Class of 2016/2017
Jorge Andrés Hübner (Chile)
What was the decisive point for you to apply for the IDR master program?
It is no secret that the world is a smaller place everyday. The constant integration between the nations has developed an increasing of international relations, particularly in the field of trade. This requires many of specially trained lawyers in the field of international law that could take care of these transactions, and, why not, of the dispute that will naturally arise from them. The International Dispute Resolution master program at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin fulfills the requirements to give lawyers this special preparation. The decisive point was, thus, having the possibility to be trained in an area that will have an increasing demand in the years to come.
What do you hope to gain from the master's degree?
Firstly, I am hoping to get as much knowledge as I can from our groups of lectures, which combines prominent scholars with recognized practitioners, making an excellent mixture between academics and lawyers actually involved in international disputes. Also I have had the opportunity of getting introduced to the German way of legal thinking, which has been quite challenging, but nevertheless, very interesting and enriching. Besides that, being a non-native English speaker, I have the opportunity to develop my language skills. Finally, I also hope that the Master degree opens me some doors in order to follow a career in international dispute resolutions here in Germany or in Europe, and later in my home country of Chile.
The first semester draws to an end, what is your conclusion regarding the first semester?
The first semester has been very challenging, with an intense schedule of lectures and an exhaustive preparation for the exams, but it has also left some time for enjoying the city of Berlin, for doing studies in other fields of interests and also for learning some German at the Language Center of the university, which is five minutes away from the Law Faculty. Besides that, I am very pleased with the teaching staff of the program, which has provided us with a lot of substantive knowledge in the field of the Master. Finally, and certainly extremely important, my classmates are so brilliant that we have had the most elevating discussions in class, which have certainly improved my experience in the program.
How you feel about living and studying in Berlin?
Berlin is a great city with an enormous cultural and historical background. Something is always happening in Berlin, from the bars on the edge of river Spree in the summer to the Christmas Markets in winter; from the Festival of Lights in November to the Berlinale in February. It is impossible to get bored in Berlin! Also, Berliners are very friendly, they will always try to speak to you in English if you don’t know German and they will try to help you to solve any issue that you may have. This is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world; you may hear 5 or 10 different languages every time you are walking in the street. But, most important to all that, Berlin is a city where you can breathe freedom. You are allowed to do anything you want, as long as you don’t bother anyone else. And that is invaluable.
Where do you see your professional future?
I see my future working as a lawyer in international disputes. I hope this master could open me some doors to do so here in Germany or in Europe, gain some experience, and a few years from now go back to Chile in order to contribute to my country, either in the private industry or in some public office in which my expertise could be useful.
Why would you recommend the IDR master program to other students?
There is a whole amount of reasons to recommend the IDR master program to other students. First, the quality of the teachers is outstanding. Then, the quality of the attendants to the program is in such a high level that allows you to learn even more about what you are been taught. Also, we must consider that globalization is a fact, and having specific skills in that field will be, without a shadow of a doubt, an asset in lawyer future challenges. Finally, studying in Berlin allows not only to enjoy one of the most amazing cities in the world, but also to learn the German way of doing things, which I find very interesting and useful in the tasks that the future will provide us.
_________________________________________________________________________
Jake Lowther (Australia)
What was the decisive point for you to apply for the IDR master program?
I was first introduced to the field of international arbitration through my participation in the 2014 Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration moot. I was fascinated by the complicated legal procedures involved, and became very interested in pursuing a career in arbitration. After graduating from law school and working at an international law firm in Australia in a transactional role, I decided the time was right to rediscover the world of arbitration. The Humboldt University IDR program seemed to align perfectly with my interests and my decision to apply was a no brainer.
What do you hope to gain from the master's degree?
I hope to hone my knowledge of the law of international commercial arbitration, learn about investment arbitration and ultimately develop my skills across a range of alternative methods of dispute resolution.
The first semester draws to an end, what is your conclusion regarding the first semester?
The first semester has been an at times dizzying, but overwhelmingly enjoyable period. We have enjoyed lectures from distinguished practitioners on a wide range of interesting topics in addition to our main classes. It is this quality and diversity of teaching that has ensured that complex concepts could be robustly discussed and analysed. We have had a number of interesting class discussions and it has been a very enriching experience to date.
How do you feel about living and studying in Berlin?
Berlin is a fascinating place to live and study. Truly, the plethora of distractions from studying is the biggest problem. Berlin is a city for everyone, regardless of your tastes and interests. Although the wintertime is not without its charms, I am very much looking forward to the return of the atmospheric Berlin summer. While by no means a requirement, I would highly recommend some German classes for non-speakers, it really does help with adapting and integrating to life here.
Where do you see your professional future?
I aim to develop a career in arbitration and international dispute resolution. I am interested in working in private practice, but I am also interested in working for an arbitration institution or other international organization. Ultimately, I hope to play a role in promoting the use of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
Why would you recommend the IDR master program to other students?
I would absolutely recommend the IDR program to prospective students because of the quality of the insight provided by the lecturers as well as the location of the program in Berlin. Arbitration as well as Berlin provide for a dynamic combination that I am sure will exceed all expectations.