Ana Gossain

My name is Ana Gossain and I was born and raised in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. As a young girl, I attended an American school in my hometown, until I graduated and left my country to study law in Barcelona, Spain. Those first few years in Barcelona as my first experience studying abroad, were both challenging and fascinating.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to become a lawyer. Eventually, during my first year in Barcelona I became interested in maritime law. Furthermore, the Port of Cartagena has consolidated its position as a leader in the Caribbean. In that sense, I grew up in close connection with the maritime industry and this was determinant in my decision. Once I decided I wanted to study maritime law, I did my research on the best programmes in Europe and Erasmus University in Rotterdam was indeed the best option.

The Maritime and Transport Law programme at Erasmus University has been a truly enriching experience. For once, this master is composed of small groups, which allows a more direct relationship between professor and student and this is evidently more beneficial for students. Likewise, the master provides high quality professors, many of them with important roles/connections in the shipping industry, who share with students the best of their knowledge.

Concerning the students, the programme consists of both international and Dutch students. In this regard, the master not only provides you with the best professors but also with academically qualified law students from all over the world. To put it differently, this master is not only the best option because of its educational programme, which is indeed crucial, but also because it is very competitive and you learn from the best, with the best.

Additionally, Erasmus School of Law itself has a vibrant international atmosphere where staff is always eager to help. From the master coordinator to professors, librarians, and staff, everyone is very welcoming and helpful. Furthermore, they really want you to have a pleasing experience at the university. In this regard, my experience with Rotterdam was similar. The city is vivacious, filled with attractions, cafes, clubs, restaurants, parks, and essentially, the most important port in Europe. As such, living in Rotterdam is a wonderful experience that offers you many job possibilities within the shipping industry but also an elevating social life.

It is important to note that the Maritime and Transport Law programme is very demanding. At times, especially during block 1, it could be very hard and stressful. This is due to the fact that this is the first real experience within the master and as an international student, you are still adapting. To conclude, the programme was an emotional rollercoaster. Nevertheless, the ride was worth it every step of the way and I strongly suggest to ‘push through’. Ultimately, that first block is a challenge that prepares you well for the rest of the master and your career. Again, this has been a truly enriching experience I would completely recommend.