Student Spotlight: Nina Vanoverbeke LLM ’26

You're getting an LLM this year with a focus on international law. What drew you to this field?

My interest in international law began when I took my first international law class during the second year of my bachelor of laws program in Belgium. My professor was very passionate about the subject, and he always connected legal concepts to current events around the world, which made the field feel especially relevant and fascinating. The more I studied it, the more I realized that it truly matched my aspirations. It was the first field in which my background as a Belgian-Japanese student and my multilingual profile felt directly relevant. I was also drawn to how dynamic the field is. It is constantly evolving, so it is never boring.

As an international student, what advice would you give someone outside the US who is interested in pursuing an LLM?

My advice would be: just do it. It will almost certainly be one of the most enriching experiences of your life. I would also encourage anyone pursuing an LLM to get involved in different organizations and events, because they offer great opportunities to meet fascinating people from a wide range of backgrounds.

At the same time, I would say: do not stress too much about the workload. There is a reason you are here, and part of the experience is learning how to find a balance between managing your studies and enjoying the city. Make the most of both.

Which class have you enjoyed the most?

I have enjoyed many classes, but I would say that one of my favorites has been [John Norton Pomeroy Professor of Law] Philip Alston’s class, Political Economy of Human Rights. The course is structured in such a thoughtful way that you gradually piece together the larger picture and identify the central theme Professor Alston wants students to take away. It is also a very interactive class, which makes it especially engaging. Professor Alston’s knowledge and experience as the former [United Nations] special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights make the course particularly inspiring.

I am also really enjoying the class taught by [Charles L. Denison Professor of Law Emeritus] Theodore Meron. As a former judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, he has incredible expertise in the field, and it is a great honor to learn from someone like him.

What do you most like to do outside of class? What’s your favorite way to spend a day in New York City?

When it is sunny and I don't have much time between classes, I love sitting in the sun at Washington Square Park with a coffee, listening to live jazz music—there is always something interesting happening there. Other than that, my ideal day in New York City starts with a relaxed brunch with friends and then just seeing where the day takes us, maybe to Central Park or to some other activity in the city. One of the best parts of the LLM experience is that because we almost all live on campus, it is very easy to see friends and make spontaneous plans.

This interview has been condensed and edited.