Description

The summer university course takes participants to the environment that they learn about: lectures and workshops in the nature, in the middle of authentic culture, in spas and wellness establishments. It's a course about tourism issues in the Baltics, also nature, culture and spa tourism in general.

Overview of the content (for detailed information please visit the website):

* Lectures and workshops about tourism, nature, culture, spa and wellness, sustainability and communication.
* Study trip to the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve (NVBR) in Latvia with representative from the NVBR Administration.
* Study trip to the Gauja National Park (GNP) in Latvia with representative from the GNP Administration
* Parnu town tour - introduction to the history and present of Parnu resort at the Baltic Sea in Estonia.
* Study visits to various spas in Parnu.
* Ferry trip to UNESCO protected Kihnu Island in Estonia.
* Study trip to Soomaa National Park in Estonia with hiking, camping and canoeing.
* Various social activities that will help to get known with the local people, culture and entertainment.
* Final assignment including pre-study, group work during the programme and presentation in the conclusion of the programme.

6 ECTS will be awarded after passing the final assignment.

The 2-weeks summer course focuses on nature, culture and spa tourism. All together these 3 aspects can be classified as a term called "wellness".

Wellness of individuals is viewed as a way of life, including such holistic aspects as self-responsibility, physical fitness, healthy nutrition, mental activity and environmental sensitivity. The aim of the whole concept is to create a balance between body, soul and mind.

Wellness of individuals can be compared to sustainability of organizations - responsible business development and intelligent communication.

If sustainable marketing and public relations of tourism business meet nature, culture and spa tourism - we have the following 2-weeks summer university course.

Highlights

* Experience 2 countries and 3 different local cultures and languages
* Learn while hiking in the middle of wild nature
* Have lectures and workshops in real spas enjoying spa treatments
* Enjoy campfire night in the middle of untouched bog
* Visit scenic Gauja National Park and landscapes of The Baltic Sea coast
* Dance and sing with locals on a tiny island of Kihnu with UNESCO protected authentic culture
* Get smarter about sustainable tourism business development, spirit of a place, quality of spa services, wellness philosophy, communication of tourism businesses

Experience learning in the nature, in the middle of authentic culture, in spas and wellness establishments. Summer is not for classroom lectures!

* 7 days in Valmiera, Latvia, and 7 days in Parnu, Estonia. The course starts in Valmiera (Latvia), will be continued in Parnu (Estonia) and finished again back in Valmiera.
* Academical programme is provided by the lecturers of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences and University of Tartu Parnu College as well as Latvian and Estonian tourism professionals.
* Besides lectures several study trips will take place during the course.

Travel Types

• Heritage Tourism
• Nature Tours
• Tours
• Eco Tours
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Native Culture Studies

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

880 EUR

Program Fees Include:

All Inclusive: academical and social programme, study trips, transfers, materials, internet access, accommodation with breakfast, meals (except in the 4 free evenings of the programme)

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European and Asian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House
• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 5-20

Scholarships are Available

please visit the website.

Application Process Involves

• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

60-90 days

University of Tartu's Mission Statement

The University of Tartu is a national university uniting different branches of science. The mission of the University of Tartu is to act as the guardian and advocate of a highly educated Estonia through internationally acclaimed research and the provision of research based higher education. UT is in world's top 400 universities by THES-QS 2011 World University Rankings.

Year Founded

1632