# Monitoring Natural Waters - Savonia AMK

> Natural waters are a critical natural resource all over the world and working towards cleaner waters is a common goal for all of us.

## Program Overview
Savonia and partner universities arrange Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programs (BIP) in various study fields, including "Monitoring Natural Waters." Coordinated by the Department of Environmental Technology, this program focuses on the global challenge of improving the purity of natural waters.

The program covers the essence of natural waters, factors influencing water quality, and catchment area-based monitoring. Students participate in virtual independent assignments, lectures, and practical field work at a Finnish lake and the Savonia UAS water laboratory in mixed teams.

## Schedule
The physical mobility teaching period takes place in August or September 2026:

*   **Virtual introductory studies:** 10–30 August 2026
*   **Intensive week in Kuopio:** 31 August – 4 September 2026
*   **Concluding virtual studies:** 7–30 September 2026

## Curriculum and Learning Objectives
The program includes lectures, workshops, and field work covering:
*   Ecological status and condition of Finland’s natural waters
*   Current and future threats to water quality
*   Catchment area as a starting point for water protection
*   Monitoring water quality and hydrological measurements

Students will gain experience in field work, laboratory analysis, and understanding how to influence the quality of water bodies.

## Intensive Week Structure (Kuopio)
The five-day study period includes:
*   **Day 1:** Orientation with field exercises (on campus)
*   **Days 2 and 3:** Field exercises at the Pieni-Valkeinen lake (on site)
*   **Day 4:** Water analyzes in the laboratory (on campus)
*   **Day 5:** Analysis and summary of the results (on campus)

## Practical Information and Logistics
### Accommodation
Housing in hostels or Airbnb costs approximately 60-80 € per night in a 2-person room/apartment. Options include:
*   Airbnb
*   Booking
*   Hostel Matkustajakoti
*   Hostel Hermanni
*   Hotel Savonia
*   Forenom Aparthotel Kuopio
*   Aseman portti
*   Hotels in Kuopio-Tahko area

### Costs and Funding
*   **Program Fee:** Free of charge for selected students of Savonia’s partner universities.
*   **Living Expenses:** Students must cover their own expenses. Basic student lunch at the campus restaurant is 2,95€.
*   **Grants:** Students should consult their home university regarding Erasmus+ grants for travel and accommodation.

### Travel to Kuopio
The program is held at the Savonia UAS Microkatu campus (Microkatu 1).
*   **Train:** Approx. 25-45 € (VR: http://www.vr.fi/en/)
*   **Bus:** Approx. 15-30 € (Matkahuolto: http://www.matkahuolto.fi/en)
*   **Flight:** Approx. 100-200 € (Finnair: http://www.finnair.fi)
*   **Local Transport:** From Kuopio airport, use taxis (Taksi1 or Menevä Taksi) or local buses.

## Contact
**Ms Zainab Elgundi**
International Relations Planner
Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Microkatu 1, Kuopio, Finland
zainab.elgundi@savonia.fi