LLM GUIDE - Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs Worldwide

LLM Discussion Board

LL.M. Discussion Board > Europe > LLM in the international taxation RSS Feed

Re: LLM in the international taxation

Author Message
Jade_H

Joined: 09 Mar 2008
Posts: 2
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Mon Mar 10, 2008 09:39 AM
I am currently finishing my Master's degree in International Tax Law at Maastricht (I'm writing my thesis). I really enjoyed this program and that is due to the unique way that class is given. Maastricht has a problem based learning approach (the university stands alone in this approach), which entails that every week, aside from lectures, you have to analyze and tackle a tax issue in a small group of students, under supervision of (usually) a professor or (otherwise) a teacher. Because the groups small you really get a lot of attention and if you are having trouble understanding something, the teachers are open to giving you some extra guidance. The courses are fun and interactive, requiring the students to work in groups on presentations and papers. Aside from purely theoretical courses, there are also a few practical courses, e.g. the International Tax Moot Court (which was so much fun, because you get the opportunity to represent your client in court) and Tax Planning & Transfer Pricing, where during the whole course you are advising your client based on his needs which change weekly. What I was also happy about is that you can start the program at two different stages, in September or in February. Professor Rainer Prokisch also uses his international network to invite guest lecturers from all over the world to speak. I can highly recommend this program, if I were to make the choice again knowing then what I do now, I would still choose Maastricht.
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
Jesse C.

Joined: 23 Mar 2008
Posts: 3
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Tue Mar 25, 2008 07:34 PM
In September 2007 I started the LL.M. degree in 'International and European Tax Law' at Maastricht University.

Considering the fact that I am Dutch, I would like to mention that what I especially enjoy about the degree in Maastricht is meeting the students from different countries. It truly is an 'international' degree. In my year there are students from Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia and Portugal. Last February we were joined by students from the new EU Member States.
Meeting these people obviously means you are also confronted with foreign tax systems and that is what the degree is all about. This cultural mix in the tutorial groups finds great expression in the course 'Corporate taxation' (one of the first courses in the academic year) for example: how do other jurisdictions perceive thin capitalisation rules? Moreover, having a German in your tutorial group certainly makes discussing the Lankhorst-Hohorst case (even) more exciting.

Furthermore, I have to say that the faculty staff are most approachable. I have heard stories about the relationship between the professor and the student in other countries. Apparently it is not uncommon to have an environment in which the professor is considered to be 'god' and the student the ordinary mortal.
This is certainly not the case in Maastricht. Lively discussions during the tutorials and lectures are really encouraged. If you dissent from prof. Prokisch regarding the question whether there is a permanent establishment or not, you are invited to share your legal reasoning.
The staff are not only interested in hearing from the students during lessons; there is always room for a personal talk. There are still 5 months left in the academic year and as far as I know we have already been invited twice for a drink in the local pub by different professors. Last November a professor and a university teacher took us out for lunch.

Lastly, I would like to stress that the staff really go to great lenghts to provide the best eductional experience. It has happened that extra tutorials were put in without the tutors receiving the corresponding remuneration. Additional lectures are offered for those students starting the degree in February who have obviously missed the introductory courses and who might not be that familiar with certain aspects of (European) tax law. These examples clearly show that the staff are passionate about the field they are in.

I hope I have given an insight into the LL.M. degree in Maastricht. If there are any questions do not hesitate to reply to this message as I will automatically receive a notification via e-mail.

P.S. I have not mentioned the beauty of the city of Maastricht, but you will see for yourself when you get there!
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
rokasd

Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 5
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Wed Mar 26, 2008 01:36 PM
Hi,

I have a question about the admission procedures of Leiden University. Is it a roling admission process, and is it possible that if I apply late (e.g. mid of march) the course for International Tax law is already full and they are not processing the applications anymore. And how long does it take to hear the news from them? I have applied on14.-15th of March and there are still no news from ITC Leiden. Does anyone know how it works?

