Studying in IMLI was always on my top “to-do list” in life, which came to reality with the generous support of The Nippon Foundation and IMLI academics to whom I am indebted for the rest of my life. From the very moment of inauguration, I realized that it is not like any other professional or academic experience I have ever had or may have in the future. On one hand, the diversity of bright students, from more than 30 countries with different legal systems, and professional experiences and on the other hand, a comprehensive curriculum covering public and private maritime law which is proficiently tailored with superb professors and brilliant lecturers. I should add the perfect cherry-picked visiting professors and lecturers. Should one appreciate the opportunity, every single moment in IMLI is golden to perceive the extensive and detailed knowledge. IMLI is one of the pioneer educational institutes to promote international maritime law, particularly for the benefit of developing countries which may lack the expertise. Nonetheless, it is not just another law institute, IMLI is a mother, who loves her students and enlightens them with humanity, tolerance, kindness, sympathy and understanding. Indeed, The Nippon Foundation by supporting students and sending them to IMLI, builds trustworthy maritime legal experts who also have the heart for humanity, and love for the environment. Long Live, IMLI.

I can confidently attest that the past three and a half weeks at IMLI have been the best in my entire life. The warm hospitality and friendship experienced in this short period is still a marvel to me. The Malta experience is amazing! So much to do, yet so little time. Academically, the depth of diverse knowledge I am getting from esteemed professors, lecturers and peers is beyond comparison. Complementary to this is the available world-class facilities that make my stay and study at IMLI more memorable. The intense and academically challenging work-load helps me become a better version of myself. I never in my life dreamt that I, from a relatively unknown landlocked developing country, would follow in the foot-steps of many great international maritime lawyers. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Nippon Foundation for the generous scholarship that made my study at IMLI possible. Being chosen among many other well-deserving candidates, I was thrilled when I learned of my selection. The knowledge and skills I will acquire from IMLI, will truly enhance my advisory role to my Government. As the first candidate from the Kingdom in the Sky, I believe the scholarship will help me realize my dream of becoming my country’s first specialist in the field. For this, I shall be eternally indebted to the Nippon Foundation for believing in me!  

My studies at IMLI has been a unique and fulfilling experience. It is challenging in a way that it has allowed me to reach beyond my grasp, and endeavor to attain more knowledge in my chosen field. At the same time, I have met wonderful people from around the world as my colleagues, professors and classmates, with whom I can forge lasting friendship and valuable professional linkages. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Nippon Foundation for their generosity, which allowed me to attend the LL.M. Program in IMLI. Your generosity inspires me to continually do my best in my chosen career in diplomacy. Through my studies I can gain precious knowledge and skills, which I may use to promote understanding between nations.

Thanks to the generous support of the Nippon Foundation, I had an invaluable opportunity to study at IMLI. The LL.M. turned out to be a very challenging course, exceeding all my expectations. It provided me with fundamental knowledge for the development of my tasks as legal adviser to the Uruguayan Coast Guard, allowing my country to have personnel specialized in International Maritime Law. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Professor Attard, who is a person of vast knowledge in International Maritime Law and with a generous attitude towards his students. There are no master's degrees in maritime law in my country, so I am deeply grateful to the Nippon Foundation as well as the IMLI for providing me with such a unique opportunity.