Hi all, I just got accepted at Leiden University (Int. Civil and Commercial Law & Law and Digital Technologies) and Kings College London.

I am currently confused in choosing between one. Where I come from (Indonesia), Leiden is much more notable, but on the other hand, the other choice for me is KCL. I would like to return to Indonesia upon graduating, and in here a Masters degree does not really matter, so it all comes back to me. But it is not that easy to decide these kinds of things :(

Does anyone have any view on this? I would really appreciate it.

Thank you so much!

[Edited by lawgig2611 on Feb 20, 2020]

Hi all, I just got accepted at Leiden University (Int. Civil and Commercial Law & Law and Digital Technologies) and Kings College London.

I am currently confused in choosing between one. Where I come from (Indonesia), Leiden is much more notable, but on the other hand, the other choice for me is KCL. I would like to return to Indonesia upon graduating, and in here a Masters degree does not really matter, so it all comes back to me. But it is not that easy to decide these kinds of things :(

Does anyone have any view on this? I would really appreciate it.

Thank you so much!

Hi all, I just got accepted at Leiden University (Int. Civil and Commercial Law & Law and Digital Technologies) and Kings College London.

I am currently confused in choosing between one. Where I come from (Indonesia), Leiden is much more notable, but on the other hand, the other choice for me is KCL. I would like to return to Indonesia upon graduating, and in here a Masters degree does not really matter, so it all comes back to me. But it is not that easy to decide these kinds of things :(

Does anyone have any view on this? I would really appreciate it.

Thank you so much!

Hi,

I had the same experience 4 years ago. At that time, I had a doubt in choosing between NL and UK. Finally, it all comes down to what you want to experience during your study abroad. I finally chose Leiden and I am happy with the experience. Here’s my take away:
1. Agree with the comment above, Leiden has a strong alumni community among the Indonesian law graduates. It may be beneficial for your future career in Indonesia.
2. You will gain more legal knowledge from both Universities, however note that Indonesia is a civil law country (similar to NL). Also, Indonesian law is historically based on Dutch law. With this, it’s easier to do comparative research. Further, Leiden Uni has a long tradition in the collaboration with Indonesia. It also has biggest collections of Indonesian books (esp law books) compared to any other European universities.
3. Currently, KCL is in 19th rank and Leiden Uni is in 26th rank – therefore I would say ranking of the University will not affect that much.

with regard to the choice of countries, I chose NL because:
1. I could learn different language, Dutch language. But my English (esp speaking skills) has so much improved. Because supposedly Dutch people are the best non-native English speakers and Leiden has students from different nationalities.
2. After graduation, NL offers an opportunity to stay longer with “zoekjaar” or search year visa. Although, I am not sure how this works in UK.
4. For more shallows considerations, study visa is including Schengen countries so I could travel to more countries without having to apply for different visa. Also, Indonesian food and stuff are easier to find in NL – just in case you feel homesick.
5. For personal reason, I have more clients in NL and Schengen countries that I know from my lawfirm and they have subsidiaries in Indonesia. I have built a good networking with them (I went for coffee with my ex-clients in NL - very nice experience). So I could try my luck in finding a job in NL or even in seeking opportunities to work in their subsidiaries in Indonesia. FYI, I managed to get a job this way.

I saw you got accepted in two majors, my advice is to see what kind of field you want to pursue. I took ICCL and it is definitely helpful for my current job as a Legal Counsel.

Hope the above helps you.