Learning does not only happen in classrooms or behind screens – it happens in encounters, conversations, and shared experiences. At the end of April 2026, the INVEST Week in Topoľčianky, Slovakia brought this idea to life. In this article, both student and teacher perspectives come together to reflect on a week of international collaboration and learning beyond the classroom.
The onsite week in Slovakia was part of a broader program that also included a five-week preliminary phase. In total, students earned 3 ECTS credits while exploring the theme of the future of sustainable tourism. The group consisted of students and lecturers from six higher education institutions across Europe, including Bulgaria, Finland, France, Italy, Slovakia and Spain.
Developing Sustainable Tourism Through Teamwork and Field Experience
During the week, students worked in international teams, focusing on different dimensions of sustainability, including economic, social, environmental, and innovation-related perspectives. Their task was to develop a sustainable tourism strategy for the village of Topoľčianky. To support their work, we met with local tourism stakeholders, including the village mayor, several local entrepreneurs, and other key actors in the area. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable first-hand insights into tourism development.
We also visited major attractions in Topoľčianky, such as a winery, a stud farm, and a bison reserve, gaining a practical understanding of the destination. The castle hotel where we stayed and where the program took place was also an important attraction in the area. The week concluded with presentations in which students shared their sustainable tourism ideas, supported by short social media reels.
More Than an International Study Week: A Student’s Experiences in Slovakia
For me, as a student of Karelia UAS, the INVEST a European University Alliance week in Topoľčianky was not only an international study event, but also an important reminder of how valuable face-to-face learning still is.
As a student who studies mainly remotely, I have become used to working and reflecting through online. But this week brought together students from different countries and academic backgrounds, making the learning experience comprehensive to me. And therefore, this week showed me again that online contact cannot fully replace live interaction, where reactions are immediate and visible, helping discussion to develop in a more natural way.
Also, my week at Castle Hotel in Slovakia left me speechless and overwhelmed by the historical sight of Topoľčianky. We got unforgettable chance live and work on this castle premises, full of history and enjoy well organized program that did not include just an academic exercise—it was an amazing race of challenges, collaborations, events and unexpected lessons.
Lessons Learned: Skills for the Future
As a student, what stayed with me most was the importance of group dynamics, reflection, and open exchange of thoughts. In my opinion these are not skills that develop only from reading or writing alone; they grow through real situations, discussion, and collaboration face-to-face.
The week also reminded me that professional growth means more than knowing one’s own field well. It also means being able to work with others, especially in intercultural settings, and to build an atmosphere where everyone can contribute. I learned that effective communication, adaptability, and the ability to navigate cultural diversity are just as crucial as academic knowledge.
Through these experiences I was pushed out of my comfort zone and reach out deeper discussions and innovative solutions. As a student I am grateful to Karelia UAS for this chance, and I also wish a sustainable future for this great destination were the INVEST -program took a place. I hope we were able to contribute to Topoľčianky´s tourism development with our suggestions.
A Teacher’s Perspective on Students Learning and Development
From a teacher’s perspective, it was particularly rewarding to observe students’ development during the week. Their teamwork became more structured and effective, and their ability to collaborate across cultural and disciplinary boundaries improved noticeably.
It was also encouraging to see how students’ questions to stakeholders became more focused and purposeful as their understanding deepened. At the same time, the group became more cohesive, creating a supportive learning environment where students could learn from each other.
From a teacher’s perspective, the week was also a valuable learning experience. It highlighted the importance of creating authentic, real-life learning environments where students can actively engage with stakeholders and apply their knowledge in practice. The experience also reinforced how meaningful learning often happens through interaction, reflection, and shared experiences rather than through theoretical knowledge alone.
Authors:
Maria Kinnarinen, Tourism and Hospitality Teacher, Karelia University of Applied Sciences
Jani Paukkonen, student, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Master of Engineering in Sustainability Management
M365 Copilot AI was used as a support tool in the writing process of this article, particularly for brainstorming, structuring, summarizing, and translation.
