Gillian Armstrong attended the Graz University Summer Schoolduring July 2011. Here is her report:
Pre-Departure:
I was a little nervous about travelling on my own, as this can be something of a daunting task. The best advice I can give is be prepared! I was extremely cautious and so I made sure that all my arrangements were in place before I left. Get a credit card, it is the most useful piece of plastic you will ever own. Print out maps and directions and phone numbers of all of your hotels, and try and get acquainted with the city before you leave.
In terms of the summer school, this applies too. Do ALL the reading before you leave South Africa – once you arrive at Seggau Castle you will simply not have time to do the bulk reading that is required.
Bring summer and winter clothes – European weather can be deceptive and you don’t want to end up having to run down to the local H & M (or maybe you do!) to replenish your wardrobe. Bring an extra towel and an extra jacket, they always come in useful.
Budget well – there are always hidden expenses that you simply just forget about. The bus between the airport and the station, for example, is an extra 7 euro. These things can crop up and start eating into your spending money. Try and figure out all the intermediary costs of your travel as this will assist you in ensuring that your money lasts the full two weeks.
Don’t be afraid to ask people when you are unsure – Europeans are used to people who cannot speak the language and they are extremely helpful. It can be really scary to stand in front of the train timetable and be desperately hoping you are getting things right. In this situation, ask someone for assistance and they are usually only too happy to help.
During:
The Summer School itself can be an enlightening, challenging and extremely fulfilling experience, depending on how much of yourself you put into it. The program and structure of the school allow for both intensive and stimulating academic opportunities, and the chance to explore a variety of different cultures in a social setting.
The fairly isolated nature of Seggau Castle creates a wonderful space for you to apply academics and socialising in the same place. Be prepared – you will be totally immersed in your fellow students and you will spend a large portion of the day surrounded by people. Don’t shy away from this – if you use the opportunity to learn as much as possible about the people around you, you will find a great support structure to help you through the long hours of class.
When I say isolated, I do not mean cut off. There is plenty of opportunity to visit Leibnitz city centre and to do some shopping when in Graz. At the same time, the castle is a wonderful place to be at and so the students tend to stick together in the evenings and socialise together instead of wandering off.
The academic day is long. There is a keynote address every morning for 2 hours, followed by either a transferable skills or creative writing seminar. After lunch, there are 3 hour lectures for each seminar group. On several evenings there are lectures in the evening as well. However, if you are well prepared and make an active effort to participate willingly in the discussions and seminars, there is a rich variety of information for a large range of topics. My level of interest in the study of the Americas was not always very high, and so I viewed some of the keynote addresses with some trepidation. My hesitation was unfounded – each lecturer brought a unique and valuable insight into the economic, cultural and social aspects of the study of two of the most influential continents in the world. They covered topics from literature to sustainability to the study of identity. This diverse range of topics means that no matter what your academic interest, you are able to find an angle to interest you.
This said, the social side of the summer school provides a harmonious balance. Heidi and her team organised several activities designed to bring us together in a relaxed and healthy way. We held a karaoke night, played a few volleyball matches and had a games evening. The hotel café also provided a central meeting space for everyone to discuss the events of the day in a relaxed and easy way. This was not only students, but lecturers too and so we were really able to get to know our academic superiors as people as well as academics. The value of this space should not be underestimated.
Importantly, the food was spectacular. In two weeks not one meal was repeated and there was also a large variety to suit all tastes on offer. Each meal also provided a traditionally ‘Austrian’ dish and so we were able to taste the local cuisine. In addition, we were treated to a ‘Buschenshank’ one evening. This is a dinner at a local restaurant where they only serve food made on the property. It was a wonderful way to explore culture with our tastebuds.
As I mentioned above, the summer school gives you back what you put in. The best advice I can give is to grab the bull by the horns and give it your all. Ask questions. Speak to the lecturers. Made an effort to speak to each one of your fellow students. Ask about their country, their language. Ask about words. You will not be sorry with what you receive back and the experience will be a lasting and gratifying one.
After:
Have a nap!
Seriously though, the feeling of leaving the castle in the cold rain was extremely sad. I have made a whole group of friends from all over the world and I became very close to students and lecturers. The positive aspect of this is that I now have a couch to stay on in my future European travels!
Stay in touch with the people you meet. As an academic building a network of support, these people will be your links worldwide. Follow up with the lecturers and don’t be afraid to communicate with them. All of them told me that part of the reason they teach in the summer school is that they love the global perspective students provide them with – so continue to provide them with this.
Mother Theresa said “Be the change you want to see in the world”. After spending two weeks learning about the diverse range of challenges facing us worldwide, I can only advise taking what you learn to heart. Be part of the global change happening in the world and embrace all that you have learned. Reject cultural stereotypes and narrow-thinking. Shy away from any kind of prejudicial misconception. The summer school really broadens your horizons and shows you a new perspective, so try and actively act on what you have learned.
The most important thing I can say about my trip to Seggau Castle was that it was FUN! I learned so many things; both about the Americas and European cultures, but also about myself. I have made solid friends and I have widened my network of international academics. I would strongly encourage anyone considering an exchange or summer school experience to go for it and give it your all!