School participants developed their competence in the field of professional knowledge, environment and geography, foreign languages and history, intercultural communication and regional studies. "The route of friendship", which became a part of the Summer School, brought together students and teachers of the University of Muenster, Tyumen University, its branches in Tobolsk and Ishim and Yugra State University.
The path to the north runs through the cities of Tyumen, Ishim, Tobolsk and Khanty-Mansiysk. During two weeks students became acquainted with characteristics of Siberian landscape and climate; with the northern culture and architecture. They also attended lessons on the following topics: "History and Geography of the Russian North", "Natural resources and socio-economic potential of the northern territories", "Status and protection of northern ecosystems."
Business meetings, visits and round tables at Tyumen enterprises were also scheduled in the programme: Tyumen Chamber of Commerce and Industry held an Open Day for foreign guests and presented a report "Features of economic development in the Tyumen region."
A lot of time was devoted to the field work: biodiversity studies at the Tyumen University Biological Station on Lake Kuchak, visits to the deposit Priobskoe and the International Field complex in the village Shapsha.
The cultural program of the Summer School included excursions in Tobolsk Kremlin, Abalaksky Znamensky Monastery, Archaeological Park, Museum of Nature and Man in Khanty-Mansiysk and the whole day spent in the indigenous village on the banks of Ob River.
International School "Path to the North" is the first summer school, held in several cities situated in the North and South of Tyumen region. The organizers are already planning the next one. Excellent feedback from the school participants is an additional reason for "Path to the North" to be continued.