"This summer I attended the ALCS summer school which took place at the University of Edinburgh. I decided to sign up for the course firstly because I wanted to improve my Dutch language skills before going on a semester abroad in the Netherlands, but the week completely exceeded all my expectations.
The summer school was about so much more than language. It was also about connecting students and teachers of Dutch, as well as encouraging us to engage with debates on literature, society and history. I found it really interesting to learn about the connections between the Low Countries and Scotland because it was something I had never heard about before and it helped to bridge the excursions within Edinburgh to what we were learning about in the classroom.
I’ve come away with closer friendships, a better cultural understanding of both the low countries and Edinburgh and ultimately more confidence in my ability to communicate in Dutch.
Emma Halliburton
Student on the ALCS Summer School
Outside of academics, the cultural activities were definitely a highlight for me, as we were able to explore the city and grow closer as classmates and friends. I really enjoyed the guided tour of the Scottish National Gallery, where we were introduced to artefacts connected to the low countries by the curator of the exhibit. But one of the best moments I will remember from the experience was going to karaoke night and singing along to Dutch songs with my classmates and lecturers (albeit with questionable vocal ability!).
I got so much out of the week and I can safely say that it was a highlight of the summer - If I get the chance to go to another ALCS summer school I would without a doubt take the opportunity. I’ve come away with closer friendships, a better cultural understanding of both the Low Countries and Edinburgh and ultimately more confidence in my ability to communicate in Dutch."
Emma Halliburton – BA Modern Languages and Cultures (German, Dutch, Luxembourgish)
The ALCS is the Dutch Studies Subject Association that supports the scholarly study of the language, culture, history and society of the Low Countries. The Summer School was kindly sponsored by the Nederlandse Taalunie, Flanders House and the Netherlands Embassy. 91̽»¨'s Filip De Ceuster and Henriette Louwerse were central to the organisation and delivery of the programme in collaboration with staff from UCL (Christine Sas), Edinburgh (Jenny Watson - host) and the independent tutor Claire van Wengen.