“The workshops about slowing down were most popular”

Aren’t you sometimes tired of the fast and hectic life? You are not alone. That’s why AEGEE-Tartu organised a Summer University in Estonia with the title “How slow can you go?” It took place from 20 July till 1 August 2022.     

Golden Times: What was your Summer University about?
AEGEE-Tartu: Our Summer University was about slowing down and taking our time while also showing the beautiful sceneries of the Estonian nature.

GT: How many participants and how many organisers and helpers did you have?
AEGEE-Tartu: We had a total of 19 participants and 20 organisers and helpers

GT: What were the greatest thematic programme highlights of the SU?
AEGEE-Tartu: We had a lot of different workshops and activities that people enjoyed, but we think that all of the workshops related to the topic “slowing down” were the most popular ones. Probably they were the reason why most people came here anyway. In total we had four slow workshops: introduction to the slow lifestyle, slow conflicts workshop, slow food workshop, and slow fashion workshop. We also had workshops about Estonian culture, for example Estonian mythology and folk dance. And then finally some more general elements like city tours and camping and nature walking.

GT: What were the funniest or most exciting moments?
AEGEE-Tartu: Like always, the European Night was one of the highlights of the SU. Being able to see, smell and taste the different cultures was phenomenal. Everyone was excited to show off their country’s specialties. Also, the gossip box reading every night was very humbling and fun, seeing how everyone got closer to each other throughout the SU. Lastly, the traditional Estonian wedding was just a tear jerker, very moving and fun.

GT: How was the group spirit among the participants?
AEGEE-Tartu: The participants were the best that any organiser could want. They were respectful and did everything that we offered to them. They were sweet, kind, understanding, fun, and all the other adjectives!

GT: How did you manage to integrate the group of participants? Any special advice?
AEGEE-Tartu: We did a lot of ice-breaking and social games especially on the first few days, but also throughout the SU. Having to play specific roles in the wedding and also in the beginning having to row a big boat together did the trick. But we also think that the participants themselves were very active socialisers and wanted to get along.

GT: How did you deal with Covid?
AEGEE-Tartu: We had everyone do a Covid test before they arrived and just as they arrived. Luckily, we did not have many regulations in Estonia during the SU.

GT: How successful was the SU overall?
AEGEE-Tartu: We would like to think that the SU was a great success. The participants were loving everything we had planned, and the organisers had a great time doing all the activities. Everyone enjoyed their time here and made great memories.