Edinburgh SUISS 2010 report

When I have a noticed a small advertisement at our noticeboard at the Prešov University in the Spring of 2010, I would not realize at first that it would stir an eye-opening experience.

I have always been interested in English Literature and academic environment in the UK. I have also wondered how do the classes on literature compare to some uninspiring classes we had in Slovakia and Poland. Therefore I have looked up the SCSSS Fund website, where I have found out about the Scottish Universities International Summer School (SUISS or “The School” as it is nicknamed) based at Edinburgh University.

There was little time left on both applications but I have decided to ask for my letters of reference and give it a good chance. Getting reference was most time-consuming in the process, given that I have asked not only our Literature department head from Prešov Doctor Tomášik but also our Institute Professor Fabiny, a Shakespearean scholar residing in Budapest. I am grateful to both of them for their exceptional classes and support. I am also grateful to both the SCSSS Fund and SUISS for accepting my last moment application and guiding me through the process of administration.

Course Administrator Nan (left) with Directors Julia and Konstantina and their loyal student host Goran

I should also voice my gratitude to Ms Linhartova who forwarded me a contact on a Czech IT student with an accommodation offer I could not refuse. It was a modestly priced room in a flat located in perfect midpoint between the School and the Pollock Halls where the rest of students and cultural part of the programme resided. Another advantage was that I could get to Edinburgh few days earlier, meet the Administrators for guidance, register at the University Library and IT system and pick up few books I have ordered before my arrival on Aug 6.

Pollock Halls. Course students at an evening reading by fellow Creative Writing students

Equipped with books and several days dedicated to study and exploring the surrounding area (magnificient Arthur’s Seat) I have entered my first lecture. The schedule at the Contemporary Literature course was intensive. Lectures were closely followed by seminars. It was all I could wish for, with heated and fruitful discussions. Renowned lecturers, tutors and fellow students gave insights and truly international perspective on most subjects on our reading list. Even during the coffee breaks, afternoons and evenings everyone was eager for conversation. This was intensified by the atmosphere of the festivals and cultural events we took part in. With our student host Goran we have even managed to spend a sunny day at the seaside in North Berwick. I will also remember the deeply moving conversation we had on charity and support with Ms. Beloff from SCSSS Fund.



By the second week of the School I have decided to explore my interest in JG Ballard in presentation and essay in pursuit of credits. During the writing of the essay I used help of the extraordinary National Library of Scotland collection, my tutor Karin Sellberg and especially the inspiration of three of Shakespeare’s plays I saw at the Globe in London midway home during the week following the course. I am proud to say I have managed to successfully complete the course, and transfer the credits for the essay, books and experience safely to my home University.



Reflecting Violence by Ondrej Koscik, SUISS 2010