Rokas
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
adi 1

Joined: 27 Mar 2008
Posts: 3
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Fri Mar 28, 2008 12:38 PM
Hi Jade. Would appreciate if you could share your thought's on what swayed your decision for Mastricht. I guess Veinna and Leiden are also very good options.Did you try for these two university.
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
adi 1

Joined: 27 Mar 2008
Posts: 3
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Fri Mar 28, 2008 12:40 PM
I guess they have an online system for checking the status of application. You can try that.Have you applied anywhere else also . Wish you all the best.
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
rokasd

Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 5
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Fri Mar 28, 2008 01:53 PM
Hi,

well, application to Leiden University is paper-based, so as far as I know, there is no online system where you could check the status of the application..
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
adi 1

Joined: 27 Mar 2008
Posts: 3
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Sat Mar 29, 2008 05:41 AM
Hi , Rokasd- Yes you are right . But when you see the FAQs section of the website www.itc-leiden.nl under the Practical information, I think there they have mentioned something about online status of application. Hope this helps. Wish you all the best.Did you apply at Vienna or anywhere also.
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
koudiarov

Joined: 16 Aug 2007
Posts: 11
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Sun Mar 30, 2008 08:15 PM
Hi,

well, application to Leiden University is paper-based, so as far as I know, there is no online system where you could check the status of the application..


Well, it is available on-line to check the status, but international office (that fill the data) at Leiden University is not the most efficient part of the University and the Program itself. :-)
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
MvH

Joined: 11 Feb 2008
Posts: 4
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Tue Apr 15, 2008 09:23 AM
Hi,

I will try and answer your questions. Before applying to the ETC, I have been studying tax law at Tilburg University, graduating on an International Tax Law topic in a project which involved both Tilburg University and K.U. Leuven. Therefore, I had already experienced part of the Tilburg and Leuven way of approaching European and international tax law issues. I personally believe the combination of theory (i.e. comparison of tax systems and approaches, establishing differences and similarities in order to determine what issues arise in international practice and subsequently what solutions are possible) and practice (theory is always backed up with practical cases discussed by leading practitioners from around the world) provides for expertise in either practice or science. One of the main features of the ETC which I found very valuable is that professors and practitioners are flown in from different countries in order to address the tax aspects of their own countries. Therefore, the knowledge provided is first-hand.
Concerning the job opportunities, I believe the fact that PricewaterhouseCoopers sponsors the ETC indicates that ETC students are well appreciated by large law or advisory firms. Also, since practitioners from different firms are flown in to teach in the college, you build up a strong network, allowing you to easily come in contact with potential employers.

I hope this has answered your questions.

Kind regards,

MvH


Hi MvH,Wish you all the best. I am also interested pursuing LLM program in international tax. Could you elaborate what swayed your decision in favour of European tax college .Leiden and Vienna are more popular program.At least thats what I know.Are you aware of any assistance from college in finding any job opportunities i.e. any sor of campus interveiw,job fair. What sort of reputation does European tax college enjoy amongst Big four, large law firms and corporates.Thanks
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
HenriqueSL

Joined: 18 Apr 2008
Posts: 2
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Sat Apr 19, 2008 10:53 PM
Does anyone is having the LLM in Taxation in the next term?
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
fernunezpe

Joined: 29 Nov 2007
Posts: 7
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Mon Apr 21, 2008 04:11 PM
High HenriqueSL

I have been admitted to Leiden, Maastricht and the European Tax College. I am waiting for Vienna to take a decision. I foung the ETC programa very interesting and complete. Leiden is very good also, but a little expensive for me. I am going to decide in the following weeks.
What about you, where are you going?
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
HenriqueSL

Joined: 18 Apr 2008
Posts: 2
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:47 PM
Hi fernunezpe,

Good to hear that you have so many excellent options. Hard time to get a decision.....
In my case, having applied behind schedule (late February), my only and best choice was LSE.
I'm having the LLM in taxation and hope to meet some classmates here.

Cheers!
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
lys

Joined: 04 May 2008
Posts: 1
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Mon May 05, 2008 03:07 PM
Hello everybody

I have been asked whether I would be interested to do a tax LLM in Vienna, continuing working part time in my current job.

