Health & Well-being from Finnish Nature
Study health and well-being in Turku Åbo Summer School, Finland. Discover the healing power of nature and learn evidence-based methods for promoting health and well-being in this hands-on course. Through both practical experiences in Finnish nature around Turku and theoretical knowledge, you’ll develop skills to design and implement nature-based interventions that enhance well-being.
- Teaching period: 1 – 31 August 2025
- Contact teaching in Turku 4 – 15 August 2025
- Credits: 5 ECTS
- Course level: +2 years Bachelor's Degree studies
- Organizer: Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Field of study: Healthcare
- Course fee: 820 €
APPLY BY 17 APRIL 2025
Main contents of the course are health and well-being effects of nature and various environments, nature-based methods for promoting health and well-being and developing, implementing and assessing evidence-based methods for promoting health and well-being. The course also includes activities and adventures in various Finnish natures and environments in the Turku area.
Learning outcomes
- you are familiar with health- and well-being effects and possibilities of nature
- you are familiar with nature-based methods to promote health and well-being
- you know how to search, plan, implement and assess nature-based interventions for promoting health- and well-being
- you are acquainted with Finnish nature and environments (in Turku area)
Methods
Lectures, workshops, seminars and presentations, excursion in nature and different environments. Independent learning and group work.
Date
1 August – 30 August. Contact teaching in Turku 4-15 August 2025. The start and/or finish of the course is completed online.
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Teachers:
Elina Santala
Riina Riihimäki
Place: Mainly in Turku, but includes also online studying.
Undergraduate students who have completed at least of two years of Bachelor’s studies in any field. Graduate and postgraduate students are also welcome.
Pre-reading and task 35 h, lectures and workshops 10 h, seminar presentations 10 h, excursion to nature and different environments 10 h, project work in groups 70 h = 135 h
Pass/fail.
Min. 15 students, max. 25 students.
Teacher Information
Riina Riihimäki
Riina Riihimäki is an inspiring professional teacher in Social Sciences and Communication. Riina holds a Master's degree in Sociology and is a licensed psychotherapist. Her diverse expertise in Social Sciences, and Psychotherapy, combined with her enthusiasm for teaching and speaking, makes her a valuable asset in both academic and professional settings.
She is also managing an international project named VINCE, which aims to support migrants' integration to society through mobile application using metaverse technology. Her work on this project demonstrates her ability to manage complex tasks, collaborate with diverse teams, and deliver innovative solutions.
Riina Riihimäki has a unique talent for making complex social science concepts accessible and engaging. Her enthusiasm for the subject matter is contagious.
Elina Santala
Elina Santala is an inspiring Lecturer in Nursing with a Master's degree in Nursing Sciences. She is set to graduate as a Neuropsychiatric Coach in the spring of 2025. Elina passionately teaches courses on health promotion, mental health, and substance abuse work.
Currently, she excels as the Project Manager for the innovative wExchange project, aimed at empowering youth aged 13-16, and the impactful NeuromonimuotoisuudenVoima project, designed for working-age adults. Her extensive expertise in mental health and substance abuse work, mental health promotion, mental health literacy, nature and health, and neuropsychiatric skills makes her a highly valued professional in her field.