Just Like Summer Camp

Doctoral student Vitovt Kopytok about the Summer School with three Nobel Laureates in Iseo, Italy.

ISEO Summer School was my first ever experience participating in a foreign study trip. Over these ten days, the people of the School left me fascinated, to say nothing of the three Nobel Laureates who delivered lectures there. The ambiance was like a summer camp for teenagers - walks around the city until late evening, lively conversations at night near the hotel in a large international group, swimming in the lake, beach volleyball, kayaking and much more. In particular, I would like to mention the Italians, who were hospitable throughout the entire time. They treated us to an afternoon Spritz near the lake and showed us Brescia and Verona. I still keep in touch with many of them.

Apart from our fun-filled leisure time, there was naturally time for learning as well. I especially remember the lecture of Nobel Laureate Robert Merton about a new financial instrument called “SeLFIES”. Other lecturers were also outstanding - they easily engaged with their audiences.

The city of Iseo itself is very cozy. There are a lot of bars and cafes on the waterfront. Within the city there are literally more than a dozen small lakes with paths between them. They are great for morning running or walking.

I am grateful to the organizers and to the Higher School of Economics for the opportunity to visit ISEO Summer School. I highly recommend anyone who studies economics to go there if such an opportunity arises.