I have a master in economics as well as a bacchelor in law, currently going for the master degree. I have over 5 years (full time) of tax experience within a big 4 company and a national degree in taxation.

As I had not really thought about an LLM before, I don't know what I am going to do now. And as always, the boss wants an answer, preferably yesterday.

The programm really looks interesting, but then, they earn their money by making them look impressive.
I mean, will it really make a difference on the knowledge side, or is it more about networking? I don't really see the advantage other than having another title on the business card, but on the other hand I don't wont to spoil a wonderful chance, just because I had almost no time to think about it.

I would be grateful for any feedback. Thanks and kind regards.
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
Alex80

Joined: 10 May 2008
Posts: 1
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Sun May 11, 2008 10:27 AM
Hello everybody,

I have just had notice of my admission for the LLM in Vienna full time 08/09.

Even if the deadline for the confirmation is May 31, I am planning to attend the courses. I've known that the program is very well recognised, and I also think that a life experience in a city like Vienna can be very interesting :-)

Maybe some of you is going to be in Vienna in September? We could exchange some information for practical matters and know each other in advance.

Best regards.

Alex
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
rokasd

Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 5
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Tue May 20, 2008 05:42 PM
Hi, everyone,

So, is anyone going to any of the discussed international tax programmes? Vienna, Leiden, Tilburg? I am still waiting for the response from Leiden, as I submitted my application really late. Is anyone from you guys going there? When did you receive your offers, how long did it take you to get the response from them. Wish all the best for all those who are still waiting for responses and congratulations for everybody admitted! Maybe, with some luck, I'll see you there next September ;)

Rokas
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
MiKal

Joined: 24 May 2008
Posts: 8
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Sun May 25, 2008 08:42 AM
Hi, everyone,

So, is anyone going to any of the discussed international tax programmes? Vienna, Leiden, Tilburg?


I'm a Swiss lawyer planning to apply to all these schools next year. Please keep us updated about your experience!
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
odinzs

Joined: 06 Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Sun Jun 08, 2008 03:34 AM
Hi,

I will try and answer your questions. Before applying to the ETC, I have been studying tax law at Tilburg University, graduating on an International Tax Law topic in a project which involved both Tilburg University and K.U. Leuven. Therefore, I had already experienced part of the Tilburg and Leuven way of approaching European and international tax law issues. I personally believe the combination of theory (i.e. comparison of tax systems and approaches, establishing differences and similarities in order to determine what issues arise in international practice and subsequently what solutions are possible) and practice (theory is always backed up with practical cases discussed by leading practitioners from around the world) provides for expertise in either practice or science. One of the main features of the ETC which I found very valuable is that professors and practitioners are flown in from different countries in order to address the tax aspects of their own countries. Therefore, the knowledge provided is first-hand.
Concerning the job opportunities, I believe the fact that PricewaterhouseCoopers sponsors the ETC indicates that ETC students are well appreciated by large law or advisory firms. Also, since practitioners from different firms are flown in to teach in the college, you build up a strong network, allowing you to easily come in contact with potential employers.

I hope this has answered your questions.

Kind regards,

MvH


Hi MvH,

It seems that you are taking the ETC course presently. Can you share on the experience in the course, the class size and the job prospects after the LLM. Does Tilburg or Leuven provide any assistance in finding jobs? Is there any op to do an internship?
Also could you elaborate on the connection between ETC and PriceWaterhouse Coopers? What does it mean by "sponsors"?

Sorry for the questions. I am really considering this course and want to make an informed decision before applying.

Thanks
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
koudiarov

Joined: 16 Aug 2007
Posts: 11
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Sun Jun 15, 2008 12:16 PM
Some inside. We have one course student at Leiden who graduated from Leuven program. Overall, under her opinion Leuren is good for Belgium oriented tax professional, but international tax aspects are mostly related to the features of the Belgium tax system. The cover of pure international aspects is limited to few weeks with OECD model which is not comparable to 12 weeks course in Leiden. Also, they study EU tax law but I guess everywhere in Europe significant time is spent on this subject.

