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Summer school: Health and Happiness

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Studies show how individuals can actively influence their own health and well-being. Numerous interventions and techniques, often with the help of technology, have been developed to help promote well-being and health. In this course you will learn about different applications and methods of how to improve happiness and well-being.

In this summer course, we will address a couple of questions:

  • What makes people happy?
  • Which methods can be used to study health and happiness?
  • Which interventions can be used to enhance well-being, happiness and health?
  • What role can design and technology play to support health and well-being?

Inspired by a combination of insights from positive and health psychology, and design and technology  this course will help you address these questions. You will work on several projects related to well-being and health, with the ultimate goal to boost health, both physically and mentally. Together with students from the Design the future track, you will work on a project and design your own intervention to enhance well-being. You will also try out different interventions and trainings yourself to get a feeling of their effect and applicability. 

Testimonial: Deirdre (from Ireland)

Course topics

Together with other participants you will discover and learn more about these topics:

  • Fundamentals

    You will learn about the core pillars of this course, including the basics of positive psychology, health psychology, behavioural change, mental health and mindfulness. Furthermore, you will get to know the other participants of this course and learn more about yourself.

  • Overview of workshops and lectures

    In different online and in-person lectures and interactive workshops you will also learn about several topics related to mental health, behavioural change, positive psychology and health psychology – aimed at improving well-being. Some of these are introductory workshops and lectures, while others are about specifically applying knowledge from these disciplines in practice. The topics included in this course are:

    • Positive Psychology
    • Mental Health
    • Mindfulness
    • Health Psychology
    • E-Health
    • Design and Behaviour Change
    • Compassionate Technology
    • Cultural and Narrative Psychology
  • Experience sampling

    The method of experience sampling offers the opportunity to assess people’s emotional states, perceptions, thoughts or other aspects on several occasions per day. This intensive assessment method allows to gain new insights into how constructs develop over time and helps to better understand the dynamics of psychological processes. In this workshop you will learn about the background, application and pros and cons of this method.

  • Positive (clinical) psychology

    Positive psychology approach looks at mental health from the perspective of people’s strengths. Strengths are positive features, such as wellbeing, talents and resilience. You will be introduced to various concepts and interventions based on positive psychology and learn how this approach can complement the traditional psychopathological approach to improve mental health. In a group project, you will integrate the knowledge and skills that you have gained in a treatment plan and reflect on your own vision on the positive psychological approach.

  • Mindfulness

    Besides learning about various applications of positive psychology and technology on improving health and mental health, you will also experience and practice mindfulness and autobiographical writing throughout this course. In these sessions, you will learn about improving your awareness and integrating core self-compassion exercises into daily life.

  • Experience sampling

    The method of experience sampling offers the opportunity to assess people’s emotional states, perceptions, thoughts or other aspects on several occasions per day. This intensive assessment method allows to gain new insights into how constructs develop over time and helps to better understand the dynamics of psychological processes. In this workshop you will learn about the background, application and pros and cons of this method.

  • Designing your own intervention

    You will work in groups of around 4 students on a project in which you design an intervention. This project will be conducted in cooperation with students from the Design the Future track. By this, knowledge from design experts can be combined with your knowledge about how to improve well-being and happiness.

  • Presenting your intervention

    You have designed your own intervention, but now you need to convince other parties of the excellence of it and motivate them to implement your idea. During the last day you will present your results to the group and to a jury of experts.

Festival schedule

Stay tuned! The updated course schedule will follow soon. In the meantime, check out the below schedule of our previous edition to get a preview.   

X

Day
Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Mon. 19-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Tu. 13-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Sun. 18-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Breakfast & keynote: Sofie Berghuis
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Wed. 14-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to one of our inspirational speakers over breakfast. Once you’re all fired up, you’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. 

Positive clinical psychology & (Sef-)compassion
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Wed. 14-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Experience sampling
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Wed. 14-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Tu. 13-08

We serve you a fantastic dinner!

Lunch: Dutch Olympic games & Graffiti Workshop
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Sun. 18-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting.

Breakfast & keynote: Peter Joosten
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Sun. 18-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to our inspirational speaker over breakfast. 

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Mon. 12-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Wed. 14-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Th. 15-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Free
Time:17:00 - 18:00
Day:Fri. 16-08

This hour is 100% free time: relax or use our sport facilities :-)

Mindfulness
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Mon. 19-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Project
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Sun. 18-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Quiz Night
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Sat. 17-08

We will host a cool pubquiz.

Lunch: C-the future of research & Dance Workshop
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Wed. 14-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting. You can do one of the following lab tours: Behavioral Management and Sciences Lab, Wearable Robotics Lab, combined tour in AeroAcoustic WindTunnel & Rapid Prototyping Lab, NanoLab or the Experimental Centre for Technical Medicine.  

City Centre Summer Sounds
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Th. 15-08

Enjoy the night in the city listening to some musical entertainment at Grolsch Summer Sounds.

Introduction to relevant topics
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Mon. 12-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Farewell Ceremony
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Mon. 19-08

This night we'll close off CuriousU 2019 with everyone and you'll receive your certificate.

Pitches and award ceremony
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Mon. 19-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Lunch: Cherishing Memories & Pinatas
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Mon. 19-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting. Here is the chance to lock all the memories you made the last days into pictures! During that lunch break you also have the chance to break some pinatas!

Game Night
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Tu. 13-08

During this evening activity you can join our Lean Simulation game!

Breakfast & keynote: Miriam Iliohan & Mélanie Droogleever Fortuyn
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Mon. 12-08

We will kick-off breakfast and CuriousU with the first inspirational speech!

