Hi everyone!

In 2021-2022 term, I’m planning to do LLM (general or business, finance, etc.) in Europe or UK. I’m from Turkey (non-EU) and my priority is to stay in Europe after LLM. I think it is harder if I go to UK but if the reputation of the school is very high, I don’t mind to return to Turkey.

My considerations are as follows:

1- The Oxbridge is very unlikely (Graduated from one of the top 3 law schools in Turkey but I’m the last person in the 10% of the cohort with 3.6/4 GPA). But if I have at least a slim chance, I’d like to try it.

2- I can go to German programs (ILF or Bucerius) which have lower reputations but I can learn German and try to stay in Germany following LLM. I think chances to stay in Europe are higher if I choose German programs.

3- I can go to Leiden which has slightly better reputation and I can still try to find jobs after LLM to stay in Europe but I guess it’s harder than Germany.

4- I think I have a chance for LSE. I’m trying to understand the reputation of LSE around the globe and Europe. Its reputation in Turkey is lower than Oxbridge and Ivy League but higher than all other universities. If I decided that its reputation and opportunities are nearly as high as Oxbridge, I can choose it. If I’ll be accepted to LSE, my chances to stay in Europe following LLM will probably drop because staying in UK is harder and I cannot interact with German or Benelux companies to find a job. However, I can return to Turkey with a higher credibility.

I’d really appreciate your comments/advice. Thank you!

I think you're mistaken about staying in Germany. Without an existing grasp of the language now, it will be virtually impossible to gain enough language skills to be functional on the job market. Perfect language skills, accent, and fluency are valued in German workplaces, and it will take a lot longer than a year of part-time language work to get to that point. The best approach is if you are looking to transition, always to study somewhere where you can already speak the local language fluently. 

However, in general, the LLM isn't a great enabler of international mobility, mostly due to the complications with practicing law in a jurisdiction where you didn't study for a first law degree, take a bar exam, etc. What kind of work do you hope to do?

I would say that you are right about LSE's reputation abroad. Better than a lot of universities but probably worse than Oxbridge.