the network of support that my friends and family provided. While this was intimidating at first, navigating these personal challenges massively enriched my experience in Rotterdam. Every day I interacted with new cultures and worldviews. I learned a lot from all my international friends and became much more aware of the world around me.

Finally, the master’s has a clear business focus. For me #WhereLawMeetsBusiness meant that, as students, we were encouraged to think about the entrepreneurial side of law quite often. EUR hosted several networking events and practical webinars which reminded us that legal work goes beyond textbooks.

The most important tip is to live this experience to its fullest. As law students we can sometimes become too fixated on the academic and professional aspects of a master’s. Rotterdam is a beautiful city full of interesting people and places. Make time to interact with your fellow students or wander around. You will be rewarded with amazing friends and lifelong memories.

After completing my bachelor’s in criminology at Leiden University, I decided to pursue my master’s degree at EUR and UGent. It was the international dimension of the master’s programme that caught my attention at first. Being part of an international community in which different academic backgrounds come together is an important aspect of the programme in my opinion. This aspect also establishes social awareness, an important quality in our field. Now that I have completed my master, I would say that this international dimension was indeed a very valuable aspect to me. 

During my second year, my thesis supervisor, Prof. Christophe Vandeviver (UGent, Crime Lab), gave me the opportunity to be part of his research team as an intern. I would say that a lot of my academic as well as personal growth was due to this opportunity. As part of the UGent Crime Lab, I actively collaborated in ongoing research projects, contributing to the team’s broader efforts. I was also responsible for designing and implementing my own independent research project, which allowed me to explore my interests in depth and apply what I learned throughout my education in a research setting. Even though I am unsure about whether I want to pursue a career in academia, this internship was a huge added value to my IMARC experience, and I am convinced that I will be able to use the skills in many other settings as well. I would recommend future students to make the most of their IMARC years through internships or part-time jobs, as I truly believe it enriches your experience. 

Another important advice for future IMARC students would be to ensure a good support system. Finding a supportive supervisor and a thesis topic that you love (not just like!) would also be part of this recommendation. The pace and organisation of the programme can get tough and lonely at times. It was my support system and interest for my thesis topic that kept me going. Above all, my main tip would be to try and enjoy it a little from time to time. IMARC is an extraordinary experience that I would not have wanted to miss out on.

Bachelor Economie en Recht Jaar van afstuderen: 2023 (Economie), 2024 (Rechtsgeleerdheid) Afkomstig van: VWO, profiel C&M en E&M (voorafgegaan door havo) 

Thema bachelorwerkstuk: Verruiming van de Immateriële Schadevergoeding - Een analyse naar de uitbreiding van het recht van immateriële schadevergoeding voor aantasting in de persoon op andere wijze door middel van geestelijk letsel.

Mijn interesse in recht was er eigenlijk altijd al. De manier waarop regels de samenleving structureren, vond ik van jongs af aan intrigerend. Tegelijkertijd sprak ook de economische kant me aan. Deze dubbele interesse leidde me naar de bachelor Economie en Recht, met het idee: ik kijk wel hoever ik kom. Die keuze bleek uiteindelijk precies goed. 

Wat mij positief verraste, was hoe praktisch en toepasbaar het onderwijs is. In plaats van alleen maar theorie stampen, werk je veel met jurisprudentie en casussen uit de praktijk. Dat maakt het recht veel minder “stoffig” dan ik dacht. Het vak Goederen- en Insolventierecht is me sterk bijgebleven. De structuur van het vak voelde eerst complex, maar toen het kwartje eenmaal viel – letterlijk een uur voor het tentamen – begreep ik hoe alles in elkaar zat. Dat gaf niet alleen vertrouwen, maar maakte het onderwerp ook ineens interessant. Ook het vak Recht en Bedrijf vond ik erg interessant, omdat het theorie en praktijk verbond. We werkten met dossiers die je inzicht gaven in hoe het recht er in het bedrijfsleven uitziet. Wat ik vooral meeneem uit de opleiding is dat geen situatie hetzelfde is – je leert echt genuanceerd denken. Je kunt niet te snel conclusies trekken zonder het hele verhaal te kennen. Die manier van denken zie ik als één van de grootste vaardigheden die ik aan de studie heb overgehouden. 

#whereLawMeetsBusiness betekent voor mij het snijvlak tussen theorie en praktijk. Juist in dat grensgebied zie je hoe juridische kennis en economische inzichten elkaar aanvullen en versterken. Die combinatie geeft je als student een breder perspectief én meer mogelijkheden voor uiteenlopende loopbanen. Mijn tip aan toekomstige studenten: investeer ook in het sociale aspect van je studietijd. Zo ben ik vanaf het begin van mijn studie lid geworden bij In Duplo. Hier heb ik veel medestudenten leren kennen, zodat ik altijd les had met vrienden en we elkaar konden helpen met studeren. Buiten de leuke informele activiteiten die deze vereniging organiseert, heeft het me ook geholpen om mij te oriënteren op mijn verdere carrière na mijn studie. In Duplo organiseert veel activiteiten die mij, ook nu ik hier een bestuursjaar heb gedaan, helpen met mijn academische en professionele ontwikkeling. Daardoor heb ik niet alleen veel geleerd over samenwerken en organiseren, maar ook een hechte groep mensen leren kennen. En dat maakt je studententijd zoveel leuker én waardevoller.

