Experiences of Nature Adventure
Swimming in the arctic ocean. Mountain hiking. What happens to the body when you are in challenging outdoor environments? How does the body react? What happens with the mind? How do groups respond to outdoor environments? What is your role in the group? How do we interact with the surrounding nature?
Come to Arctic Norway to learn and explore! This course is for everyone who is interested in the more challenging side of the outdoors!
The course is a BIP (blended intensive programme) offered at Nord Summer School 2026 and open to (nominated) students from:
Jyväskylä University, Finland
Windesheim UAS, the Netherlands
SEA-EU universities which are:
- University of Cadiz
- University of Bretagne Occidentale
- Kiel University
- University of Gdańsk
- University of Split
- University of Malta
- Parthenope University of Naples
- University of Algarve
- Nord University
The course is a BIP (blended intensive programme) with seats divided as follows: 5 for Jyväskylä University, Finland and 5 for Windesheim University OAS, the Netherlands and and 1 place for each SEA-EU Alliance partner institution with a waiting list of 2 students.
Nomination deadline: Monday 16th February 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. *Partners nominate their students and complete the nomination form sent by Nord University.* Confirmation acceptance: Friday 20th February 2026.
The course is open to Bachelor (who have completed their first year), Master and Doctoral students.
Language requirements: Minimum English B2
Physical requirements: Students must be able to swim and able to walk/hike >10km on their own.
Academic background: This BIP is particularly relevant for those with a background in sports science, outdoor education or environmental sciences.
Knowledge
The candidate
- has developed field-based experience of the human physiological and psychological responses to activities and exercise in selected environmental conditions, like cold water.
- has developed an understanding of social, ethical psychological, and physiological challenges when living and exercising in challenging, natural environments such as in Northern Norway.
- has gained an understanding how to interact with and respect nature in challenging environments.
- recognises characteristics of social conformity in groups and the way in which this influences their own behaviour.
Skills
The candidate
- can discuss human physiological and psychological responses to acute / chronic exposure to different environments (e.g. cold air and water or constant daylight).
- can discuss social and ethical aspects of exercising in challenging environments.
- has insights into and basic practical experience in the environmental effects on performance in challenging conditions and can demonstrate skills that might mitigate such effects.
- can perform that they have got an understanding of how to interact with others and nature in extreme environments.
- can contribute to the quality of well-being and performance in the group.
General competence
The candidate
- is able to evaluate and apply the new gained competence to own practical experiences and update theoretical knowledge in the field.
- has awareness about the challenges for both human beings and the surrounding nature in extreme environments.
- can consider ethical issues related to activities in nature.
This mobility is eligible for Erasmus+ funding. Please contact your University for more information.
The students cover travel to, in and from Bodø, accomodation and food. There are no specific costs for excursions and other activities related to the implementation of the course.
Bodø for the physical part of the BIP.
Lectures, excursions and group work.
Virtual part: Wednesday 27th May from 14:00 to 15:30, Brussels time and Wednesday 10th June from 14:00 to 15:30, Brussels time
Content of virtual part: Introductions and getting to know each other; presentation of the programme and its core objectives
Physical part: Monday 29th June to Friday 3rd July (detailed programme for the week will be published in March 2026)
Theoretical background and discussions; overview of the requirements for the oral presentation; packing list for the June stay
Minimum English B2 (test can be taken on EU academy)
Students must be able to swim and able to walk/hike >10km on their own.
This BIP is particularly relevant for those with a background in sports science, outdoor education or environmental sciences.
Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:
SUM1002 - Experiences in Extreme Environments - 2 credits
