Hello everyone,

Is anyone enrolling in IES LLM programme 2015-2016?

The programme looks really good! Has anyone took it already and can give me some inside information?

Thank you!

Hi Iana,
I was in the programme last year (2013-2014) and I can tell you that it's definitely as good as it looks! It covers both international and european subjects quite extensively, which makes it tough but very worthwhile... Add to this the fact that besides full-time academics, you'll also be taught by long-time practitioners who know their subjects like the back of their hand and whose insight into the everyday work of EU and international institutions is impressive and invaluable if you're looking for a career in the EU/international fields... In terms of infrastructure, the IES is also great - you'll get the opportunity to attend and participate in many interesting high-level events...
Work perspectives: obviously just being in Brussels where both law firms and international public law institutions come together like nowhere else is a big advantage. but you'll also be rubbing shoulders legal practitioners within these (who were always ready to give advice during lecture breaks - at least when I was there...).
In any case, all of the people I was with in the programme, including myself, found work almost immediately after the LLM or are in the course of completing traineeships either at EU institutions or NGOs...

So, all in all: just go for it! :)

Hi F_Sed,

Thank you so much for all the information! It's great to hear some feedback from someone who already took it :)

I think I will apply. Yes, it's also my plan to study in Brussels, exactly for the reasons you listed. It's great to hear that it works in practice as well as in theory... Having not been to Brussels, it's hard to know. What about the situation at the moment? How is it to live there?

Many thanks again,

Iana

Hello again Iana,

I'm glad you've decided apply! :) You will definitely not regret moving to Brussels - I think the fact that it hosts a hugely diverse international community definitely contributes to creating an atmosphere where most people feel welcome and fit in from the beginning...
Don't worry about language barriers as most people speak English, although I would suggest making the effort to learn some French or Dutch while at studying at the VUB as it's always beneficial (there are courses in the evenings or on Saturday mornings during the semester that are either free or extremely cheap, I guess you can find some useful info about this on http://cvo-bec.net/site/?lang=en ).

Culturally speaking, there is also plenty to do - if you would like a preview, I would suggest looking at websites such as http://www.brusselslife.be/fr/agenda or http://www.visitbelgium.com/?page=calendar :)
Brussels is quite a central location in Western Europe, so keep in mind that there are also plenty of travelling opportunities to surrounding countries....

Sort of an obvious piece of advice: do plan your stay well in advance as finding a place to live in late september (at the beginning of the academic year) is never an easy task. I would suggest having a look on http://www.immoweb.be/en/ )

Have fun applying :)
Filip

Hi Filip,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this post!! I really hope they will accept my application - I am getting really excited to live and study in Brussels.

Thank you for sending the additional websites as well - they are very helpful! How about the access to the European Parliament or the EU institutions? Is it possible to visit them and to attend any events?

I have some friends abroad and they told me they have a lot of discounts just for being students. Is it common in Belgium? Maybe for travelling it will be great if there are any discounts on transportation?

Million thanks for your help! :)

Iana