Great to see your interest in the LL.M. programmes of the Erasmus University Rotterdam! My name is Tessie Schuurs, and I completed the Master in Maritime and Transport Law in 2018. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Dutch law at Utrecht University, where I also studied a semester of Marketing in Australia.

During my studies, I discovered my interest in Maritime and Transport Law through the course Commercial Law. This field focuses on contracts involving various parties (carriers, freight forwarders, insurers, banks) and has a direct link to business activities and international trade. Additionally, I found it advantageous to pursue an English-taught master's programme, as I aspired to work in an international environment. The programme itself is very international, with a focus on international treaties and students from all over the world coming to study in Rotterdam.

The intensive course Research and Writing Skills quickly familiarised me with the teaching methods, lecturers, and study materials. My favourite course was Transport Law, as it provides a good overview of the various modes of transport (ocean, inland waterways, air, road, and rail) and focuses on the carriage of goods and passengers. For instance, it is useful to know your rights as a passenger under the Montreal Convention in case your flight is delayed or cancelled.

The master's programme has been of great value to me. The high level of lectures and seminars further sharpened my analytical skills. I also became familiar with reading legal documents such as Bills of Lading, general terms and conditions, and international treaties. This knowledge was very beneficial when I recently transitioned from practising law to working at CEVA Logistics (one of the world's largest logistics service providers).

The research for my master's thesis particularly contributed to my personal growth. I conducted empirical research on the still relevant topic of the liability of food delivery couriers working within the platform economy (Uber Eats, Thuisbezorgd, Foodora). I learned how to set up a survey study and subsequently conducted and processed dozens of surveys. I also interviewed a Dutch insurer on this topic. As the icing on the cake, I was able to present my findings at a conference in Paris. This experience allowed me to develop both my hard skills (transport law with a focus on the CMR Convention) and my soft skills (research skills, presenting).

For me, the Master in Maritime and Transport Law represents #whereLawMeetsBusiness. The programme included many guest lectures, a masterclass, and activities organised by the TTLA. This broadened my perspective beyond just the law. I now see this reflected in my role as Legal Counsel Benelux at CEVA Logistics. A good corporate lawyer delves deep into legal knowledge but also maintains a broad perspective. When negotiating commercial contracts, I not only focus on legal aspects but also advise the business on operational and financial risks.

My golden tip for students is: do not hesitate to contact a company or person who has sparked your interest. People generally enjoy being approached by an enthusiastic student and are happy to share more about their work. Who knows, this contact might even lead to a valuable (part-time) job!

My name is Kalkidan Asmamaw Tadesse, and I come from Ethiopia. I am a proud graduate of the Masters of Commercial Law (LL.M) program with a specialization in International Arbitration from the class of 2023-2024. I am currently serving as a Public Prosecutor at the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry of Justice, within the Legal Studies, Drafting, and Consolidating Directorate General. I hold a Bachelor of Law (LL. B) from the University of Gondar, Ethiopia. My master’s thesis titled as ‘The Efficacy of Arbitration under AfCFTA Protocol on Rules, and Procedures on the Settlement of Disputes: Lesson from Others.’

I chose this master’s program because of a long-standing aspiration that began during my undergraduate years, driven by a profound interest in international arbitration and international trade law. I believe that enhancing expertise in these fields is crucial for bolstering the global trade competitiveness of my country and the wider international community. By acquiring advanced knowledge in international arbitration, I aim to contribute to developing robust legal frameworks and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. This expertise is vital for addressing challenges that hinder global competitiveness, ensuring fair and efficient resolution of cross-border disputes, and ultimately promoting economic growth, stability, and justice across the globe.
The master's program has largely met my expectations with its rigorous curriculum and comprehensive course offerings. The core courses have provided a strong foundation in international arbitration, and the elective options allowed me to tailor my learning to my specific interests. However, I expected a more balanced approach between examinations and research/writing assignments, but the program leaned more towards exams, with about 70% of assessments being exam-based. This limited the availability of research opportunities, prompting me to seek alternative avenues for gaining practical experience.

The subjects that appealed to me the most and have stayed with me include Investment Arbitration, International Commercial Arbitration, and International Trade and Investment Law. These courses have equipped me with a deep understanding of international arbitration principles and practical skills in research and advocacy. Completing my thesis further honed my expertise, solidifying my readiness to contribute to resolving complex international legal issues. The master's program has significantly enriched my academic journey, preparing me for pursuing a Ph.D. It has strengthened my resilience and time management skills, allowing me to thrive under pressure. My social awareness has also evolved, understanding the importance of seeking help when needed as a sign of strength, not weakness. For me, #WhereLawMeetsBusiness signifies the convergence of legal strategy and corporate ambition, ensuring that disputes are resolved strategically, seizing opportunities along the way.

To prospective master’s students, remember that your belief in yourself and dedication to your goals will drive your success. Stay focused, stay determined, and continue to believe in the possibilities ahead.

