Noor Hulskamp
The Netherlands
Dubrovnik Course 2006
Reflection on the international course on the Challenges of Europe in Dubrovnik, April 06
When my friends or family asks me How was Dubrovnik? I have no idea where to start. Shall I tell them about the dynamic and interactive course? Shall I tell them about the diverse and fascinating people I have met? Shall I tell them about the interesting discussions we have had? Or shall I tell them about the beautiful location and characteristics of Dubrovnik? Each time when I try to summarise my experience, I know the words that come out of my mouth do not do justice to the reality we have lived during that week in Dubrovnik. Nevertheless, I will give it a try.
One of the things that have made a deep impression is the attitude of the professors. They were not the classical 'teachers who know it all'. Instead, they gave us input for discussion, without dominating that discussion. Furthermore, they dared to take a vulnerable position in which we students were allowed, or even supposed, to question and oppose their position. What has also impressed me is the high amount of respect among the students. Everyone was able to give his or her opinion; everyone was given a voice in the discussion no matter what his or her disciplinary-background or argumentation-line was. To talk in the vocabulary of the course: the course was "highly inclusive". Those different visions that came from different disciplines widened the discussion on the challenges of Europe. Another aspect of the course that was "highly inclusive" was the nights on which we went dancing. Almost everyone entered the dance flour, regardless age, dance stile or outfit. That was a lot of fun! The only thing I regret of the course is that it was not possible to attend more student-presentations. We had to choose between different clusters of presentations and there were so many interesting topics that could broaden my horizon, that I am really sorry that I did not hear them all.
Not only the course has enriched me, also the beautiful view on the see and the charming city of Dubrovnik were inspiring. Some mornings, I got up early to go to the market before the course started. Seeing the city waking up, the people walking with fresh bread and a newspaper, market men doing business, meanwhile flirting with the women that walked by, gave me a feeling of nostalgia to times I do not have anymore in my 'individualised environment' where everyone is in a hurry, because time means money. I know I am over-romanticizing the reality of the Dubrovnik-people and that I am "over-pessimisticizing" my own situation, but I do also know that this feeling was like a mirror of the way I am seeing my own life and the society I live in. That reflection is another valuable thing I have experienced in Dubrovnik.
Thank you all for being who you are, good luck with what you are doing and I hope that one day, our paths will cross again…