Nature and Wellbeing (School of Health and Social Studies)
Are you interested to learn about nature based activities in different environments to support individual’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing? Welcome to the course of new experiences and adventures!
Welcome to the course of new experiences and adventures!
This Bachelor's level course is offered by jamk School of Health and Social Studies and it provides students knowledge of the physiological and mental impacts of nature.
During the course the students get familiar with the theoretical background of nature impacts and benefits and learn the basics of nature-based work with clients. They also learn to use and apply practical tools in different nature environments to support physical and mental health in rehabilitation, social work, and health care sectors.
Nature supports our wellbeing in various ways.
Course Programme
Monday 27.5.2024
9.00-12.00 Welcome to Summer School
Orientation to the week and get together
Senior Lecturer Maija Jylhä, Jamk
13.00-15.00 Nature’s well-being effects – the basics
Project researcher, Jane Paakkolanvaara, Jamk
Tuesday 28.5.2024 - Day at Laajavuori
8.30-16.00 Nature-based methods in practice. The professional use of nature in rehabilitation, social work, and health care sectors
Project researcher, Jane Paakkolanvaara, Jamk
Wednesday 29.5.2024
9.00-11.00 (-11.30) Green Care - the basics of Green Care approach
Senior Lecturer, Heidi Kihlström-Lehtonen
11.00-13.30 Lunch and working in a group assignment
13.30-17.30 Outdoor Activities, Lehtisaari
Senior Lecturer Maija Jylhä, Jamk
Thursday 30.5.2024
9.00-11.00 Flow with Nature - intervention and research
Jane Paakkolanvaara, Jamk
11.00-13.30 Lunch and working in a group assignment
13.30-16.00 Field visit: Äijälä Rehabilitation Center, Äijälänkuja 6
Senior Lecturer Maija Jylhä, Jamk
Friday 31.5.2024
9.00-12.00 Looking back: what have we learned?
Senior Lecturer Maija Jylhä
13.00-15.00 Celebrations and closing the week
Senior Lecturer Maija Jylhä
Course administration fees
The administration fees vary according to the applicant's status. The fees may be subject to changes.
- Students from jamk partner institutions abroad: administration fee varies according to the length of stay (1 week/300€, 2 weeks/500€)
- Students from non-partner institutions: study fee varies according to the length of stay (1 week/500€, 2 weeks/700€)
- For student groups special rates will be negotiated. More information from the contact person of each programme.
Jyväskylä, city of students
Jyväskylä has four beautiful seasons ranging from warm green summers to crisp white winters. The city, located in Central Finland, is surrounded by numerous beautiful lakes and scenic nature. Finland and Jyväskylä are safe places to study and live in. Jyväskylä is a city of students, where every 3rd person that you pass by is a student. The city is very dynamic. Take a look at the sports and cultural activities, not to mention the restaurants and cafés. One of Jamk’s international students was very surprised to get her lost wallet back. This can actually happen in Jyväskylä! Honesty is the hallmark of Finnish culture.
- a pocket size metropol with a lively urban centre
- all the services, shops, schools and work are close at hand
- a wide variety of leisure and sport activities
- a modern centre for industry and learning
- situated between lakes and hills
- population over 140,000
More information
Maija Jylhä
