http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142 en LLM in the international taxation - LLM GUIDE Discussion Board Fri, 13 May 2005 19:21:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#5142 Hello, I am looking for LMM studies in well recognized university. After finishing the LLM program I am expecting to continue working for big4 or to get into an international corporation. Anyone can recommend an university (I am thinking of Harvard or Leiden. Has any one experience with those two? Which may give more opportunities? Maybe anyone can recommend other llm course in international tax? Mon, 16 May 2005 15:46:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#5286 hey. i work as a senior consultant in EY tax department. from the next year im planning to do a MSC in Law and Accounting at LSE, which is basically the international tax law program (i do not have LLB so was not eligible to get tax LLM). I think LSE is quite good at tax law. or at least i hope so:)) when r u planning to do your postgrad study? Mon, 23 May 2005 12:35:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#5674 Hi, Leli, thanks for the reply. It sounds interesting. I am planning to begin study in September 2006. Fri, 18 Nov 2005 20:24:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#8595 I am currently studding in Leiden in the International Tax Centre. I consider this LLM program the best in Europe. If you want a relaxed program this is not your choice. The program is very demanding, very high quality, best professors in all spheres, pure international taxation, and no focus on domestic law of the specific countries (e.g. Holland). I will gladly answer your questions directly if you write me at akadet@yandex.ru. Fri, 02 Dec 2005 19:32:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#8838 Hi, I think Alexandra is right. Personally, some friends of mine have graduated from the Intl Tax LLM at Leiden U and all of them loved it (albeit it is indeed demanding)! Among international tax professionals, Leiden is widely acknowledge as the most traditional program in Intl Tax, and is certainly a good choice. However, you may have into account other programs in other European Universities: Vienna (it has a great curriculum and excellent teachers - many of them teach at Leiden as well -, and could be considered as as good as Leiden), the European Tax College and Maastricht (it is a new program starting this year). In addition Queen Mary (London) is a good option: Prof. Philip Baker is one of the best living experts in Intl Law. Hope this advice helps. Sat, 03 Dec 2005 17:15:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#8849 Hi, I see you mentioned the international tax program in Maastricht. Currently I am following this program, so I have a little inside info. The difference between Maastricht and the other universities is the learning approach. Whereas Leiden, European Tax College (Tilburg/Leuven) use lectures, Maastricht uses a case based approach (Problem Based Learning) very similar to Harvard Business School. I find it more practical than just the regular dry theory. The thing is that you get an actual real world case you have to analyse. This means that you don't focus on a certain subject matter, but you need to integrate a number of international tax law and european tax law subjects to solve the case. You are actually applying theory, so that is a great preparation for you future job as a tax advisor. As for the difference between Leiden, Tilburg/Leuven and Vienna I can't find any. The teaching faculty is the same persons, so I think the reputation is equal. For those of you who might consider Harvard, NYU or Florida, please consider that the accent of those programs is one US international Tax and not on tax treaty/ European tax law as is the focus of the mentioned continental EU universities. Thu, 25 Jan 2007 17:26:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#23718 Hi guys, am seriously looking for a university, either in Europe or USA with a reputation on international tax law course. have looked at the programme for Vienna University(Austria) and appears beckonning. i want to make an informed choice and wuold appreciate honest abservations and additions, if any. i have an LLB and is currently working for my country's(KENYA) Revenue Authority. of geat importance would also be your advice on Scholarship information. Sun, 11 Feb 2007 12:50:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#24396 Hi Junior, Regarding the US, let me tell you one thing. I am sure great universities, but the focus on most programs is US tax. as far as Europe is concerned there are only two programs to be taken into account on international tax law: Vienna and Leiden. Both great programs, however I did my LLM in Vienna and would recommend everyone who is serviously interested in upgrading their tax knowledge for going there. Next to the academics, which is because of the outstanding professors of a very high level, social life is very important. Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities on this planet man! The course: you have weekly 3 full days of course: from 8h30 - 17h30. The other days of the week are for preparing presentations, thesis, and preparation of the courses which is necessary. Exams: at end of every month about the lectures given that month. The core program of the LLM remains the same every year, some course are changing depending on the theme of the thesis. The thesis is published in book if it obtains publishing level. I would choose Vienna over Leiden everytime. Reason: high level lectures, good organisation of the program, helping faculty members, quality degree, LLM Alumni Club and meetings and, last but not least: Vienna: situated in centre of europe, great for city trips! Regarding scholarship, you can try but very hard to get. Any further questions? You can ask! johan Fri, 16 Feb 2007 10:40:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#24610 Thanks Johan, am very grateful for ur advise. what specialty did u do ur LLM in? are u in a position to know the class capacity, both at vienna & Leiden? and the admission process, what do each focus on? my current focus is getting an admission. i graduated(LLB) about 3yrs ago with a 2nd class upper division Hons., passed bar exams & accordingly admitted to the bar. For work experience, am currently in my second year of service with the revenue authority. Would these enhance/hinder my chances of getting an admision? While taking note of ur view on scholarship, i would appreciate if u could offer a further view on the scholarship offered by Vienna on the tax law program . Finally, job prospects. my dream is to work in an international body/organisation, or in europe or US. This coz of the exposure and/or pecuniary advantages associated with these places. I am aware that some of my questions could be difficult to answer, and i accordingly apologise in that event. THANKS IN ADVANCE. Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:52:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#24621 I don't really understand your question regarding the specialty of the LLM. I did the LLM in International Tax Law in Vienna. As regards, the class capacity we were with 25 during our year. I think that's pretty much the maximum of participants that can be admitted. I checked the website of Vienna again, the program is really great. If I would not have done it, i would do it again, it is really an outstanding program. The admission procedure....well it is a global evaluation of your academic curriculum and your professional experience. the fact that you work for the revenue authorities will certainly not hinder your admission, on the contrary I think. As you know, the number of places is limited and in the case of doubt, the date of the application will be of a factor as well. You still have until end of April for Vienna I believe, but I submitted mine in february. So don't wait too long. For the scholarship, as I believe, you have to write an essay together with your application, on why you think you should get the scholarship. While financial capacities might play a role, as I look back on the previous" winners", the fact of being a young "talent", plays a role. The scholarship equals the tuition fee. About teh process, you can go to the website: www.international-tax-law.at or send an email to Ms Ender if you have questions. You can find her email address on the website. An LLM is certainly an added value on CV for jobs. You have a certain advantage compared to other candidates, but don't forget that tax law is law and law is connected to a territory. While having an LLM is an advantage, you will have to compete with the "locals". cheers, Johan Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:09:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#24691 For the scholarship: http://www2.wu-wien.ac.at/taxlaw/LLM/InfoApplicFormLLMScholarship2007.pdf deadline for scholarship 28 feb 2007. Johan Sun, 25 Feb 2007 05:41:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#24975 Hi I have sent in my application to Vienna and waiting impatiently to know the outcome. Does the university assist in finding accomodation etc? Is it easy for a non-german speaking foreigner to settle in? I was wondering if one is allowed to get some sort of practical experience after the course. Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:48:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#25054 Hi if you are accepted the university will provide you with some addresses to contact in order to find accomodation. Piece of advice: be quick. Otherwise try to find somehting for a month or a couple of months and look for something during that period. What I did, I found somehting for 6 months. Some of the other students were in teh same situation, so we rented together an apartment for the other 6 months. Yes, it is very easy to settle in for non-German speakers. Viennese people are very friendly and open. During teh course, it is possible to get a job at teh faculty as an assistant. that has been done in the past, however if there is no place, then there is no place... Good Luck! Johan Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:08:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#26706 Johan, am grateful for the information and advise u gave me. am currently following up with Vienna for their 2008/09 programme. i could not make it this year due to financial and job related issues. i hope that by starting the application process early enuogh will enhance my chances of admission. Junior THANKS. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:48:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#37767 The whole course seems very "academic, tehoretical" to me. Does the program contain "hard facts" about different taxes, such as VAT, corporate taxes, income taxes, or it just deals with the theoratical legal base of taxation. Can we bore into those kinds of taxes, or it just gives background information? What do you think? Thu, 10 Jan 2008 21:45:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#38463 Having 5+ tax experience I would say that Leiden program is VERY practical with huge amount of cases which look like real situations, but very DEMANDING in schedule with some pressure. In Fundamentals there're some theoretical approach on some lectures... but it is necessary basics. Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:25:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#38502 Hi, Idem for Vienna program as I replied. Like you said, theory is necessary. If there is not theoretical background, understanding practice and case is not possible, Kr Johan Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:48:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#38523 I compared cirricilum of Vienna and Leiden recently and would say that in Leiden we have more lectures and topic more covered in details. Some teachers are the same but we had more classes and topics are wider (based on our Tax Treaties course and Vienna analog). In addition to lectures (which is I know is not available in Vienna as it has only lectures) we have workshops where practical cases are discussed, more things are added to understanding. For poor performing students we have tutorials where some complex things are discussed by TA for further understanding. For each lecture we have printed materials with articles and other materials to read in addition to OECD materials and VOGEL book. And besides every day before the lecture we should submit at 11 pm or earlier a written assignment on the topic to be presented on the lecture (usually the case). Sat, 12 Jan 2008 09:31:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#38531 Dear Koudiarov, I don't understand your comparison and the purpose of it.......Did you attend both programs in order to make this analysis? What I know is that regarding the hours they are more or less the same, only there is a different spread. Anyway, I would not be able to do your comparison since I attended only the Vienna program. In any case, both programs are considered to be the best in Europe, I guess that if people are interested in one or the other program they can ask you regarding the Leiden LLM or me regarding the Vienna LLM. Kind regards, Johan Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:13:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#40137 Hi all, I am participating in the LL.M programma in International and European Taxation of the European Tax College (www.europeantaxcollege.com), organised by Tilburg University and KU Leuven, and am very positive about its contents. Courses and seminars both cover the theoretical and the practical sides of international taxation. Furthermore, although the programme is demanding, it is well organised and time efficient. Of course, I cannot compare with the programmes of Leiden and Vienna, so it is very interesting for me to see remarks about these other two LL.M. programmes. Greetings, MvH Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:20:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#40196 It was interesting to note your response about Vienna. I agree the LLM program offered by Vienna is one of the best. Would you know whether the university helps /assists in exploring job opportunities in Vienna or in Europe,after doing the course. