Summer School student Stavroula Papageorgiou wrote a blog about the Biotechnology summer school:
My name is Stavroula. I’m from Greece and I’m an undergraduate student. I’m studying Biology at the University of Patras. I attended the two-week programme at the Canterbury campus of The University of Kent.
What was the programme?
I attended the course of Biotechnology which is for people interested in Bio sciences, or those who want to improve their understanding and practical skills in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology. I was interested in both. The target group of the programme was 2nd and 3rd Year Undergraduate students in a bio sciences related degree, and of course open to the public, so the number of the applications was really big. Places are competitive and scholarships even so more. Fortunately, not only was I one of the successful students, but also, one of the luckiest applicants who received a scholarship that I am really thankful for.
What did we have to do?
We had lab sessions week day from 10 a.m. till around 4/5 p.m. with a break between for lunch. Some days of the week we had seminars from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ( Postgraduate study and careers in biological science or Biotechnology in practice research seminar, just to name a few). At the end of the course, we had to create a presentation and a poster which reflected our understanding of the process of our laboratory sessions. Generally, this course offered us an in-depth study and immersion in a really stimulating research environment. All academic, practical sessions, and classes were led by faculty members with years of experience and combined interactive workshops and group work to make a great experience.
What was included in the summer school?
The accommodation where we were living.
We stayed in the Parkwood Accommodation which is located at the campus of the university. There are fully equipped houses which you can share with 2-3 more people . We lived all really close and we had many creative moments together (for example, we used to cook and eat our dinner all together). This way, you have the chance to exchange ideas with people of different countries, cultures and fields of study which makes everyone broaden their mind and improve the way of thinking.
- Trips.
Every Wednesday evening we had a trip which was organized from the ambassadors of the university.
Τhe first one was in the town of Canterbury. There we had the chance to go on a walk through the pretty Westgate Gardens and Dane John Gardens, to visit the Cathedral and to stroll around the shops of the town.
The next one was at Whitstable. This is a seaside region where we enjoyed the beach, the harbour, independent shops, and we tasted the classic seaside fish & chips.
All of these were covered in the cost of the summer school.
- London trip.
Moreover, on Saturday morning there was an optional day trip to London where you were able to see many of the iconic buildings and landmarks the city has to offer, such as Big Ben, London Eye and Buckingham Palace, to go shopping in Oxford Street and the lovely Covent Garden.
My general opinion:
For me, this two-week programme is a truly intercultural and, at the same time, interdisciplinary experience, because, not only, I met significant scientists, but also, I learned a lot about the different aspects of the region of Kent and the capital of the U.K.. Although most days were rainy, this made it a more authentic experience. It’s going to be unforgettable! I recommend it to all of you without any hesitation!!