Ewen Cameron Travel Scholarship recipients discuss their experiences

Ellen Francksen, Paula Kaptelli and Daniel Zakrewski went to the Salzburg Summer School of European Private Law

The Salzburg Summer School of European Private Law took place between 3rd and 17th July 2016. Ellen Francksen, Paula Kaptelli and Daniel Zakrewski received Ewan Cameron Travel Scholarships to attend and wrote the following account:

"We travelled as a group of eight law students having recently finished our third year of study, and viewed the experience as an excellent opportunity to broaden our appreciation of private law throughout Europe and beyond. Over the two weeks, we were to attend at least eighteen lectures and three workshops. These covered the history and foundations of thirty-five legal systems, as well as the harmonisation of EU law, designing a new civil code and Brexit. The lectures allowed us to understand the ways in which Scots law differs to other systems. However, it was also very interesting to see the continuing prevalence of Roman law. At a time when there are growing tensions throughout Europe and the EU, it was an important reminder that there is an intrinsic link between our legal systems and we have many of the same fundamental values. This was brought home not only through the lectures, but also through the rare opportunity to meet such a wide variety of students.

The workshops were focussed on three topics  - property, contract and family law - and students were given the opportunity to attend these in English, French or German. The workshops were structured so that each country gave an account of how a legal problem would be solved in their own system, and afterwards discuss the varying outcomes. Two of our number chose to take the workshops in French. This proved to be a very rewarding experience and allowed them to stretch both their linguistic and legal capabilities. We were frequently told throughout the course of the programme the importance of learning languages. Undertaking the workshops in French was yet another reminder of the value of being able to communicate in several ways – although many of the students put us to shame by being fluent in up to five languages! However, many of our group found it to be a strong motivation to broaden their language skills.

After getting to know the other students in the summer school, we often arranged to explore the city between classes. We visited some of the many museums and galleries – including the Salzburg Fortress, where we learned about the distinctive history of Salzburg, while enjoying the views on top of the castle. Another memorable experience was our educational adventure to a Salt Mine. The trip gave an insight into the history and the mechanics of salt deposits, as well as giving us the opportunity of the unique experience of a short raft ride along the salt-lake and then a right through the mine of a miniature train.

The summer school had also organised some cultural and social activities for all the students as well deserved breaks from the lessons. The first was an excursion to Hallstatt and St Wolfgang. There we learned more about the history of the villages, enjoyed breath-taking views across the lakes accompanied by some local Austrian food. The school also gathered the students for several dinners throughout the two weeks. The most memorable being the “International Evening.” Students had the opportunity to present their own countries in the form of a sketch, dance and so on. For Scotland, we decided to perform a traditional Scottish dance, and made tablet to be handed around the room afterwards. It was one of the highlights of the experience as we learned about so many different countries and cultures, and even got to try some of their food. As Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, the Sound of Music, and the home of beautiful scenery, mountains, museums and architecture, it was the perfect place to learn about European private law whilst also experiencing the richness of Austrian culture.

It is difficult to quantify how much we have taken away from the Summer School in Salzburg, and the experience offered much more than we could have expected. It was highly stimulating as an academic exercise. It offered us a depth of perspective and expertise that we would not have encountered otherwise. It has allowed us to learn from the top academics from around Europe and beyond, as well as dramatically increasing our academic network. The summer school opened our eyes to the wonderful culture of Austria, by allowing us to not only study there, but also travel around the country. Living in a city with as rich a culture as Salzburg was incredibly rewarding. It is a city that easily showcased the best of Austria and its culture. Although we were often busy with lessons, we were fortunate in that the timetable was organised to give us plenty of time to explore all that the city had to offer.

The two weeks allowed us to engage with a range of different people. We strongly believe that the summer school has greatly strengthened the bonds between the students from our own university. However, it made it possible for all of us to make connections with other students from other countries. As a body of students we have exchanged culturally, academically and personally. Some of us are already planning reunions for the upcoming months. Undoubtedly, the summer school in Salzburg has made us better academics and better people. It has made us think twice about those we study with, and the body of law students globally. It has made us appreciate the origins of law universally, and quite simply broadened our horizons.

By way of conclusion, we are very grateful for the funding from the Ewan Cameron Travel Scholarships Fund for helping us to attend the summer school. It is through this help that we have been able to have this experience over summer, and it is one that we will not forget. As can be seen, its benefits extend beyond academic ones. It has made us all the more excited to resume university, knowing that we have established many more close-knit friendships."

You can learn more about the Ewen Cameron Travel Scholarship Fund here:

http://www.law.ed.ac.uk/students/funding/for_travel