PhD Candidate
Stellenbosch University
I am Nicole Tauté, a PhD candidate at Stellenbosch University, and I had the incredible privilege of attending the GSERM Summer School 2024 on a scholarship. The opportunity and scholarship granted to me by GSERM, have been nothing short of life-changing.
Receiving a two-week scholarship to attend a programme of such high quality is an experience I will cherish forever. My time in Switzerland was filled with numerous firsts, from the enriching learning experiences to the beauty of St. Gallen and the dynamic networking opportunities. The academic quality was exceptional, with courses that were both challenging and stimulating. I attended the courses on Qualitative Comparative Analysis by Peer Fiss and Case Study Methods by Andrew Bennett and was highly impressed with the quality, delivery, content, and high level of engagement during each course.
The programme pushed me to grow academically and personally. The high standard of the courses and the quality of the facilitators provided a learning experience unlike any I have encountered before. Engaging with the well-curated course material and participating in high-level class discussions significantly enriched my academic journey.
As a South African scholar from Stellenbosch University, I gained invaluable insights into the European academic standards. This exposure broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for diverse educational systems.
Beyond the academic experience, the opportunity to interact with scholars from various parts of the world was incredibly rewarding, and I plan to maintain the international connections I have built during my time in St. Gallen
I am profoundly grateful to the GSERM Team for the experience. A huge thank you for their meticulous arrangements, consistent communication, and support throughout, and for ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Their outstanding service allowed me to focus entirely on my learning and personal growth.
This experience has inspired me to seek out more opportunities for engagement and development, and without such an enriching experience this would not have been the case. I wholeheartedly recommend that this scholarship continue to be granted to other deserving students. The GSERM programme is excellent, and eye-opening, and promotes significant personal and academic growth. I am deeply thankful.