Climbing a hill is a rewarding exercise in its own right. Whoever climbs the Fiesolean hills, however, will not only enjoy a fantastic view over the north of Florence and a visit to the picturesque town of Fiesole. They may also stop at one of the most beautiful and inspiring academic places I have ever been to. Villa Schifanoia, home of the EUI’s Academy of European Law, offers an incredible welcoming and open atmosphere. Its summer school brings together eminent scholars, experienced practitioners, and keen young researchers from various personal and intellectual backgrounds. Merging different perspectives on various areas of EU Law into a two week-programme (or four weeks, if you decide to do both programmes), the Academy stimulates discussion and reflections. These, together with the personal connections one makes during such an intense fortnight, accompany the participants a long way on their further journey. Be it uphill, or elsewhere.
Michael Müller, Diploma in The Law of the European Union 2013, is a Ph.D. candidate and a research assistant at the University of Munich.