Background of Summer School / Introduction
We have selected the exciting location of Konitsa and the Vikos-Aou UNESCO Geopark, in northwest Greece and is about 270 km from metropolitan city of Thessaloniki, and 10 km from the border with Albania. With that, we have selected this location for the 2026 summer school due to the outstanding mountains, hiking trails, gorges and rivers of this region and with that the distinctive flora and fauna unique to this area. Summer School for 2026 aims to investigate how these dynamic characteristics are managed and the interface of each to the land and the people who inhabited it today, with particular emphasis on eco-tourism experiences, ancient history and modern-day culture of this unique region of Greece. Last year we offered a similar program and the interest was very strong for the limited number of positions available.
This proposed summer school will offer students the opportunity to explore each and consequences evident in the living, cultural, and economic environments; impacts to the land; and, contribution to the local recreation and tourism market. Specifically, students will learn how to develop strategies for ecotourism experiences for visitors, and with that how to best market the experience and product for visitors in the future.
Applicants must submit a statement of motivation for why they wish to participate in this unique and dynamic summer school program and respond to specific questions related to their academic background, research objectives, and particular qualifications.
Hosting University
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU)
Venue
Vikos-Aou UNESCO Geopark, in northwest Greece located in the town of Konista
Date
June 13 - June 21, 2026.
Participants
16
Previous Knowledge
Students should be ready to enter their final year of bachelor study or have complete their first year of graduate studies. Trans-disciplinary teams with students of various disciplinary studies from various parts of the world and part of the ELLS partner network are encouraged to apply. PhD students are also encouraged to participate.
Course Content
The educational team under the direction of the Czech University of Life Sciences will work in partnership with the Vikos Aoos UNESCO Global GeoPark located in northwest Greece along with the Greek NGO – Trace Your Eco – to develop an interpretative program for education to learn about the unique ecological systems present to this region of Greece. Opportunities for how a visitor can learn about the natural environment and the distinctive ecology of this region in northern Greece, along with human settlement patterns will be explored. Opportunities for education through hands-on involvement in the planning and interpretation of recreational trails will be emphasized.
Specifically, the summer school program aims to identify, map, and mark a new network of non-motorized hiking and biking trails for this region. The main objective for this summer school is to design eco-tourism trails and interpretive programs focusing on archaeological discovery, cultural interpretation of the modern and early inhabitants in and around the GeoPark, and management of key natural resources and features. Knowledge of landscape architecture, visual resource assessment and management, and the needs of park users is a benefit for those who may apply for this summer school program, and interest with key design elements as:
1. indication of the location of interpretive educational and directional signage
2. marking of selected paths and elements necessary to create an interactive, physically safe route for people with different needs
3. inventory, analysis and interpretation of biodiversity elements
4. inventory, identification of key viewpoints or view corridors
Intended Learning Outcome (ILO)
Envisaged Outcomes
· Students will work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team including both students and experts of different disciplines, cultural backgrounds, and the partner ELLS Universities.
· Students will conduct intensive on-site research to explore and document physical, social and environmental characteristics of the study area in the Geo-Park, trails, and eco-tourism development for visitors.
· Students will identify factors of change in the relationship between people, place, commerce, and environment.
Course Schedule
February 2026: Course announcement and call for student applications
April 19, 2026: Deadline for applicants
June 2026: Online self-preparatory with participation by ELLS LASP instructors
June 13-21 2026: Field workshop / summer school in Greece
Course Language
English
Course Format / Teaching Methods
The proposed summer school will include a pre-trip learning block of approximately 5 days where students will read assigned literature and participate in online discussions with the teaching partners, beginning the first week of June 2026.
Credits
ECTS Credits and Workload Overview
| Number of Credits [ECTS] | 7,5 |
|---|---|
| TOTAL Workload [hours] | 80 estimated |
| Student's own work [hours] | 80 |
| Contact classes [hours] | 70 |
| Exam [hours] | 0 |
Type of Assessment and Assessment Criteria
Participation in the pre trip online teaching/learning sessions; active participation with other students during the 7-day field workshop class in Greece; preparation of and presentation of your recommendations for the GeoPark based on the intended learning outcomes.
Cultural Activities / Social Program
Hiking and touring the GeoPark and remote mountain villages; swimming the the river! and evening excursion into Konista.
Tuition Fees
No tuition fee
Additional Costs
Students will be provided two meals a day at a local hotel/restaurant or at the Pension. Additional food will be the obligation of the student(s). Ground transportation is provided by the host municipality.
Accommodation
We will stay in a pension youth hostel owned by the municipality of Konista. Rooms are shared accommodations with private bathroom. Laundry facilities are available. Kitchen space is available. Recreational space and entertainment space is provided. The center of town is a 15 minute walk.
Health Insurance
Participants are responsible for an adequate health insurance during their participation in the program. Participants should possess an EU health insurance card.
Visa
If support letters are needed, contact the administrative contact person below.
Application Deadline
19 April 2026
Link to online Application form
Contact persons for scientific questions
Doc. Peter Kumble, MLA, PhD, Associate Professor kumblep@fzp.czu.cz
Contact person for administrative questions
Helena Proskova proskovah@fzp.czu.cz