Hey everyone!

I intend to pursue an LLM in European Law for the next academic year (2014/2015). I have applied and been conditionally admitted (as I am currently in the last semester of my Law Degree) both to the KU Leuven and the Europa-Institut at Saarland University programmes. I am still undecided as to which I should choose. Both LLMs appear to be of high quality with regard to syllabus and faculty, and really close to what I was looking for in academic terms.

The KU Leuven seems to be more well-known and internationally recognised, at least in relation to this LLM. Its location, so close to Brussels, would seem perfect for this kind of programme. And it being a study town, living there would probably be easier and more fun. But precisely because of that I am worried that the programme is too impersonal, and although I value student life I dont really want to feel I am doing an Erasmus instead of an LLM.

The Europa-Institut, on the other hand, appears cozier and more personal. The possibility of taking courses in both English and German (as I have a good knowledge of both languages) is a great attractive, especially for the latter career perspectives. It probably is a rather quiet, boring city though, and its LLM programme doesnt seem to be that known.

I dont really know any of the cities, so Im not trying to judge beforehand just considering what I have been told and what I have read about them and about the two LLMs. Of course Id value more the academic considerations than the student life ones, but it may be important to balance both to take an informed decision.

What do you think? Have you perhaps taken part in any of these programmes and can offer insight? I would really like to read your thoughts.

Thank you in advance :)

Anyone? I don't really have a clue right now about what I should choose :(

For me this seems to be a no brainer- go to Leuven. It is a very well known, highly regarded university with a strong reputation. Hardly anyone knows Saarbrucken. You will have much better career prospects by completing your LLM there. Earning and LLM in Germany does NOT open you any doors within the German job market (unless you studied there for your undergraduate legal studies, which does not seem to be the case).

Hey infraente, are you Spanish? Are you finishing a 5 year or 4 year degree?

Hey, Denning123, thank you very much for your reply. Is there really that big of a difference in terms of reputation? I knew the KU Leuven was pretty highly considered, but didn't think Saarbrücken was kind of unknown in this world. Wouldn't German be an asset with regard to career prospects (as in having taken some courses in German besides English)?

PS @EU-Mgal: yes, I am :). I sent you a PM, check your inbox.

In my humble opinion I think there is a huge difference between Leuven and Saarbruecken. While I agree that German could be an asset I think it would be much more beneficial for you to take a language course rather than having German law classes. As you will most certainly not be able to work as a lawyer in Germany after your LLM there is no point in taking classes in German. If you take a language course in the evenings/weekends or whenever while at Leuven I think it would be much more beneficial for your career prospects.

Even in Germany I would not say that Saarbruecken is highly regarded..so choosing a uni like Leuven which has a very strong reputation internationally, is in my opinion a much better choice.

Thank you again, Denning123. Your remarks are truly helpful as it is for me a tough decision to make. Leuven is probably a no-brainer choice in terms of career prospects, but I want to be really sure I choose the right option for me so as not to regret it later.

I just got a 5-day deadline to refuse or accept Leuven's proposition, so I'd be really interested in some more opinions from other users just to help me finally decide. Anybody can help?

Thanks in advance :)

At last I did choose the KU Leuven programme. I hope I've made the right decision. Just thought it'd be nice to give a heads up about my dilemma to those who may be in my situation now or in the future. Thank you for reading :)