Introducing Alumni Kanavos Asterios

My name is Kanavos Asterios, I come from Greece, I am 29 years old and I have studied in the Law school of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (bachelor studies). After my graduation I underwent 18 months of practicing law as a trainee lawyer in Thessaloniki (6 months in the judicial hall of Thessaloniki and 1 year in a private law firm). After that I worked at the Greek Council for Refugees at the office of Thessaloniki for 1 year, as a member of the Legal Unit. The following year I migrated in the Netherlands, in order to undergo the L.L.M. International Migration and Refugee Law at the Vrije University of Amsterdam. Since August 2018 I am currently working for EASO as a case worker in the island of Lesvos.

My decision to attend this master program derived from my deep desire to enhance my knowledge in a field of law, which had always been of universal interest. However, since the 2015 “migration crisis” the attention and the publicity given on International Refugee Law had been substantially upgraded. This development in combination with my personal interest which was triggered after my first year professional experience in the Greek Council for Refugees led me to my decision to apply for this master. In my opinion, this master could constitute a stepping stone to my future career as a lawyer on human and refugee rights.

My first impressions of the VU were very positive. I realized that the professors are highly qualified and I could gain lots of knowledge from them.

My expectations of the IMRL Master Track were to obtain as much knowledge as possible of the field of International Migration and Refugee Law, during the academic year.

For now, my plans are to continue working with Refugees, either as a case worker or as a lawyer.