Jogging & sightseeing campus
Time:15:00 - 21:00
Day:Sun. 11-08

Want to do some sports and see some cool locations on campus? During this activity you'll do both! Jogging around campus will start 15:00 and 17:00. During the sightseeing activity you'll walk around campus with a tourguide. Tours start at 16:00 and 21:00.

Breakfast & keynote: Neil Sheridan
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Mon. 19-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to our keynote speaker over breakfast.

Getting started
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Mon. 12-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Escape Rooms
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Mon. 12-08

Have fun and enjoy our evening programme while playing escape rooms.

Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Mon. 19-08

Every night we serve you a fantastic dinner.

Beach Volleyball Tournament
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Wed. 14-08

Enjoy a unique volleyball tournament together with your fellow CuriousU participants! Are you gonna be the winning team? Let's find out!

Value sensitive design
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Fri. 16-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Breakfast
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Sat. 17-08

Breakfast served!

Free day
Time:09:30 - 20:00
Day:Sat. 17-08

This is your day off. There is no CuriosU programme today but you can arrange your own city trip to Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Rotterdam (The Netherlands) Münster (Germany) or Osnabrück (Germany). Have fun!

Movie night
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Sun. 18-08

We'll watch a cool movie together!

Project
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Sun. 18-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Sun. 18-08

Every night we serve you a fantastic dinner.

Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Mon. 12-08

Every night we serve you a fantastic dinner.

Lunch: Taste the Netherlands & Speed Friending
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Mon. 12-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting. You can try the blind tasting activity and of course make some new friends!

Dinner ΒΒQ
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Wed. 14-08

We will serve an amazing BBQ dinner tonight!

CuriousU Participants Departure
Time:09:00 - 10:00
Day:Tu. 20-08

The last day: please check out (i.e. returning the keys) and saying goodbye to all your new friends. By returning your key you will get back your deposit for the log cabin or student dorm (online refund).

Meet-up and pizza
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Sun. 11-08

Eat pizza and meet up with your fellow students!

E-health
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Tu. 13-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course and have some discussion and exercises on the topic.

Music Night
Time:20:00 - 23:00
Day:Fri. 16-08

Tonight we will have a great band night in our main tent! Next to that, a dj to play music and karaoke activity are planned for you!

Lunch: ExploreU & VR Parachuting
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Fri. 16-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting. You will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself by doing some career and personality tests ! Enjoy our VR parachuting activity too!

Breakfast & keynote: Geke Ludden
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Th. 15-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to our keynote speaker over breakfast. 

Dinner City Centre
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Th. 15-08

We go out for dinner at the city: Happy Italy

Lunch: Playland
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Th. 15-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting.This is one of the most popular lunch activities where together with your fellow participants you can enjoy some outdoor games in the main festival area! Join us!

Narrative psychology
Time:14:00 - 17:00
Day:Th. 15-08

After lunch you’ll dive back into your course.

Project start & BMS Lab
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Th. 15-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Breakfast
Time:08:15 - 09:00
Day:Tu. 20-08

Have a breakfast first.

Lunch: Curious about your future?! & UT students wonders
Time:12:30 - 14:00
Day:Tu. 13-08

After the first course sessions of the day you’ll then join the other festival-goers for a themed lunch in an informal, interactive setting. You will have the chance to get to know the programmes of our university and speak with representatives from our admissions office in case you are interested in continuing your studies here! During this lunch activity, you can also get to know the UT student teams.

Positive interventions & Well-being in nursing homes
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Tu. 13-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day.

More information
Breakfast & keynote: Peter-Paul Verbeek
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Tu. 13-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to one of our uplifting keynote speakers over breakfast. Once you’re all fired up, you’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. 

Dinner
Time:18:00 - 20:00
Day:Fri. 16-08

Every night we serve you a fantastic dinner.

Breakfast & keynote: Elizabeth Mix
Time:08:15 - 09:30
Day:Fri. 16-08

Get your day off to an inspiring start by listening to one of our uplifting keynote speakers over breakfast. Once you’re all fired up, you’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. 

Positive education & EUstress
Time:09:30 - 12:30
Day:Fri. 16-08

Learn while having fun! You’ll join in the morning session of your course for the day. That might be a workshop, a lecture or a project depending on the course you choose.

Check our courses.

More information
Arrival day: check in
Time:10:00 - 18:00
Day:Sun. 11-08

The registration point will be in the biggest tent. Please register as soon as you arrive. If you arrive earlier or later please contact us via curious@utwente.nl 

Learning outcomes

  • Attendees will learn about positive psychology, health psychology and technology linked to wellbeing
  • Attendees will gain knowledge about how to improve health and happiness in various settings (workplace, schools, healthcare)
  • Attendees will learn how to translate their gained knowledge into creating an intervention to improve health and happiness

Course aims

  • Knowing how to improve health and well-being in several areas
  • Designing technological interventions to improve health and well-being
  • Applying knowledge from health psychology, positive psychology, communication sciences, and eHealth to improve health and well-being 

Course leaders

dr. P. Gül (Pelin)
Lecturer
+31534899441
 p.gul@utwente.nl
Building: Cubicus B127A
A.Y. Sonawane (Apoorva)
Lecturer
+31534896856
 a.y.sonawane@utwente.nl
Building: Vrijhof Building: Vrijhof
H. Wagner (Henrike)
Lecturer
+31534899180
 h.wagner@utwente.nl

Course details

  • Methods: Discussions, lectures, workshops
  • Course level: Beginner's/Intermediate/Advanced
  • Target group: Everyone with an interest in technological interventions with a human touch to improve health and well-being.
  • Required knowledge: Interest in health and well-being.
  • Credits: 2 ECTS for successfully completing the summer school

Want to know more?

If you need to know more, we have information available about the fee & programme, an admission check, registration & payment, visa, accomodation and the terms & conditions.

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