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TRANSCULTURAL ADVENTURES
Geoff Price Outdoor STUDIES /
graduate embarks on masters in three different countries For someone who found his passion for the field of outdoor studies by accident, Geoff Price has done pretty well for himself being one of just a handful of individuals picked from across the globe to take part in the Transcultural European Outdoor Studies master’s programme. Geoff’s interest in outdoor studies was first sparked when he took up a course in outdoor education at sixth form college. “For me this was a last ditch attempt at completing some form of further education, the course ended up being a great success for me.” From this Geoff went on to complete a degree in outdoor studies at the University of Cumbria, graduating in 2011. After taking 18 months out to work in outdoor education Geoff felt inspired to return to studying and was drawn to the Transcultural European Outdoor Studies programme (TEOS) which is run jointly by the Philipps-Universität in Marburg , Germany, the University of Cumbria in Ambleside and Norges Idrettshogskole in Oslo, Norway with students spending a semester in each country. The aim of the course is for students to study the roots and emphasis of outdoor learning held in each country. The course is still in its infancy with Geoff being accepted into the courses’ second ever group of students who were all picked for having the right mix of study and practical experience. The group began the programme in September 2012 at Ambleside campus. There are 17 students on the course from 16 different countries from across the world with Geoff being the only UK student. “I think the opportunity to spend two years studying with such a diverse group of people is an honour. Of course, trying to blend such diversity in one lecture room can be a challenge. People see things through very different filters but this is one of the main points of the programme and has led to some really good discussions.” “I am very passionate about the field of outdoor studies and education as it provides an opportunity to understand and give meaning to the world in different 4
cross country skiing in Norway with fellow students Below new hobby: ice climbing