Manuela joined us for the Politics Summer School in Canterbury. She wrote about her experience:
After a year in exchange in the Politics department of the University of Manchester, I didn’t want my experience in the UK to end “too soon” (although the 6th of June might not be considered as “too soon” for others!). Thus, when I saw an ad on social media about a Politics Summer School in Canterbury, I thought it could be a wise idea to apply. The Summer School was about The EU’s foreign and security policy, and I had applied a few weeks previously for a dual Master’s degree in EU Politics between my home university (Sciences Po) and the LSE. So, I told myself: ‘Why not?’. It would be interesting to learn more about the EU’s external sides, as we had mainly dealt with the EU’s internal functioning in my previous modules.
From an academic point of view, my expectations were completely fulfilled during the Summer School. We were taught by Eske Van Gils, a lecturer in East European Politics at the University of Kent and by Muzaffer Kutlay, who is currently finishing her PhD in European Politics. Both were excellent teachers – and people. As an example, Eske brought in class a blueberry and vanilla cheesecake for my birthday (I know, that’s incredible and surprising, given that I hadn’t even mentioned that it was my birthday!). Also, I’m still in touch with Muzaffer, who is giving me advice through Twitter about studying in London (Yes, I was accepted for the dual Master’s degree!) and about applying for a PhD in a British university.
Birthday-cake-eating while listening to Eske’s lecture.
Moreover, the Summer School was fascinating insofar as we had several guest lectures delivered by key academics in their respective fields. One lecture I particularly enjoyed was Dr Toni Haastrup’s talk. She touched upon trade relations between the EU and Africa. I had previously heard about her work during my studies in Manchester, and meeting her in person was incredible, as she had so many knowledge and critical reflections to share!
Every day, Eske and Muzaffer were covering a different topic. We talked about Brexit (I really enjoyed this session, and even after a year of going to every seminar organised by the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in Manchester, I feel like there is always something new to learn about Brexit), EU-Russia relations (they are indeed bad, but it’s a very recent thing) but it’s, llence in Manchester, I feel like there is always something new to learn abosed had so many kn, the neighbourhood policy (it’s kind of a failure, especially the EUROMED Partnership), among others.
Last day of the Politics Summer School: Front row left to right: Manuela Latchoumaya, Meghna Chaudry, Ana Sofia Maia; back row left to right: Eve Le Bideau, Viktoria Petuschkowa, Eske Van Gils. Photo credit: Muzaffer Kutlay.
However, I’ve to admit that this Summer School was surprising in other ways. I didn’t really have expectations from a more personal point of view (apart from being even more well-rounded in my studies, I mean). Before arriving in Canterbury, I hadn’t even thought of the fact that I’d have to share my accommodation with three other girls! In the end, these girls, and the four other Summer School students who were staying in the house next door, became real friends. In addition to introducing me with their respective cultures, they’ve taught me how to be more opened to people and to new friendships. I’ll probably visit Meghna, another student from the Politics Summer School, soon in Verona (Italy).
Walk around Whitstable with the Business Summer School students and the University’s student ambassadors.
Moreover, Canterbury is a really nice place. I had already visited Canterbury several times in the past, but spending two weeks on the University’s campus made me discover new sides of this town. Besides, the campus is stunning. I must say that it’s a huge campus and we got lost almost every day – but it was really fun (I promise).
I couldn’t be happier with the academics and personal benefits this experience has brought me, and I’m really looking forward to being back in Kent for other (politics-related?!) events.
Manuela Latchoumaya