SUISS 65th Anniversary

Founded in 1947, after the Second World War, in the spirit of the Edinburgh International Festival, SUISS celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2012.

SUISS Anniversary Scholarships

We are happy to announce that SUISS will offer six Anniversary Scholarships in 2012. Check our scholarship page for more information.

Celebratory Reception

To mark the 65th anniversary of the School, the 2012 Edinburgh University Reception will be held on 1st August in Edinburgh University's famous Playfair Library in Old College. Invitations for the event will be sent out in June 2012.

SUISS Alumni Tales

'I was at SUISS as a student in July 2002. It was a wonderful experience both
from an academic and a personal point of view. The course I attended was on postmodernism: I greatly enjoyed all the classes, which were taught by
eminent Scottish lecturers, the extremely lively tutorials, and the literary
readings held by various Scottish writers - I am still emotionally stirred
when I think about it, since one of those writers was Edwin Morgan. The
international and intercultural atmosphere of the school was exciting and
deeply inspiring: SUISS is the ideal place to exchange ideas, to share
gratifying experiences and to rekindle one's enthusiasm for humanist
studies.'
Gioia Angeletti, Lecturer of English Literature at the University of Parma

'I attended SUISS in 1988, and it was indeed a springboard for my academic career, which started one year later, at the University of Trento. I had an interest in Scottish literature and I was looking for guidance and confrontation. I found both: I remember those 6 weeks of lectures, and informal debates with fellow students, sessions of work at the library, as immensely fruitful and stimulating. It was through SUISS that I met Scottish writers and colleagues that would then become friends and a source of inspiration throughout my professional life. It was then that I undertook the journey that eventually led to the writing of Why Scottish Literature Matters — a journey which is still very much in progress and still a source of excitement and discovery.'
Carla Sassi, Associate Professor of English Literature at the University of Verona

'I cherish the SUISS experience not only because of the lovely city of Edinburgh, the excellent and stimulating academic experience at the university or the fun filled programs, but also because of the wonderful people who ushered us into all the activities from the day we entered the university premises. We were never left alone during the course and each and every day was filled with many activities. Out of those, I would never forget the session of ceilidh where we spent an entire evening after dinner dancing to the amazing music played by the orchestra. What gives a special touch to SUISS is also the Fringe festival. The city comes alive during the Fringe, taking on a new look. There were innumerable plays to watch and the book festival was a great hunt for book lovers like me.'
Aruni Kashyap, Indian English writer and currently MFA candidate at Minnesota State University

'I attended SUISS in 2001 as a postgraduate student, taking the course of Contemporary Literature. This event proved a turning point in my academic career and a beginning of a lasting infatuation with Scottish literature. From that point on, I realized I found my field of research. I have published two monographs and quite a few articles on the subject of Scottish literature. Since 2005 I have taught Contemporary Scottish Literature at my home department (soon to be followed by Scottish Studies I, II as of Fall 2012) and I supervise three young doctoral candidates who are also dedicated to Scottish literature. At this moment, we are in the process of writing a second book on Scottish literature in the Czech language. Every year, my department sends a hand-picked student to the SUISS. On behalf of us, former SUISS alumni from Palacky University in Olomouc, I would like to express gratitude for being part of this project.'
Dr Ema Jelinkova, Lecturer in English and American Studies at Palacky University

'SUISS 2000! More than a decade ago! What is really fresh in my mind is the green grass on the lawns leading up to Arthur’s seat. The summer was warm and gorgeous, and the mind was clear to focus on “Text and Context: Literature in Twentieth Century Britain.” Tutor Kevin McGinley was fabulous—friend and facilitator. The understanding that I developed of Modernism, the theme that we were studying, has stayed with me till today. It was a privilege to meet and listen to Prof. Terry Eagleton. And what an opportunity it was to meet wonderful people from around the world in a relaxed academic context! An experience to cherish! Thank you.'
Dr Nita N. Kumar, Associate Professor, Institute of Life Long Learning, University of Delhi

'I attended the SUISS in 2001. Apart from attending amazing lectures by Prof. John Drakakis, Prof Elaine Showalter and many others, which was itself mind-blowing, I was also lucky enough to experience the reading of A.L. Kennedy and Alasdair Gray. Gray opened up a new literary horizon for me because I was at the very beginning of my academic career and had no clue that Gray represents such a unique gem. Many years later, I was able to introduce his work into my literary course at the English Dept. in Zagreb, Croatia, owing to the SUISS programme and tons of materials that I collected at the fantastic University Library. The whole of my stay in Edinburgh was intertwined with numerous cultural events from Fringe to International Book Festival. And all this was topped with friendly academic staff, young tutors who really cared for our progress, and most of all, dear Nan Mulder, the spirit of the SUISS. Now, over ten years later I can still say that for me the SUISS represents the sweetest of academic memories.'
Dr Iva Polak, Assistant Professor, English Department, University of Zagreb

'I attended the Postmodern Literature course in 1999. For me this was an amazing experience that gave me the opportunity to get in touch with Scottish contemporary literature and to explore Edinburgh. This experience had a great impact upon my formation and my future career. Apart from the fact that it made me fall in  love with Scotland it also encouraged me to initiate a course of Scottish Studies in my faculty which I've been teaching for 13 years. I wish SUISS a happy anniversary and good luck for the years to come.'
Dr Daniela Rogobete, Senior Lecturer, Department of British, American and German Studies, University of Craiova, Romania

'Since I was a successful schoralship applicant for SUISS 1998 I have taught students and post-graduates; trained the school-teachers (being the member of the Professional Development Team at the British Council, Ukraine); published about 20 research articles, delivered up to 40 reports at the conferences, planted rare trees and flowers in the garden and raised two daughters. SUISS has left me with unforgettable recollections. My students keep on attending the course. THANK YOU.'
Svitlana Voitiuk, Associate Professor, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine

Watch this space for further information on:

• special events during the summer
• more SUISS alumni tales