Targeted to Intermediate English (B1+) speakers.Read more
This is the standard requirement for most courses. Participants at this level can participate actively in discussions and manage everyday and professional situations. If they are unsure about their English level, they can test it here or explore our courses facilitated in Basic English.
Cross-Curricular.Read more
The listed audiences are those for whom the course is especially recommended, but courses are not exclusive to them and are open to everyone. In fact, most of our workshops are built around the collective sharing of participants’ experiences and having a variety of profiles enriches the learning process and is highly encouraged!
Please note: From Monday to Thursday at noon, participants will stay at Smidstrup Strand Refugium, 50 km from Copenhagen, a special place located right on the beach.
Description
Have you ever felt tired, overwhelmed, or even disconnected from your passion for teaching?
Teaching is a satisfying job, but it can also come with pressure and high demands.
Teachers and school leaders are in relationship with others all day long – supporting, guiding, regulating, and holding space – often with very little room to maintain their own balance.
The Nordic Nature Retreat is designed for teachers and school leaders who show up for others every single day, and who therefore need time to rest, re-energize, and reconnect with themselves and their love of teaching.
This is essential in order to continue working in an authentic and sustainable way, without burning out.
Sustainable schools begin from within
When teachers and educators are in balance, it is reflected directly in:
- The classroom
- Relationships
- The learning environment
- Children’s well-being
The retreat takes place in the peaceful surroundings of Smidstrup Beach on the Danish coast, at a beautiful monastery just one hour’s drive from the city center of Copenhagen.
In nature, the nervous system begins to settle
Breathing slows and deepens.
Thoughts become clearer.
The body is finally allowed to follow.
This is a space to:
- Rest and recharge – without expectations
- Reconnect with yourself
- Rediscover meaning, direction, and joy
- Strengthen inner leadership and a sense of calm
Through simple yet meaningful guided practices such as mindfulness, breathwork, bodywork, time in nature, journaling, and Nordic rituals, participants strengthen their resilience, reduce stress, and rediscover joy in teaching.
Along the way, participants are introduced to Nordic values such as simplicity, balance, and connection, and to how these values can support both personal well-being and everyday educational practice.
As part of the retreat, we visit Copenhagen to experience the Nordic approach to life.
The city offers a calm, human scale, with quiet spaces for reflection woven into urban life. Participants are introduced to positive psychology and explore their own character strengths in a grounded and practical way.
The intention of this retreat
To offer teachers and school leaders time to pause, reconnect with themselves, and meet others who understand the realities of the profession.
Participants leave with practical tools they can bring back into their daily lives and classrooms, along with a renewed sense of presence, clarity, and energy.
The retreat supports both personal and professional growth – and makes space for what often gets lost in a busy working life.
All included packages
The price of this retreat includes not only the course itself but also the following:
- Round-trip bus transportation between Copenhagen and Smidstrup Strand Refugium is included;
- 3 nights at Smidstrup Strand Refugium (Monday – Thursday)*;
- 3 additional nights at Cabinn Scandinavia in Copenhagen – 1 night before the retreat (Sunday) and 2 nights after returning from Smidstrup (Thursday – Saturday morning)*;
- Breakfast included at Smidstrup Beach Refugium;
- Meals included from Monday lunch to Thursday lunch;
- Participants arrange their own meals from Thursday lunch onward.
*Please note: The accommodation included in the course package consists of individual/single rooms throughout the entire stay.
What is included
Learning outcomes
The course will help participants to:
- Find practical tools to handle stress and avoid burnout;
- Discover and use mindfulness and breathing techniques in their teaching;
- See how nature and simple routines improve focus and energy;
- Learn about Nordic values and how they can support a healthier lifestyle and work-life balance;
- Create a personal plan for using these tools in their classroom and daily life.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Introduction to the course and to Nordic wellbeing
Location: Smidstrup Strand Refugium
- Group transfer from Copenhagen to Smidstrup Beach;
- Welcome session and setting intentions;
- Icebreaker activities and group connection;
- Evening reflection: Guided mindfulness and sharing in the group.
Day 2 – Nature and simplicity
Location: Smidstrup Strand Refugium
- Morning meditation to start the day in the local church;
- Silent beach walk and connecting with nature;
- Workshop: How to prevent stress – Tools for handling stress;
- Sauna Rituals (optional);
- Group discussion and guided journaling.
Day 3 – Breath and inner calm
Location: Smidstrup Strand Refugium
- Morning meditation to start the day in the local church;
- Introduction to heart-focused meditation;
- Group talk: Managing distractions in challenging situations;
- Personal reflection and sharing.
Day 4 – Positive psychology and Nordic values
Location: Copenhagen
- Trip to Copenhagen;
- Workshop: Positive psychology and personal character strength;
- Exercises and activities to reconnect with the teaching purpose;
- Free time to explore the city.
Day 5 – From insight to action
Location: Copenhagen
- Developing a sustainable well-being plan for life and teaching;
- Group sharing: Reflections, commitments, and takeaways.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
Location: Copenhagen
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.
Download or share
Add to favouritesGet weekly recaps on new sessions!