Hi,

I will try and answer your questions. Before applying to the ETC, I have been studying tax law at Tilburg University, graduating on an International Tax Law topic in a project which involved both Tilburg University and K.U. Leuven. Therefore, I had already experienced part of the Tilburg and Leuven way of approaching European and international tax law issues. I personally believe the combination of theory (i.e. comparison of tax systems and approaches, establishing differences and similarities in order to determine what issues arise in international practice and subsequently what solutions are possible) and practice (theory is always backed up with practical cases discussed by leading practitioners from around the world) provides for expertise in either practice or science. One of the main features of the ETC which I found very valuable is that professors and practitioners are flown in from different countries in order to address the tax aspects of their own countries. Therefore, the knowledge provided is first-hand.
Concerning the job opportunities, I believe the fact that PricewaterhouseCoopers sponsors the ETC indicates that ETC students are well appreciated by large law or advisory firms. Also, since practitioners from different firms are flown in to teach in the college, you build up a strong network, allowing you to easily come in contact with potential employers.

I hope this has answered your questions.

Kind regards,

MvH


Hi MvH,

It seems that you are taking the ETC course presently. Can you share on the experience in the course, the class size and the job prospects after the LLM. Does Tilburg or Leuven provide any assistance in finding jobs? Is there any op to do an internship?
Also could you elaborate on the connection between ETC and PriceWaterhouse Coopers? What does it mean by "sponsors"?

Sorry for the questions. I am really considering this course and want to make an informed decision before applying.

Thanks
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
odinzs

Joined: 06 Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Sun Jun 15, 2008 01:02 PM
Thanks koudiarov for your comments.

In your opinion, which course in the European Unis would be best for obtaining an education in the international taxation? My sense from the various posts is Leiden and Vienna.
What about Maastricht?
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
MarcS

Joined: 19 Jun 2008
Posts: 2
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Fri Jun 20, 2008 07:49 PM
Maastricht differs because of the teaching method: problem based learning. Although the program offers the classical lectures (by faculty as well as by external experts from practice, government and science), the full program is built around real life cases you discuss in small tutorial groups. Therefore you can connect theory and practice more easily. By actively participating in discussions about the legal problems with fellow students and staff you are much more actively involved. In addition you practise debating skills (Maastricht is known for Moot Court wins), team work, inter-cultural communication (students are from all continents) and presentation skills. In short, the program has a clear added value in enhancing your personal employability, not only by knowledge but also by practical skills.
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
natesh

Joined: 11 Jul 2008
Posts: 1
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Sat Jul 12, 2008 01:23 PM
Maastricht differs because of the teaching method: problem based learning. Although the program offers the classical lectures (by faculty as well as by external experts from practice, government and science), the full program is built around real life cases you discuss in small tutorial groups. Therefore you can connect theory and practice more easily. By actively participating in discussions about the legal problems with fellow students and staff you are much more actively involved. In addition you practise debating skills (Maastricht is known for Moot Court wins), team work, inter-cultural communication (students are from all continents) and presentation skills. In short, the program has a clear added value in enhancing your personal employability, not only by knowledge but also by practical skills.
hiii



im 17 and i heard about the course on 'The degree of Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation'. im in india and want to join this course...can u suggest me some good universities in vienna which provides me with this course...

[Edited 12 Jul 2008 by natesh]

Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
Pits

Joined: 22 Jul 2008
Posts: 1
Re: LLM in the international taxation
Wed Jul 23, 2008 02:28 AM
Hi Guys!

Im willing to apply for the LLM programs in Vienna and Leiden full time - 2009/10.

Searching in Vienna's website I could note that there are not many requirements for the application. Could anyone who has been accepted there tell me how this application should be done? It seems to me that there is no need to attach a proof of english skill, nor to send reccomendation letters, is that correct?!

Tks in advance!
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote

Reply to this post

Related Programs