In the application form of the IMO IMLI LL.M Programme it is acknowledged at the outset that it is a very intensive programme, and, indeed, it was not only intensive but also challenging. However, the knowledge I gathered and life lessons I acquired in just 8 months are invaluable. IMLI is more than just hard work, study and stress. It is also about personal development in an international environment, plenty of good times with new friends from all over the world, and very interesting exchange of experience, culture and good values such as ‘tolerance’. My gratitude goes to The Nippon Foundation for having accepted generously to fund my studies at the IMO – International Maritime Law Institute, Malta, for the LL. M Programme of the Academic year 2015-2016. I was chosen amongst other applicants, who were surely outstanding individuals. I thank the Foundation for the confidence it placed in me and I assure that I will do my best to transform this unique opportunity given to an individual into a gift to my country, Madagascar.

"My learning experience in IMLI was a great and one I will forever cherish. It offered me the opportunity to interact and building relationship with students from different part of the world. These relationships enable me to better understand the maritime world as well as learn best practices adopted by different countries in terms of the maritime sector. I will forever be grateful to the faculty and staff of IMLI. They have always gone extra-mile to ensure that our journey through IMLI was smooth. The lecturers took time to simplify issues and communicate well with a view to make sure that everyone in the class understand what was been taught. I am particularly grateful to The Nippon Foundation for offering a scholarship to study at IMLI. I owed my success in the program to them. I wish to thank them for the scholarship."

IMLI is not only a prestigious learning institute,but  also a place combing collegiate and educational elements which in turn provide a wider experience and exposure to the students undertaking their post graduate studies. The staff is friendly and dedicated and always willing to assist, guide and support the students with their academic work, research and etc., and make learning an engaging and interesting experience for everyone alike. What is unique about IMLI's method of imparting knowledge is, that  the students get the opportunities to learn so may aspects of international maritime law from the experts in the maritime industry through the organization of guest lectures  by them on a regular basis. As such, apart from the usual course work contained in the IMLI syllabus, the students are exposed to practical aspects of such specialized knowledge in the shipping and maritime industry, which in turn, makes the application of the wealth of knowledge gained at IMLI easier upon  returning to their respective home countries. I am truly humbled and grateful to the Nippon Foundation for offering me the scholarship which enabled me to pursue this LL.M. at a prestigious Institute like IMLI. “Arigatou gozaimasu" for the opportunity.

My attendance at IMLI was made successful, thanks to you Nippon Foundation and predicated that I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to you. As Civil Servant, the cost of paying for masters’ degree was a far fetch dream for me, however, without exaggeration the intervention of Nippon Foundation was the realization of that dream. Coming to IMLI was beyond imagination because it opened my first international experience especially in Maritime law. Studying at IMLI was the best experience ever. Before coming to IML, I did not know the importance of the maritime industry in the world. However, through your intervention leading to me being in IMLI, I came to realize the importance and impact maritime law have on the economy of the globe and the need to protect such valuable asset. However, this would never have existed without support and assistance from my able lecturers starting from the Director of the Institute, Professor David Joseph Attard, Professor Norman Martinez Gutiérrez, Ms. Elda Belja, Ms. Ramat Jalloh and Ms. Lubis. As outstanding professionals, they possess vast knowledge of Maritime International Law and I mostly especially appreciate their management skills and the patience it took to see us through this course. I wish to express my appreciation to your structured and strategic ways of teaching. I will ever be grateful to you all. Keep the good work alive. Once again, on behalf of my humble self and my Government, I want to extend a heart-felt thank you for your commitment to making our vision so successful. As Coastal State it is the vision of my Government, to have a vibrant maritime sector and such vision cannot be realized without a trained or well-equipped human resources. So your generous contribution helped make that vision a reality by training their people in that area. As we continue to grow as a nation, please know that partnerships with you is vital.   You are truly appreciated.  Thank again.