Suzanne Blaauw

For me, the path towards the European Law in a Global Context LLM was not a straightforward one. I started my academic career at the University of Groningen with a Bachelor’s in International Relations and International Organisation. During which I slowly developed an affinity for the law-related courses. I then made the decision to follow a pre-master’s after my graduation to join the LLM. European Law was the preferred choice for me regarding the wide array of possibilities it offers after completion. The unique aspect of this LLM is the Global Context aspect. An international relations background pairs incredibly well with the LLM due to its focus on the interactions of the EU with the wider world. Courses such as EU External Relations and the Advanced EU Law Clinic highlight the relations of the European Union with third States and how they cooperate.

The diversity in background and knowledge that is present at the Faculty of Law is incredibly impressive to experience on a day-to-day basis. Whether it is professors, guest lecturers, or fellow students, every single person is passionate about their field of study and is able to portray and share their knowledge in an immersive way.

There is not a day that goes by where I am not appreciative of Groningen as the place to call home. This city has a perfect mix of the liveliness of the city and the relaxed vibes of a small village. Everything you need is located just a short bike ride away. As a student, Groningen offers numerous opportunities to connect with peers and build a social circle. The city's youthfulness allows anyone to easily integrate into the culture and feel at home.

The EU Law LLM has a perfect combination of a focus on academic and practical skills. The courses differ in their focus, where Internal Market Law teaches you to be critical of the EU’s approach to the four freedoms, and the Advanced EU Law Clinic gave us assignments where we acted as consultants for the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets and as legal advisors for the European Commission. Working on these tasks gave me a clear sense of what it is like to operate in professional legal environments, and it truly helps to explore where your strengths lie and which areas of law you might wish to pursue further. Beyond academics, studying in a setting with students from all over the globe increased my ability to collaborate across cultures. Which is something I believe is essential for any role in a European or international setting.

Suzanne Blaauw, Netherlands, LLM in European Law in a Global Context