Dear all,

is there anybody who could provide information about the Central European University (Budapest, Hungary), especially its International Business Law Programme? I am mainly interested in the quality of its studies, perspectives for further employment, reputation... Any single piece of information would help me.
Thanks a lot.

Corina,
I don't know whether this is information you are looking for but my personal experience was that I decided not to go there after being admitted to CEU's International Business law LLM program with 100% tuition waiver. After having inquired about the program a bit I had an impression that it would not have helped me a lot to find a job in international law firm, since it is not highly reputable and well known among employees. My friend attended this program but was able to find a job in a domestic but not bad (Russian copper company with a salary of 10K a year - but it was 3 yrs ago). My impression was that it did not help her much in terms of getting a good job - but it seemed quite a challenging experience in terms of learning about common law system and learning English. But since at the time when I was admitted to CEU I had both basic knowledge about US common law system and quite decent English I decided not to waste time. This year I was admitted to Colubia law school but the other problem with this choice is that it is very expensive. I also heard from people attending this LLM program that it is very challenging in terms of studying and most of the graduates tend then to do an LLM in the US after CEU.
Sorry if I was not very helpful

Veterok,
thank you for your reply, really interesting information... As for me, I've heard it is regarded as a rather good program, at least in the Eastern Europe... Perhaps it depends on what your aim is, as you have already pointed out. And of course, it is uncomparable to Columbia:) (congratulations!!!). I was thinking of CEU only as of an intermediary step towards an American education, hoping that it would improve my chances to being admitted to a better university over there. On the other side, I've got a decent job here, in my country (meaning that it looks nice in a CV) and I am not sure whether being an obscure CEU LL M weighs more for an American University than being what I am for the moment (a central bank lawyer). Thoughts and thoughts...

Corina,
the program in CEU seems to be not bad in terms of learning experience. At least that was an impression I got from people who studied there. And yes, as an intermediary step it should be very good. You'll get a good exposure to the US common law system, which will make your life easier in the US. And if you get a good scholarship from CEU it will look good on your resume. But a working experience in a decent place also looks good. If you have a red diploma from you country's law school and a working expericence in a good organization, your chances should be quite hight in getting into a good school in the US.

But working experience is more valuable than a year of LLM. I know the girl who after receiving an LLM in Europe (on a full scholarship) and then in Columbia was looking for job in Moscow for about a year. She even had to accept a job of a secretary in some educational instition to support herself. And this was because she had very little working experience.

But you should decide yourself, of course. Your experience can be completely different. By the way, what country are you from?

Yes, you are right, local employers seem to very reluctant when hiring somebody with no working experience, let one be even a top-notch university graduate. But investing money, time, efforts and working a secretary afterwards Not very rewardingI hope it was only temporary and she found sth better.
The problem is that I do not have brilliant grades and I am relying mostly on my professional activity as an asset. I wonder whether an American University would consider a CEU LL M as a loss (in terms of professional activity), or perhaps I could get good grades at CEU and these would beat the grades received at my home University. No idea.
Btw, I am from Moldova, and you are from Russia, I suppose?

Corina,
Being from Moldova can be an asset too - it will make it easier for you to get a financial aid. Schools also like things like public service or any other activity besides school/work. For ex. I was involved in a human right thing. I don't know what your experience is but CEU in addition to 2yrs+ working experience should help to get you into a good school in US. The other thing you would have to do is just explain why your grades were not brilliant (had to work to support family, was professionally involved in sport, music, etc.). By explaining things you can turn your weaknesses into your pluses and that what will get you into a good school notwithstanding your grades