BALTIC SEA SUMMER SCHOOL

Are you interested in marine biology and ecology? Would you like to try snorkeling at the wildly beautiful archipelago in Finland and experience what it’s like to be a marine scientist?

Dive into the cool waters of the Baltic Sea, peer into a microscope and learn new things about yourself and the world, in international company!

The Baltic Sea Summer School is organised by the non-profit association Kesälukioseura (the Summer High School Association) in cooperation with the University of Turku at the Archipelago Research Institute.

Ecology of the Baltic Sea and the archipelago

On the beautiful and historically fascinating island of Seili you will explore the Baltic Sea in different ways such as classroom lessons, field research, snorkeling and laboratory work. Learn to approach this familiar and quite unique little sea and the archipelago from a scientific perspective together with the other enthusiastic field students, subject teachers and experts in the field. The Seili island and the institute offer a unique setting for the summer high school as well as memorable nature experiences.

Snorkeling lessons

To those who wish it, the summer high school will include daily snorkeling lessons guided by a diving instructor. Snorkeling is tied to the fieldwork in, for example, collecting samples and observing ecosystems. Previous experience in snorkeling is not needed, just good swimming skills. However, the course is also well suited for more experienced young snorkelers who are interested in deepening their knowledge on the nature of the Baltic Sea. A wetsuit and other snorkeling gear are provided by the summer school.

In international company

Participants from different countries around the Baltic Sea are invited to join the summer high school, so you will have opportunities to make new international contacts and – of course – friends! Together we will discuss the significance of the Baltic Sea to each student and their country.

All lessons and freetime activities will be instructed in English, which will help improve your communication and language skills.

Coursework

A relaxed, safe atmosphere and knowing your coursemates are important – both to learning and to having fun. The teachers will emphasise this throughout the course with team-building activities, group work and making sure everyone follows the guidelines of a safer space. They will also let their own hair down!

You will receive a course certificate after your summer school. Discuss with the teachers in your own school whether or not you will be able to count this course towards your upper secondary school degree.

THEME STUDIES The Baltic Sea (38 x 45 minutes)
The ecology of the Baltic Sea and the archipelago, its biota, marine biology and human impacts on the ecosystem will be explored both above and below the surface and both in the classroom and in the field. During the summer school, a small ecological study will be carried out in small groups and presented to others. Under the guidance of a snorkeling instructor, they will snorkel in wetsuits and use their snorkeling skills in marine research. If possible, an excursion will be made on a research vessel of the University of Turku. Rowing boats, laboratory and research equipment from the Archipelago Research Institute are available for the course work. The international group will get to know each other’s countries and cultures and what the Baltic Sea means to their coastal countries.

Other activities

You will get to know your fellow students during varied guided evening activities, such as games, sports and sauna.

During the cultural evening we will get to know each other’s countries and cultures. What would you like to tell your neighbours about your own country?

Kesälukio oli yksi kesäni kohokohdista. Siellä pääsi tutustumaan uusiin ihmisiin ja tekemään heidän kanssa asioita, mistä kaikki olivat kiinnostuneita. Kesälukion ilmapiiri oli todella leppoisa ja opettajat olivat rentoja tyyppejä. Päällimmäisenä jäi mieleen snoklaaminen Itämeressä, hyvä ruoka, yhteiset sauna- ja peli-illat sekä tottakai kaikki mukavat ihmiset.

Tuokko, Itämeri-kesälukio 2025

[Best was] Getting to know new people (through fun games such as volleyball and werewolf) , microscopy and snorkeling!

Baltic Sea Summer High School student 2025

i liked going snorkeling and just exploring the island. the work in the laboratory was also interesting

Baltic Sea Summer High School student 2025