SAIL & LEARN is an international programme that combines business education with the experience of living and working in a dynamic environment – both on land and at sea.
This two-week summer programme brings together formal learning, fieldwork, and teamwork in an international setting.
The first week takes place at PAR University in Rijeka and includes lectures, workshops, company visits, and work on a project task. Participants also take part in museum visits, city tours, short sailing trips, and social activities. During this part of the programme, they explore current topics in business and innovation. Upon successful completion, participants are awarded 5 ECTS credits.
The second week offers a completely different experience. Participants board a fleet of sailboats and travel across Croatian islands. Students and entrepreneurs are distributed across the boats, working on problem-based tasks inspired by the destinations they visit. Learning and teamwork continue in an informal setting – on board, in marinas, and during sailing – adding a new dimension to the overall experience. During the sailing programme, participants are introduced to the basics of sailing and navigation, while evenings are reserved for visits to coastal towns, informal gatherings, and cultural activities. After completing this part of the programme, participants receive an additional 5 ECTS credits.
SAIL & LEARN is more than a summer school – it is a two-week business simulation in a real-world setting. Each task is based on authentic local contexts and solved in international teams under time and operational pressure, similar to real business situations. In addition to business knowledge, participants develop leadership, adaptability, and a sense of team responsibility. The programme encourages practical thinking and collaboration in a fast-paced environment, offering an experience that stays with participants long after it ends.