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#40197 Hi all, I am participating in the LL.M programma in International and European Taxation of the European Tax College (www.europeantaxcollege.com), organised by Tilburg University and KU Leuven, and am very positive about its contents. Courses and seminars both cover the theoretical and the practical sides of international taxation. Furthermore, although the programme is demanding, it is well organised and time efficient. Of course, I cannot compare with the programmes of Leiden and Vienna, so it is very interesting for me to see remarks about these other two LL.M. programmes. Greetings, 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 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:47:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#40202 Hi, we sometimes get job openings via email, usually located in Vienna. German language skills are usually required. Some where able to work at the faculty. But as such there are no job fairs or campus interviews..... You cannot call it real assiatnce for finding a job. For that you are pretty much on your own..... Johan Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:05:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#40500 I was thinking about applying for the LLM program in Vienna. I have a bachelors degree from a US university but I am finding it very difficult to find a job. I want to go back to school but most US universities are very expensive for a masters degree. I wanted to know if I finish this program in Vienna (I contacted them and they told me I can enroll with just finishing my Bachelors degree), are my chances for finding a job, here in the US, with a Big 4 accounting firm better? Or do US firms not consider a LLM from an European university that great? What are my chances for finding a job with a Big 4 in Vienna? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:09:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#41691 Hi, everyone, This year I am also applying to International Tax law programmes in Viena and Leiden. But I am only finishing my bachelor studies this year. So the problem is, that I am not sure, if I will be able to study at Leiden or Viena not having a lot of background in tax. Basically during my bachelor studies, I only had 3-4 tax related courses (2 of them at University Utrecht) and a 2 month internship at a local State Tax office. Could anyone give some opinions on that? Is it ok to go to these universities straight after bachelor or is it better to get some experience/background in tax law. Rokas Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:39:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#42085 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. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:34:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#43888 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! Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:36:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#43981 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 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:38:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#44231 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. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:40:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#44232 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. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:53:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#44238 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.. Sat, 29 Mar 2008 06:41:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#44293 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. Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:15:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#44409 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. :-) Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:23:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#45591 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 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 23:53:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#46021 Does anyone is having the LLM in Taxation in the next term? Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:11:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#46091 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? Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:47:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#46125 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! Mon, 05 May 2008 16:07:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#46879 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. Sun, 11 May 2008 11:27:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#47150 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 Tue, 20 May 2008 18:42:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#47502 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 Sun, 25 May 2008 09:42:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#47657 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! Sun, 08 Jun 2008 04:34:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#48117 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 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 13:16:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#48364 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 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:02:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#48367 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? Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:49:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5142/last#48550 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.