SUMMER SCHOOLS

Quality of Life in a Changing World is an international Blended Intensive Programme that was coordinated by the Faculty of Arts at the University of Maribor and implemented as an intensive summer school combining a virtual preparation phase with an in-person programme in Maribor. The BIP took place from 24 August to 3 September 2025.

The virtual component introduced key concepts related to quality of life through lectures, interactive activities, and discussions, while enabling early networking among students and lecturers from different countries. Participants explored diverse perspectives on well-being, urban development, digitalisation, transport, and geogames, and prepared assignments for the on-site phase.

The physical mobility focused on interdisciplinary learning through lectures by international experts, workshops, fieldwork, and two professional excursions. Students worked in international teams on research projects addressing spatial, social, and environmental aspects of quality of life, culminating in joint research reports published as chapters in a scientific monograph.

The programme successfully combined human geography with related disciplines such as urban planning, architecture, ecology, and spatial sciences. It strengthened international academic cooperation, enhanced students’ research and fieldwork skills, and promoted Maribor as a city with a high quality of life. The summer school achieved strong international participation and high visibility through scientific publications and national media coverage, establishing a solid foundation for future collaboration in teaching and research.