Year of graduation: August 2024
LLB (Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia) 
LLM (Erasmus School of Law, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
LLM specialization: International Commercial and Company Law
LLM thesis topic: Sustainability and Corporate Governance in Ethiopia and the European Union: A Comparative Perspective
The reason that motivated me to

The reason that motivated me to choose the master's program in International Commercial and Company Law was that I was deeply interested in the complexities of global trade and the legal frameworks that govern international business operations. This program offers the opportunity to specialize in an area that is critical to facilitating cross-border commerce and navigating the legal challenges faced by multinational corporations. My career goal is to work as a legal advisor in a global firm where I can apply my knowledge to influence corporate strategies and ensure compliance with international regulations mainly those related to the interplay of sustainability and corporate practices. Additionally, the opportunity to learn from highly prominent experts at Erasmus School of Law in the field was a significant factor in my decision.

After joining the master’s program in international commercial and company law, I really appreciated it. Because it covered a lot of legal topics which are highly relevant in the business world, mainly commercial law, international corporate governance law, company law and restructuring, law on carriage of goods, and so on. Moreover, with the inclusion of case studies, the program provided a deep understanding of how law intersect with global business operations. Additionally, it provided me with knowledge about the direct impact of the legal principles in the business world. The opportunity to be lectured by seasoned and prominent professors is also another appreciable thing. However, the demanding workload and fast-paced nature of the program were challenging at times, leaving little room for other activities. As a matter of expectation, I expected a broad focus on international legal frameworks, and the program has delivered this through its diverse range of international legal frameworks and global case studies.

The course ‘international corporate governance law’ was my favorite one. It gave me a deep understanding of the structure and governance of companies across various jurisdictions. it highly influenced my understanding of corporate social responsibility and accountability and highly motivated me to do my master’s thesis on the topic that comparatively assessed the interplay of sustainability and corporate governance in the corporate governance legal frameworks of Ethiopia and the European Union.

The program has strengthened my academic career of critically thinking about corporate- related legal issues and analyzing complex legal issues from diverse legal points of view. The connections I’ve made with peers and professors will be a lasting asset, providing a network of professionals with whom I can collaborate in the future.
Dear prospective students, Erasmus University Rotterdam in general and Erasmus School of Law in particular are not just centers of excellence and knowledge but also places that everyone can feel at home. So, just be a critical thinker and make your minds matter everything!

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.

I still remember when I was in Brazil looking for a master’s program and I found some information about IMARC. It seems like yesterday when I watched Professor René van Swaaningen's video explaining the program. At the same time that I was excited about the idea of the program and its possibilities, mobility paths, topics, etc., I was also a bit afraid that I would be able to handle it. I studied law in Brazil and had been working with criminal justice for many years. Criminology in Brazil has a different approach, and doing research at a high level was something new. In spite of all my concerns, I applied and was accepted into the program, and my journey from South America to Europe began in August 2021.

The core of the program is globalization. During the course, I could indeed live it. Being born in Brazil into an Italian family already gave me an idea of one of the main topics of the master’s: global flows. I could study something that resonates with my personal background and go further. My cohort had students from many different countries, and we could feel that we were in fact living in a globalized master’s program. Our cohort could experience unity and a nice feeling of togetherness. IMARC provides a unique experience among students from different parts of the world and also provides the possibility to connect with students from previous cohorts. There is a sense of community among IMARC students, and we are bonded by the same acronym. During the presentations at the Common Sessions, we could get closer and not only make some professional connections but also valuable friendships.

Over the course, I could learn a lot from highly skilled professors. The program provides a close experience with them, and it is a unique opportunity to learn closely with professionals with deep research experience. As I mentioned in the beginning, I was concerned about my research techniques, and I must say that it was not an easy process to grasp all the techniques and core of scientific research, but once I did it, it was an amazing feeling. As we say in Brazil, the bigger the mountain, the better the view!

I had the privilege to have very competent and patient supervisors, professors Lieselot Bisschop and Karin van Wingerde, from whom I could observe and learn what it takes to make real criminological research. In the IMARC "mountain", I was not alone. Not only my supervisor, but many other professors and the staff were always available to help and give the right guidance. Elisabeth Brein, the program coordinator, is the personification of excellency. She was always available to help and did her best to help the students achieve their goals. Furthermore, being part of Erasmus University is a wonderful experience. Its structure, organization, and reputation are definitely things that will be extremely valuable to your personal formation.

I finish this important chapter in my life called IMARC. When I look back, I am proud of everything. In a globalized world, I traveled to Europe seeking a special commodity (knowledge), and I returned to Brazil bringing much more than I was expecting to. Currently, I am working at Paraná’s state courthouse as chief of staff, and since I arrived here, many opportunities have been offered to me because of my master’s. I am already reaping the benefits of all the hard work and everything that I learned not only in Brazil but also in other countries. During the course, I could make connections with other professionals from other countries, and I will start to develop new projects already using everything that I learned in the program.

IMARC personifies its main theme: globalization. For those who wish to take the journey, be prepared to learn, to study, to communicate, and to leave your comfort zone, but bear in mind one thing: in the end, the view of the mountain is amazing!