In Students' Words
Abadir M. Ibrahim (Ethiopia)
"In order to learn from and about the different experiences of human rights lawyers, private advocates, public prosecutors, and decision makers from around the world, it is enough for one to sit in one of the classes that the LL.M. Program offers. Not only is the learning process at the LL.M. Program in Intercultural Human Rights coached by leading experts and decision makers from the most prominent international institutions around the world, but it is also enriched by a diverse student body which adds an inspiring learning experience to the program. On top of offering an exhilarating educational program, STU’s School of Law is distinguished by offering knowledge and skills that shape the student’s outlook towards leadership in the human rights field."
Maudisa Shevonne McSween (Trinidad and Tobago)
"I really think this program is one of a kind. The program is intensive as the amount of information and materials covered are vast, yet still manageable. One main highlight of the program for me is the high caliber of professors that are provided for each course. Each professor is a leading and distinguished scholar in his or her field in international law and this adds, not only credibility to the program, but also promotes a stimulating and enjoying classroom environment."
Omar Mekky (Egypt)
"ince enrolling in the St. Thomas LL.M. program in Human Rights I have found that it is offering a comprehensive instruction on the protection of human dignity across political, social, economic, and cultural lines. Basically, the diversity of the students, the unique intercultural dialogue between them, and the proficiency of the professors are additional elements that make this program incredible.
" came to the program from the Middle East, where violations of human rights were daily occurrence. As a public prosecutor, I witnessed how human dignity was affront but also how resilient human beings are. The LL.M. program is helping me to obtain skills in handling cases concerning human rights and gain a better understanding of how they should be applied properly. I in particular appreciate the support of Professor Wiessner and Professor Pati who have worked with students from all over the world and understand the particularities of every student form every culture."
Keya Canaii (U.S. Virgin Islands)
“St. Thomas University’s LL.M Program allows students the opportunity to learn from leading academics in the field of Human Rights. The city of Miami itself compliments the program’s efforts to expose students to internationally pressing human rights issues. Students interested in legal work as well as the non-profit sector have incredible access to work opportunities in internationally recognized organizations.”
Leyla Nikjou (Austria)
"Studying human rights at St.Thomas has broadened my perspective. Living in Miami, a cultural melting pot, and having the chance to develop a network with students from all over the world is a unique opportunity that this program offers. It is wonderful to spend one year together with people who are planning to go out there and change the world to the better. Every Professor here is an expert in his/her field. It is not only the prestigious degree, but the experience we are collecting. I am sure I speak for all of us if I say, we won't be the same afterwards."
Elton Islamaj (Albania)
"The LL.M. Program in Intercultural Human Rights at St. Thomas University has been an unforgettable experience for me. This program gives the unique opportunity to meet and be taught by world-known scholars and intellectuals. It is a truly warm environment where professors and students come from all over the world to share their experiences. This program is designed to promote intellectual growth to students and increase awareness on a myriad number of human right issues."
Allison Kranz (U.S.A.)
"How many times in one's life is a person afforded an opportunity to sit in a small room of people from all around the globe and participate in a discussion led by one of the leading global experts in that field? While these opportunities are surely afforded to only a small few, I am blessed to have this experience five times a week. This program allows students to gain a world perspective through educational opportunities, premier educators and a geographically diverse student body."
"In an age of tremendous technology our neighbors now live across the street as well as across the ocean. Our world is shrinking. In order to live in peace, the courtesies that we show to man next door must also be shown to the man across the sea. Many of the lessons taught through the Intercultural Human Rights LL.M. program could only be derived from the unique experience of discussing and debating with a true international body of classmates. One can learn about different cultural perspectives from a book, but through class discussions one truly comes to understand how complicated it is to be "neighborly" in a global society. However, it is in this discourse that we gain active practice today, in order to help find common ground and compromises for tomorrow."
Brigitte Valbuena (Colombia)
"The LL.M. Master of Law in Intercultural Human Rights offered by St. Thomas University is the most comprehensive in Human Rights Law in the country. The selected topics, the quality of the professors, and the geographic diversity of the students made of this program, a rich experience for those who are interested in the protection of the human dignity. This LL.M. has being designed to develop analytical tools to asses global issues implementing conventions, treaties and customary international law, in order understand how international matters affects the life of the state as well as the individuals."
Oyunchimeg Tsedev (Mongolia)
"I’m thankful and overjoyed with the invaluable opportunities to learn about international human rights law through an excellent and unique LL.M. Program at St. Thomas University School of Law. The Intercultural Human Rights LL.M. Program incorporates a rich array of international human right law courses and faculty professors and members are leading practitioners in their field. Our class mates come from every corner of the world and made class discussions so fruitful within their rich experiences."
Peter Calin (U.S.A.)
"For those who are willing to challenge their intellect and would enjoy the opportunity to learn about human rights, the St. Thomas LL.M. Program in Intercultural Human Rights is an outstanding place to incubate and an incredible gateway to living a higher purpose in the service of mankind. I think it was Martin Luther King who said, “[a]n individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” Although humankind has made tremendous progress in recognizing and addressing human rights, it really has only just begun to address how best to respect and protect human dignity around the world. Anyone serious about advocacy or policy-making in the human rights arena should consider the LL.M. Program at St. Thomas. There is no better place to gain the academic credentials and learn about the issues confronting human rights. Intercultural, rather than international, the Program provides an orientation that acknowledges the significant impact of culture and traditions on how human rights are today defined. It also has the unique underpinning of the New Haven policy-oriented approach to analyzing law that is especially applicable for the continued evolution of human rights globally. No other school offering the LL.M. contemplates this dual approach that I am aware of. In addition, the Program offers professors who are experienced experts and renowned scholars in their fields. You learn perspectives from human rights practitioners, who truly understand the history of and challenges in promoting human rights and human dignity. You also have the enriching experience of being in a class with students from all over the world, which gives you insights into other intercultural perspectives that enhance the learning experience. If you are someone who seeks to make a positive difference in the global condition and wants to serve a purpose beyond your individual concerns, the LL.M. Program at St. Thomas can be an excellent gateway."
Oswaldo Alvarez (Venezuela)
"It has been an invaluable experience."