IMLI gives me a great opportunity to learn and understand what common law is. Mongolia is a civil law country, unfamiliar to the common law. IMLI teachers are experienced to teach common law to the students from civil law countries, and they also have good skills. I am very happy to study at IMLI. I express sincere thanks to the Nippon Foundation for ensuring the scholarship to study at IMLI. IMO-IMLO is an unique Institute, where I can learn not only maritime laws but also understand the world legal systems, and their differences. The Institute also gives a good opportunity to set up not only a network between its students, but also linkage between students and professors which would be helpful for my career. I have no doubt that my experience at IMLI will help in developing my personal skill and improving my academic knowledge of international maritime law.

I was privileged to have been chosen as a recipient for a Nippon Foundation Scholarship among the elite group of ten. This scholarship allowed me to undertake a rather interesting and relevant course of study at the notable IMO- International Maritime Law Institute. The duration of this eight month (8) course at first seemed like such an abstract concept and a bit illusory. However, as time wore on it became apparent that all that was promised was real. The legal training given by the Institute certainly sensitized me to the relevant existing international law conventions and various legal instruments. During the time we explored the vastness that is the law of the sea, from every possible aspect. With each exploration came even more knowledge and an obvious awareness. The expertise that shone through our professors was not only wonderful to watch but also academically stimulating. Through their guidance, we were taught the correct methods of implementation and interpretation of the international conventions and instruments. In keeping with its international nature, the Institute allowed me to meet and interact with over thirty (30) other countries. The cultural kaleidoscope that emerged therefrom was beyond anything that could have ever been imagined. In retrospect, words are not enough to express my gratitude to the Foundation. I am happy to the Foundation for giving me the opportunity to not only fulfill a dream but to tap into the wonderful framework afforded to me by the Institute. This experience is one that I would have never been able to access, had it not been for the largess of the Foundation. I commend the Foundation for the work it has done and the work it continues to do and I trust that others will benefit similarly from your generosity as I did. Having been equipped with the necessary tools, I pledge to go forth and serve the rule of International Maritime Law.

So far, the experience studying at IMLI has given me is one I will not forget. It is one that is at a very high level, I have so far learnt a lot and the first few weeks have instilled in me, the urge and the eagerness to grab all that I can in the coming months. I can never say this enough, I am honored to be selected as a Nippon Foundation Scholar. I, on behalf of my country, appreciate the offer and will work towards achieving and gaining something to contribute to my country. Once again, thank you very much.

Without any exaggeration, I must say that IMLI has played an important role in my life. It was my first international experience, which significantly broadened my studying and professional horizons: new and different approaches to teaching and learning, prominent professors and practitioners from all over the world, life in the international student community, new friends, etc. The knowledge and experience I received at the Institute served as a solid platform for my further professional growth – completion of the doctoral dissertation, diplomatic service, international civil service, lecturing at the university. I am proud to be the first Ukrainian who studied at IMLI. Undoubtedly, this was made possible only due to the generous scholarship of the Nippon Foundation and the endeavors of the Institute and its Director in attracting the scholarship for me. I am deeply grateful both to the Nippon Foundation and the Institute for giving me such a unique opportunity. This year it will be ten years since I graduated from the Institute, and I still often recollect my studies at IMLI and life in Malta as one of the happiest moments in my life.