Yasmin Afina,  LL.M. in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights,
Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (Master of Advanced Studies)

Email: yasmin.afina95@gmail.com 

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Where did you study in France?
Toulouse

What are the full titles of your License 3 and Master 1?
Law Degree - specialization in Public Law, specialization in International Public Law, International Humanitarian and Criminal Law
Master 1 International Law

What is the full title of your post-Double Degree training?
LL.M. in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (Master of Advanced Studies)

Why did you choose this training?
During my research from the second year, I wanted to opt for specialized training in the field of international human rights law in view of my professional projects as well as my interests (disarmament, international security, new technologies) - which is the case with this program. The curriculum is particularly intense, with 5 compulsory subjects, plus 4 options, or 2 options plus an internship, as well as a compulsory research thesis. Unlike the majority of courses offered in France where students must choose a "professional" or "research" path, this training gives the possibility of combining the two. In addition, the Academy has an excellent network, both with other universities as well as international organizations and NGOs. Whether in the context of research projects, seminars, or internship partnerships, the Academy has been able to derive maximum benefits given its geographical position (Geneva). 
 
Was the Double-Diploma useful to you in obtaining your choice? Why ?
I think the Double Diploma (DD) has been very useful to me. First, Essex also has an excellent reputation in international humanitarian and human rights law. Many say that the Geneva Academy and Essex are rivals, although the Academy focuses more on international humanitarian law, while Essex focuses more on human rights. Having taken public international law  as well as selected issues in public international law en options, during my second year at Essex, demonstrated my interest in the field from the start of my training, within a reputable Institution in the field. The DD also allows me to demonstrate that I master English, French and their respective legal vocabularies. The "dual" nature of SD attests to the rigor of the students, both in their methodology and their pace of work - which, I think, has played a huge role in my favor. 

What are your professional projects?
I want to specialize in the field of disarmament. At the moment, I am preparing the entrance examination for the United Nations (Young Professionals Program) which I hope to be able to take in October 2017 and Spring 2018, if I pass the first selection stage (on file) . Following my LL.M., I plan to apply for a doctorate (Ph.D.) in UK and Geneva. I am also planning to apply for traineeships within the ICRC, and possibly positions as a consultant in international organizations. 

What advice (s) would you give to double degree students as part of their post-double degree research?
Above all, don't self-censor! Do not hesitate to apply for the programs that interest you, even if you think it is impossible. Go bold, you have nothing to lose!

I advise students to start their research in the second or even first year, if only to identify certain programs that would interest them and to familiarize themselves with the selection criteria. In License 3, I strongly advise students to make a table (for example in Excel) with the name of the masters, the universities, the selection criteria, the deadlines, the funding possibilities, as well as to start making an order of preference. Watch out for "application fees": English universities often charge a certain amount just to send your file, which can end up being quite expensive. Start working on your personal statement as soon as you finish your License 3, and start testing the waters with some professors who could potentially write you a letter of recommendation as soon as possible. Be clear about your motivations, goals, strengths and weaknesses when chatting with your teachers - be honest! If you want to apply to English-speaking universities / courses, consider preparing and taking the TOEFL iBT / IELTS as soon as possible, as the results are communicated quite late. It is always useful to have one of these certificates even if you have an LL.B. Having done both, I have personally found the IELTS simpler and more affordable.

Highlight your internships and professional experiences, extracurricular activities (for example, your associative life, competitions, volunteering, etc.) in your CV and your cover letter / personal statement. Accumulate a maximum of these elements, especially from the first to the third year, because you will be very busy in Master 1. This allows you to stand out even more, especially if these activities are related to the field for which you apply.

Finally, the name and general reputation of the university you are applying to are obviously not the only criteria that matter. When making your choices, be sure to ensure that the course offers a range of specialist subjects. Look at the reputation of the professors, the research they have carried out in the field that interests you, as well as the network of the institution within which you are applying!