Jan Van Den Broeck

Master of Laws

International student, Belgium

Why did you choose to study at Melbourne Law School?
The first thing people often ask me, is “Why Australia”? The strong Asian connection, geographically as well as economically, played a major role in my decision. There is no other English-speaking, common law country that focuses so strongly on the fast-growing markets in this region. In addition, Australia has resisted the global financial and economic crisis far better than other western countries. I was much more interested to study abroad in a country with stronger economic credentials and a healthier financial system than the rest of the world. On a more personal level, I think the whole foreign experience and getting integrated in a new culture attracted me. Secondly, this was the perfect way to improve my language skills.

The main reason why I have chosen Melbourne Law School is simply because after doing research, Melbourne Law School appeared to be the top one in Australia, with the potential of belonging amongst the top of the world. Their Masters program stood out and confirmed this reputation and ambition. It is not a course where you can only choose from different JD subjects. The entire program stands on its own. The variety of the subjects and the level of the lectures allows you to obtain a high-level specialisation in the areas of law you want. In particular for me, the focus on (commercial) Asian law and the large amount of financial subjects available were decisive to come to Melbourne Law School. Finally, with Melbourne being the most liveable city in the world, it is offers a great place to stay during your studies.

What was the first day of your course like?
I remember it very vividly. It was the first day of my ‘Fundamentals of the Common Law’ class. The first thing that struck me was the cultural richness. I was the only European in the room with almost twenty nationalities among thirty students, whose input and view on legal issues in the common law took this class to a whole new level. To experience those legal and cultural insights, was also one of the main reasons why I had chosen this Masters Program.

Has your experience as a Melbourne Law Masters student met your expectations?
It is my opinion in any Masters Program, the motivation has to come from both ways. As a student, the more input you provide in the subject, the more you will get out of it. With a great variety of subjects, numerous workshops and activities available in the Law School and an outstanding library, the Melbourne Law Masters does an excellent job in giving you the opportunity to maximise your input and tailor the degree to the specific needs you have.

What have you enjoyed the most?
At this Law School, the possibilities are endless. The level of the (domestic and international) scholars, the great variety of the subjects and the enormous library enable you to do what you want.  In addition, every day is a cultural discovery as well. Meeting fellow students coming from different continents, they provide interesting insights and give an enormous additional value to the subjects. In this way, they allow you to extend your horizon by providing a better understanding of their own cultures.

What has been you the most surprising?
What surprised me the most during my stay here is the healthy balance that everyone seems to maintain between work and private life. It is a competitive environment where students and lecturers work hard and give the best from themselves, but most of them seem to realise that besides working and studying, there is a social aspect in life which has to be fulfilled as well. This attitude makes the classes often much more enjoyable.

What are your future plans?
I have always considered law as a springboard to get me where I want to be. During my studies, I realised that my ambitions lie in providing services and advice to businesses, and working in a more entrepreneurial environment. Therefore, I want start working in a Law (competition or financial law) or consulting firm, probably in Belgium, but preferably in Asia or the Middle East, and from thereon see what the possibilities are. On a long term basis, I would like to leave the law behind me and work more in international relations.