Utrecht Summer School attracts record number of students
21 Jul 2008
A record number of students will take part in the Utrecht Summer School this year. Students from around the world will come to Utrecht to gain in-depth knowledge on one of the many topics on offer at the Utrecht Summer School.
This year, HRH Prince Carlos Hugo of Bourbon Parma will speak at three of the seminars. In addition, he will be a guest at the official opening on 21 July. The Utrecht Summer School is a cooperation between the University of Utrecht, the Hogeschool Utrecht and the Utrecht School of the Arts. It runs until 30 August.
This year, the Utrecht Summer School will attract 1300 international students from more than 80 countries, a record number. No less than 67 courses are on offer this year. 'Nowhere else in Europe will you find a summer school as big and diverse as the one in Utrecht', says Jeroen Torenbeek, director of the Utrecht Summer School.
Motivated students
According to Torenbeek, the success of the summer school is due to the many advantages, for students as well as the institutions organizing it. 'One of our motives is the search for the best master's students. And the students, well, they come for the adventure. They want to gain knowledge on fascinating topics, together with other young people from around the world.' The fact that credits are given for nearly all courses and that an extensive social and cultural programme is provided also adds to the motives of the students, according to Torenbeek.
Royal visit
The official opening of the Utrecht Summer School will take place on Monday 21 July, when a large number of students will be in Utrecht. HRH Prince Carlos Hugo of Bourbon Parma, Yvonne van Rooy (chairman of the board) and deputy mayor of Utrecht Harrie Bosch will symbolically open the Utrecht Summer School.
Special seminars
Especially for the Utrecht Summer School, HRH Prince Carlos Hugo of Bourbon Parma will present three seminars, together with a number of professors of the University of Utrecht. These meetings will have different topics: peace and conflicts, developing countries and economy, and political systems. Torenbeek adds: 'We are very honoured by the Prince's visit. There will undoubtedly be wonderful discussions.'
More information
For more information about the Utrecht Summer School, including a full overview of all courses, please go to www.utrechtsummerschool.nl.