A Blog about Education Abroad

Tag: Independent Summer School

  • Anneke at the 7th International Summer School on Radar/SAR

    Anneke at the 7th International Summer School on Radar/SAR

    At the beginning of this year, attending a summer school in Germany seemed like an unlikely event. Thus I was quite surprised when my application to attend the 7th International Summer School on Radar/SAR was successful.

    The summer school, hosted by Frauenhofer FHR, took place from 10 – 17 July in a small village called Rolandseck in Northern Germany. I was given about two months to organise everything including VISA, plane tickets and not to mention funding, fortunately the summer school provided accommodation. Two months might seem like a lot of time, but when dealing with VISA applications I always feel like more time is better. (more…)

  • Carla attending the Belgium Clarinet Academy

    Carla attending the Belgium Clarinet Academy

    I am currently in my second year of a clarinet performance master’s at the University of Stellenbosch. As this is my last year of studies at this university, and with my upcoming final practical exams ahead, I decided it would be a good idea to get some international experience with regards to my playing.

    I had always wanted to go on an exchange program, but due to the fact that I have to work to help fund my current studies, such an opportunity was never realised. A week long summer course was ideal.

    After some research on possible courses offered and the pros and cons of each one I decided to apply at the Belgium Clarinet Academy. The Belgium Clarinet Academy started in 1996 and is a week long international course which focusses solely on clarinet. The course allows for master classes from three different leading pedagogues on international level. The three teachers this year were Dr. Robert Spring (USA), Dr. Deborah Bish (USA) and Professor Eddy van Oosthuyse (Belgium). Besides receiving and observing master classes, I would also gain the chance to play in a clarinet specific quartet and have coaching in a chamber music context. (more…)

  • Linda in Stockholm

    Linda in Stockholm

    Linda Luvuno attended a course at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University. Here is her story.

    Pre-departure:

    I unfortunately lost my little brother two weeks before I had to leave so my memories of that time are a bit misty. My excitement was tainted by the need to be around people who were going through what I was going through.

    What I do remember though is the struggle to find affordable accommodation. This was the biggest headache to be quite honest! I eventually found something the eve of my brother’s funeral, 6 days before I fly out. On that day my supervisor and I were still deciding whether we should take the only expensive available option! We did. It cost 12 000SEK which is about R18 000! There are cheaper options though if you can pay the deposit and stay a bit longer than the 4 weeks I was there for.

    The rest of the arrangements went well. I had no issues with visa applications, booking flights and travel insurance which was easily handled by Neelsie Travel. (more…)