AEGEE-Tartu’s SU 2023: Grow With the Flow
Mental health meets green skills: This year’s Summer University of AEGEE-Tartu covers several important topics. “Furthermore, we will explore the ancient nature of Estonia in all its glory and learn about the Estonian culture and history”, explains the Estonian AEGEE branch. 20 lucky people will have the chance to participate in this summer adventure. The fee is 168 Euro plus an optional fee of 50 Euro. The dates are 2nd to 14th of August and the application deadline is 7th of May 2023.
GT: What is the main topic of your SU this year?
AEGEE-Tartu: Our main topic is mental resilience – we will focus on developing the skills needed for adapting to the unknown while keeping your mental health in tip-top shape. Furthermore, we will explore the ancient nature of Estonia in all its glory and develop some green skills like foraging, as well as learn about the Estonian culture and history. All this is interwoven with convivial parties and fun events in which a joyful mood is guaranteed!
GT: Why did you choose the topic?
AEGEE-Tartu: As we have had a number of events in our local antenna focusing on mental health, organised by dedicated members whose mission is to provide guidance in dealing with turbulent times and busy schedules, it is a topic very close to our heart. Our aim is to contribute to the cultivation of resilient individuals capable of tackling every challenge coming their way. We wished to extend this topic to our summer university, so that through various mindful and fun activities we could share this passion and knowledge with even more people.
GT: What will be the greatest thematic programme highlights?
AEGEE-Tartu: We are excited for our mental resilience related workshops on topics like problem solving, self-compassion or communication skills. We will also introduce our participants to Estonian culture, food, history and language. And to better adapt to the environmental issues, we will have some green skills workshops about repairing and foraging.
Visit to the Parliament building in Tallinn, capital of Estonia at the Summer University in 2022.
GT: Which cities and landmarks will you visit?
AEGEE-Tartu: As August is a magnificent time for stargazing, we will spend some time in the middle of the magical Estonian nature where participants are surrounded by a true fairytale setting – a starry sky and scenic nature flourishing with greenery and exuding ethereal calmness. Coupled with an authentic sauna night, our participants have the opportunity to capture the essence of true Nordic leisure. The programme includes city tours in our student town Tartu, known for its special universitarian atmosphere and an array of sights, and capital Tallinn, unique for its song festival grounds and, most notably, old town with its cobbled streets and mediaeval buildings that take participants on an extraordinary historical journey.
GT: What else will you do for fun?
AEGEE-Tartu: We have planned many different social activities for our participants – from legendary pub crawls in Tartu and Tallinn to having a traditional Estonian wedding. We will also encourage participants to let their creativity run free with costume parties, creativity night and a drink and draw.
GT: How much is the fee and what is included in it?
AEGEE-Tartu: The fee is 168 Euro, which includes accommodation, two meals a day, insightful workshops, and fun social activities in the evening.
Boatride in the countryside, taking a tour on a river at the beginning of the SU in 2022.
GT: How much is the optional fee and what is included in it?
AEGEE-Tartu: The optional fee is 50 Euro and it includes a ticket to the AHHAA science center, which offers a fun and interactive experience; a ticket to Pirita adventure park with a gorgeous view of the Baltic Sea; and a ticket to the museum of Freedom and Occupations which gives insight into the history of the Estonian nation.
GT: Who is the ideal participant?
AEGEE-Tartu: Our ideal participant is open-minded and ready to step out of their comfort zone in meaningful ways. They are interested in taking care of their mental well-being and developing useful skills for that, while also having interest and compassion towards the world and the people around them.
AEGEE-Tartu was founded in 1994, it has been organising Summer University courses for more than 25 years. Here is a photo of a course in 2004.
GT: What can you tell us about your AEGEE-Tartu, what makes it special or famous?
AEGEE-Tartu: We are the most active AEGEE antenna in the Baltic states, located in a vibrant student town in which you are constantly surrounded by a special atmosphere – known as the Spirit of Tartu – that captures you almost instantly with its irresistible charm. Guided by this unique spirit, AEGEE-Tartu is made up of a lovely group of active people, each sparkling with joy, enthusiasm and kindness, whose presence inspires a feeling full of warmth and positivity in you.
GT: Where can interested people find out more about your SU?
AEGEE-Tartu: You can find out more about our SU on the myAegee page.
GT: Do you have a message to potential applicants?
AEGEE-Tartu: If you want to take your mental resilience to the next level as well as revel in mysterious Estonian nature and jolly events, we are overjoyed to welcome you in Tartu. Come join us this summer and let’s grow with the flow together!
