Boreas studiereiser is an Oslo agency
that organizes specialized educational
travel programs in Northern Europe, Eastern
Europe and former USSR, for university
students and high school seniors. Their
expertise includes cultural, historical and
environmental studies. Programs are tailor
made to meet each group’s study goals.
Dr. Mark Lund, Professor of Economics and
director of International Eduacation at
Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, shares his
experiences with Boreas below:
"In 1997 Luther College began
offering a "Scandinavia and the Baltic"
semester program based in Norway. Academic
goals for our program include intercultural
learning and the study of contemporary
ethical issues in the region. Each spring
students take a two-week trip around part of
the Baltic Sea to the nations of Sweden,
Finland, Russia and Estonia
Through Norwegian friends working in
education we were introduced to Boreas, a
travel group that specializes in educational
trips for students. I am currently working
on our third Baltic trip. They have done an
excellent job providing the logistical
support and educational services we seek in
our study abroad programs. The Baltic trips
have provided our students with experiental
larning oppurtunities that have proven to be
powerful learning experiences.
The Boreas organization is unique. There
are seven young men and women on their
staff. Each has a different educational
background and interest. All have
considerable travel experience, especially
in Eastern Europe and Russia. As a small
company, each contributes to the daily
operation. They plan trip logistics and they
all drive the large 45 passenger buses on
educational trips. So, naturally the drivers
for our trips are well-informed, and know
the logistics of the region and are
committed to education and the success of
Boreas. Local resource people who are
friends of Boreas are also anxious to share
their academic expertise with students and
often travel with groups as guides.
I appreciate most is the flexibility of
Boreas. Because they provide service from
start to finish the bus become our home and
classroom. A high priority of the Boreas
drivers/owners is to help students learn
about issues the group has identified. When
travelling through rural areas we are able
to to easily adjust our itinerary to add
unexpected learning oppurtunities. They
enjoy the challenge of providing a variety
of experiental learning options.
The general character, personality, and
demeanor of the Boreas staff are real
strengths. They are flexible, patient,
unflappable,innovative, courteous and great
problem solvers. When travelling in the
former USSR and Eastern Europe countries
these skills are essential. The best-laid
plans may not work as expected. The Boreas
staff with their experience, local contact
network and personalities allows one to be
as confident and to feel as secure as
possible in this environment. This enables
the groups to concentrate on academics. For
study groups seeking study oppurtunities in
these regions I highly recommend Boreas."
