Department of European Languages and Cultures

My summer school experience: Katie Cameron

We hear from a Year 3 French and German student about attending an online summer school on the European Union.

This summer, French & German MA Hons student Katie Cameron received a DAAD Scholarship to attend FUBiS, the International Summer and Winter University of Freie Universität Berlin.

Photo of a student on La Grande Roue de Montréal
Katie on La Grande Roue de Montréal where is she is currently on her Year Abroad

DAAD is the German Academic Exchange Service and the scholarship was advertised to students on single and joint honours German programmes in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) towards the end of Katie’s second year.

Looking at what she could study at FUBiS, Katie was drawn to a course on 'The European Union in the 21st Century: Internal and External Challenges'. Over the course of her pre-honours years, she has realised how much she would like to live and work in the EU, using her languages.

Before she left for the first part of her Year Abroad in Montreal, where she is working as a Language Assistant with the British Council, we caught up with Katie to find out more about FUBiS.

Developing skills and making connections

The FUBiS course consisted of lectures, literature-based discussions, presentations from working groups and invited guests, and the chance to discuss topics with international experts from political institutions, embassies and think tanks.

It was taught in English, but Katie says that it added to her experience of studying languages and cultures because “I learnt about the complex occurrences within and around the European Union and what’s more, the dynamics of the Union in which I intend to use my languages”.

“I was also given the chance to develop my topic-based research and analysis skills through presenting and debriefing on our guest speakers, current European news topics and topics of personal choice.”

“Presenting on Brexit and European Expansion gave me the chance to present British political affairs to my fellow students, as I was the only UK-based participant on the course, and to research further into a topic that not only interested me, but that affected me too.”

Anyone who is interested in a similar opportunity, I would say definitely go for it because you never know what new area of interest you might uncover! For me, it was a fantastic opportunity that opened a door to a new range of skills and knowledge that will not only benefit my future university studies but hopefully my career too. I am pleased that I made the most of my summer break and I made great connections with my peers worldwide in the process.

Katie Cameron, French & German MA Hons student

Are you interested in studying languages at LLC?

We offer one of the widest range of languages of any UK university, including all six official languages of the United Nations, and eight of the languages of the European Union. We also offer an extensive range of joint degrees, for example, two languages, or a language with another humanities subject. We are unique in Scotland in offering students a full academic year abroad within the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working. Opportunities to build professional skills include an ambassador programme which involves outreach with schools and communities.

Find out more about undergraduate study at LLC