Chandrima Chattopadhyay (India)

Alumna

"The Advanced LLM degree in International Children's Rights Law at the Leiden University has been nothing short of an exhilarating and enriching journey for me. The holistic and expansive approach of this course, helped me integrate my learnings on field with strong theoretical groundings."

"The diverse classroom experience facilitated by experienced faculty promoted an atmosphere of discussion and learning not only with them but also through each other. 

I applied to Leiden University after I was introduced to the world of international children's rights law on a short summer school trip to this old European university. It was only then that I had made up my mind to return for the intensive experience of an LLM. After getting awarded the Leiden University Excellence scholarship, my apprehensive self, coming from a non-legal background, found much comfort throughout the course. The faculty supervision and individual attention guided my process of learning throughout the course. The course is beautifully designed that provides perspective on children's rights issues across the world and is filled with perks of going to the UNICEF office, meeting experts, frontline workers on the field and visiting institutions for children within the Netherlands. The range of courses offered dwell on conventional issues and facilitate debates around topical issues including privacy policy of Tiktok to the Rohingya refugee crisis. This synthesis of theory and praxis was integral to my classroom experience. 

I am currently working at a child rights organisation called KidsRights, in The Netherlands and could successfully use my knowledge and experience gained through the course and my experiences from India, to co-author the KidsRights Index 2021 for the organisation. The course helped me advance my career in the direction that I wanted. Combined with this international experience, for a professional from India, this course not only exposed me to the wider international framework but also provided me with the necessary skills and understanding of children's rights that I wish to in some way use to contribute to my country. 

From establishing connections with relevant organizations to the continued support here at Leiden, you end up being a part of the alumni globally and for the lifetime!" 

Oscar Andrés Alva Arias (Peru)

Alumnus

"The Advanced LL.M International Law Children's Rights was an invaluable opportunity of specialization. On a personal level, the experience of living in the Netherlands and studying at the Law School of Leiden University allowed me to increase my theoretical capabilities in the field of children´s rights."

"In my country of origin Peru, the academic degree obtained in Leiden combined with my professional career experience allowed me to obtain the position of Director of Special Protection in the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations. This technical area is responsible for ensuring the protection of children at risk or without parental care through the National Protection Units.

The highly qualified teaching staff of this LL.M gave me remarkable knowledge that I am using in the daily management of the Direction of Special Protection. The entire staff of Leiden University make me feel that my link with the University is not over, even after graduation they are open for consultations related with my career.

Finally, I invite everyone interested in specializing themselves in the theme of the rights of children to study at Leiden University, it will be a unique life experience and a great impulse for their professional careers."

Iacopo D’Alessio (Italy)

Alumnus

“This programme at Leiden University is an amazing and formative experience. I could grow academically but also personally.”