Testimonials

1. What was the specific moment, course, or activity that stuck with you the most?

There wasn't just one moment. It was the whole culture of accessibility. Our professors are not only top experts in their fields, but they also genuinely invest time in us. They joined our orientation, the closing ceremony, the Brussels study trip, and even Christmas market outings. They ate lunch with us in the cafeteria and joined us for dinner after class. For my thesis, my supervisor scheduled regular meetings from start to finish. These continuous opportunities to interact with leading scholars made me feel like I was part of an academic community, not just a program.

2. What would you say to someone who is hesitant to apply?

If you're thinking about applying, I'd say: just go for it. Beyond the lectures, we also had Ph.D. candidates in law as our tutors who guided us through readings and discussions in small groups. They were like half-teachers, half-friends, always approachable and ready to help. You're never left alone with your questions. And it's not just about studying. We had so many activities and gatherings outside class. The cohort was close-knit, everyone was friendly, and I never felt lonely. These experiences also helped me improve my communication skills naturally. The program is well-structured, and the support system is strong. You'll be challenged in a good way, and you'll grow more than you expect.

3. What surprised you about living or studying in Göttingen?

I was surprised by how personal the experience turned out to be. With only around thirteen students in our cohort, it truly felt like an elite small-group setting. Everyone had space to contribute and was seen as an individual. The program also pushed me beyond my comfort zone in a very productive way: I improved my English, presentation skills, and cross-cultural communication far more than I had expected.

My name is Brayan Sanchez Hernandez, I am from Mexico, where I obtained my LL.B, and I was part of the 2026 Göttingen Master of International Law (GOMIL) cohort.

1. What was the specific moment, course, or activity that stuck with you the most?

The activity that stuck with me the most was the 2026 GOMIL Moot Court, which took place right before the beginning of the second semester. We had to analyse a fictional dispute between two States before the International Court of Justice and present both written and oral arguments on behalf of the States. This exercise allowed me to apply the specialised knowledge we had acquired during the first semester while improving my oral advocacy skills and my ability to address complex and current issues in international law.

2. What would you say to someone who is hesitant to apply?

My advice to someone who is hesitant to apply would be to go for it. The programme gives you the opportunity to analyse and discuss current issues in international law with experts from different fields. At the same time, you get to exchange perspectives with classmates from all around the world, which makes the academic experience even more enriching.

3. What surprised you about living or studying in Göttingen?

What surprised me the most about living and studying in Göttingen was the international academic atmosphere across the city. Despite being a relatively small city, Göttingen has a very international community. This allowed me to make great friends, take part in many fun activities throughout my studies and find a really good balance between my academic and social life.

Suvika Ambigapathy is from Malaysia, was part of the 2024/25 GOMIL cohort, and is a foreign policy and development cooperation specialist.

1. What was the specific moment, course, or activity that stuck with you the most?

The teaching staff and their expertise really stood out to me. The moot court sessions and arbitration classes were particularly memorable, because you could see the different experiences of a truly global programme come together, with people bringing such varied legal and cultural perspectives into the room.

2. What would you say to someone who is hesitant to apply?

Take it as a challenge. You will be exposed to people, ideas and experiences that you may never have encountered otherwise, and pushed outside your comfort zone in ways you didn't expect. That's exactly why I'd recommend it.

3. What surprised you about living or studying in Göttingen?

The German way of life will quickly humble you, but I think it also builds character! It took some adjusting to living in a smaller city, but I was surprised by how quickly Göttingen started to feel like home. I came to really appreciate the slower pace, the green spaces and the close-knit community around me.

1. What was the specific moment, course, or activity that stuck with you the most?

As my main interest lies in international criminal law, I particularly enjoyed the weekly classes and tutorials in this field. What stayed with me most, however, was the open atmosphere in the tutorials and the opportunity to learn from my fellow students through discussions and class exercises.

2. What would you say to someone who is hesitant to apply?

GOMIL is a personal Master's programme where students are in close contact with the staff. The team genuinely values student feedback and is open to their interests and ideas. The supportive teaching environment and wide range of electives made the programme both academically valuable and enjoyable.

3. What surprised you about living or studying in Göttingen?

Göttingen is a charming and student-friendly city with a beautiful historic centre and nature close by. It has a lively student community, and almost everywhere can be reached on foot or by bike, making everyday life easy and enjoyable.