For the first time in history, The Hague Academy of International Law organized a Winter Course in January of this year. A few days after ringing in the New Year, almost 300 students from 74 countries assembled in the Auditorium of the Academy Building to take part in a three week session, consisting of Courses in Public as well as in Private International Law. We had the pleasure to meet 4 students from Pakistan, Argentina, Germany and Colombia and learned that the cold weather and grey days in The Hague did not prevent them from getting the most out of their Academy experience. Here's what they had to say
Shahneela Tariq, Lahore, Pakistan
Lecturer at School of Integrated Social Sciences -University of Lahore
“I want every little girl who is told she’s bossy, to be told instead she has leadership skills” – Sheryl Sandberg
It was an honor to be selected for the first winter course at The Hague Academy of International Law, which is truly an exclusive experience for early career international law practitioners. It was very fortunate to get selected again by The Hague Academy of International Law, as I could not complete my course previously in summer 2017. The course structure and topics were carefully scheduled according to the need of the contemporary world. I really liked the course by Professor. Goodman, as I am more interested in Use of Force. Furthermore, this course had above 270 participants from almost 74 nationalities that provided a great platform to network with people from diverse backgrounds.
The Peace Palace Library is a place where researchers would want to go and study. It provides a comfortable ambiance and the staff is very helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the library, as I had to give a presentation on my PhD proposal, which was another important activity organized by The Academy to give space to PhD researchers to present their thesis in front of other participants under the supervision of Prof. Giulio Bartolini.
I would want to thank The Academy and to the Peace Palace Library for providing me this opportunity. I have brought back many good memories and the experience which I will share with my colleagues and students.
David Schenk - Germany
The first Hague Academy of International Law Winter Course has been both a challenging and fascinating experience I do not want to miss a minute of. The mix of comprehensive lectures, seminars, and social activities such as a visits to embassies or international organisations is without any equal to what I have done so far. One experience has been especially rewarding: With a team of 5, I have competed in the so-called ‘Hours of Crisis’, a crisis simulation during which my team had to deal with different situations that occurred during the time of competition. We were writing legal memos and press releases, we were negotiating with other teams and representing clients, and often we were working on multiple issues at the same time. The pressure was immense, but worth it: I have got to know fellow participants (and hopefully future fellow colleagues) I do not want to miss. I sincerely thank the Curatorium and the Administration for such an amazing time without which it would not have been such a stunning time.
Daniel R. Quiroga-Villamarin, Colombia
Graduate Student - Master in International Law, Institut de Hautes Études Internationales et du Développement (IHEID) Geneva, Switzerland
At the Hague Academy, as in any other academic forum, learning does not only occur within the classroom walls. As a participant, I had the possibility of not only attending fascinating lectures and seminars, but of also having short and productive meetings with the professors and the tutor. These spaces provide attendees with an opportunity to receive advanced feedback on their work -for instance, on research proposals or works in progress- and, more importantly, to receive advice from leading scholars and practitioners in international law. Thus, attendees can receive comments, suggestions, and guidance in a wide-variety of topics, from the identification of relevant literature for their research interests to recommendations on where (and when) to pursue further graduate studies."
Maria Clara Rosconi Pecoraro, Graduate Student
Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina de Rosario, Rosario, Provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina.
The very first ever Winter Courses of The Hague Academy International Law were greatly orchestrated in order to provide us students not only with high level lectures and seminars but also with golden opportunities in the field of international law such as PhD networking, professors’ personal feedbacks, Embassy visits and so on. Personally, I was fortunate enough to give a presentation in front of the Curatorium of the Academy which was most enriching and fulfilling. Exceptional experience!