LLB Study Trip to The Hague

In March 2025, I joined a group of second and third-year LLB students from the Liverpool Law School on a fruitful law study trip to The Hague, Netherlands. This study trip offered students a marvellous opportunity to visit five core institutions focused on international law.

Throughout the trip, I was delighted to develop new friendships while enhancing my knowledge of international law. In addition to the structured academic activities, the itinerary also incorporated opportunities for cultural exploration within Dutch cities such as Amsterdam.

Day 1 – Arrival at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and coach to The Hague

Upon arrival at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, we continued with pre-arranged coach transport to The Hague and completed check-in and logistical arrangements at the hostel. With the arrangements complete, the afternoon was ours to explore! We were divided into different groups – some ventured into art museums such as the Mauritshuis to admire the famous oil painting Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer; others visited a beach called De Pier to enjoy the soothing atmosphere of the waves and gentle breeze.

By the evening, we hopped on a tram to explore the second-largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam. The city’s modern architecture and bustling atmosphere provided a fascinating contrast to The Hague’s statelier feel. Dinner in Rotterdam was the perfect chance to connect with new friends. I was delighted to share common interests and excitement for the days ahead with them.

Day 2 – Guided City Walk and Peace Palace

Our first activity on day two began with a guided walking tour to truly experience the heart of the city. I found the guided city walk insightful, as it unveiled the historical depth of seemingly ordinary places and allowed me to better understand the culture of the city.

Following the city walk, we visited the Peace Palace, which houses prestigious international institutions such as the Hague Academy of International Law, the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the Peace Palace Library. We were provided with an audio guide to learn more about the Palace's history. This enriched my understanding of the exhibited items and documents, facilitating a deeper appreciation of their historical significance in the context of international law.

Outside of our planned itinerary, we enjoyed a relaxing teatime in the city centre. We discussed what we had learnt over coffee—my creamy latte included.

Day 3 – Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and Eurojust Headquarters

Day three began with a visit to the OPCW, which oversees the Chemical Weapons Convention and works to prevent the development, use, stockpiling and transfer of chemical weapons. During our visit, we attended a presentation outlining the background of the OPCW. A Q&A session followed, where we raised questions on the control of chemical weapons in modern times, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence in this field. Afterwards, we toured the institution, including the conference room and the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the OPCW.

Next, we visited Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation. We were fortunate to hear from Chris Williams, the UK liaison prosecutor, who shared insights into his role in managing cross-border investigations.

Though packed, day three was remarkably enlightening, offering a rich array of perspectives on international law.

Day 4 – International Criminal Court (ICC) and Kosovo Specialist Chambers

On the fourth day, we visited the ICC and attended two informative sessions. First, we sat in a public hearing room, where a court representative gave us a comprehensive overview of the court, including seating arrangements for the Prosecution and Defence and operational procedures. We were also introduced to the translation rooms surrounding the courtroom. The session was concise yet informative. I learnt that the ICC operates in six official languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.

We then proceeded to the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Established through an international agreement ratified by the Kosovo Assembly, this institution deals with crimes against humanity, war crimes and other serious offences under Kosovo law. During our visit, we received a brochure detailing the institution’s structure and function and had a guided tour of the courtroom.

This visit was particularly meaningful as it expanded my knowledge of Kosovo law beyond academic texts.

Day 5 – City walk in Amsterdam

The final day of our study trip took us to Amsterdam. After breakfast, we travelled from The Hague and were given the day to explore before our evening flight. My friends and I enjoyed a canal boat tour that passed several iconic landmarks. Our guide, the boat captain, shared the history of the city and its unique cycling culture.

As a food lover, I couldn’t resist trying some local snacks and doing a bit of souvenir shopping in the city centre. I also made time for a visit to Zaanse Schans, where the famous Dutch windmills are located. Despite the windy weather, my final taste of Dutch ice cream made for a sweet ending to a memorable trip.

Concluding thoughts

The Hague, a city known for its international legal institutions, represents an inspiring symbol of the pursuit of social justice on a global scale. This study trip was an invaluable experience, allowing us to witness the workings of prestigious institutions and develop a deeper understanding of international legal frameworks. Each visit was remarkable, with professional speakers who passionately shared their insights and welcomed our questions.

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip and found it incredibly fulfilling, with a variety of engaging activities and enriching discussions. As a law student, I would wholeheartedly recommend this study trip to anyone interested in international law.

About the author

Ngai Jia Nie is a third-year Bachelor of Laws student from the University of Liverpool Law School.