Student Hosts

This year we welcome SUISS alums, Magda Barouta, Oscar O’Brien, Laura Smith and Cecilia Cesarini, as our Student Hosts. They will meet you at Pollock Halls reception on arrival day, and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the summer school, or Edinburgh in general.

Oscar O’Brien (7th July –  2nd August)

G’day SUISSers! My name is Oscar and I currently live in Edinburgh as I complete my postgraduate degree in Intellectual History. I am originally from Queensland, Australia but packed my bags last year to begin my study and explore the wonderfully historical capital of Scotland. I am returning to SUISS after an amazing experience as a student myself and look forward to supporting those on their first journey into the SUISS-sphere!
As an avid reader, I believe there is nothing better than chatting to others about my favourite book or being told about theirs. SUISS is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity to converse with others, learn from leading Scottish lecturers, and sink into a city that has served as an inspirational backdrop for some of the greatest authors, poets, painters, and playwrights in history!
As a slowly naturalising Edinburgh citizen (Edinbugger in waiting), I am open to any and all questions while you look to discover the city inside and out! From cafes to bars to second-hand book stores, I am here to help you make the most of your time in the land of Walter Scott and Arthur Conan-Doyle (and many more). I am sure that you will find incredible value in the summer school, not just for what you experience each day but for what you will consequently learn about yourself and your connection to reading and writing!
I can’t wait to enjoy the journey with you and make some memories that will last a lifetime. Arthur’s Seat and the stunning city below await!

 

Magda Barouta (4th – 16th August)

Hi there! My name is Magda and I am a theatre scholar, writer and English teacher from Greece. When I was 18 I moved to Thessaloniki to study English Language and Literature at Aristotle University. That’s when I discovered my ever-growing passion for analyzing and writing theatre plays. My most recent research project is my MA thesis, which explores the ambivalent ethics and politics of posthumanizing technologies portrayed in contemporary British drama.
Being the recipient of the 2022 John McGrath scholarship, I was able to enjoy the experience of a lifetime at SUISS. Not only did I receive ample inspiration for my progression as a theatre scholar, but also I had the opportunity to meet fascinating people I share interests with from around the world! Thus, I am thrilled to support you in this exciting step and share my enthusiasm and tips with all of you about the coolest theatres in town, the performances you shouldn’t miss and the tours around Scotland that will take your breath away. If you lose sight of me, don’t worry. You’ll probably find me at a Fringe show!

Cecilia Cesarini (4th –  16th August)

Hello Suiss-ers!My name is Cecilia, Italian born and bred and nomad for the last ten years. I have been living in Denmark and Australia and currently based in Spain.Once upon a time I was an environmental engineer before I said “goodbye” to the corporate world and focus my time and energy on writing. Under my secretive pen name, I’m developing two different paranormal series aimed at New  and Young Adult audiences
My experience at SUISS was simply amazing, allowing me to get to know my writer-self better, as well as meeting like-minded people. Hence I’m very excited to be back and support all of you who, like me last year, are ready to step out of their comfort zone and expose their writing to the world. I am also ready to infect you with my love, bordering on obsession for Scotland; my database of favourite cafes, gothic walks and trips to hunt for Scottish inspiration is continually updated after each stay in Edinburgh!Chì mi thu a dh’ aithghearr! (See you soon)

 

Laura Smith (7th July –  2nd August)

Hello fellow readers, writers, and travelers!

My name is Laura (she/her) and I am a high school English teacher from Wisconsin, USA. I am so excited to be returning to SUISS and to Edinburgh for a second summer. Last year, I had an amazing experience in the Text and Context program. Reading modern and contemporary texts with people from all over the world gave me so many different perspectives on literature that I brought back home to my students.

I also traveled all throughout Scotland. I biked the John Muir Way (from coast to coast across the country), I visited Inverness and Isle of Skye, and I took some day trips to Stirling, North Berwick, and other spots close to Edinburgh. So feel free to reach out if you are making any travel plans before or after the program, or looking for weekend travel ideas! (The picture of me is from Kilt Rock on Isle of Skye).

Get ready to eat haggis, befriend a highland cow, see streets that look like they are straight out of Harry Potter, and make memories! I can’t wait to meet you and spend some glorious summer days reading, writing, and exploring.