A moment of togetherness, reflection, and learning: Postgraduate bootcamp 2025 in Kiponniemi

Photos: Päivi Iikkanen, Minna Sorri, Rehna Sotto

On the first day, Rehna Sotto opened the bootcamp with the UNESCO Story Circles activity. The Story Circles is a structured yet flexible and adaptable intercultural methodology for developing intercultural competences such as empathy, respect, listening, and cultural understanding. In this specific activity, the goal was for participants to develop listening for understanding.

Picture 1. UNESCO Story Circles activity instructions

After the activity, the facilitator asked how the activity was to gather the participants’ observations and thoughts about Story Circles. Robin Chouleur and Lotta Leinamo shared that in listening without asking questions, one could easily build some assumptions and judgments about the characters in the story. Mahnaz Shirdel Sarkarizi also opened up why there was no need to ask questions. In conversation, it is normal to ask questions to keep the conversation flowing and to know the stance of the speaker in the interaction. However, it was clarified that, for this specific activity, the goal was listening, which is why everyone should pay attention to what the other person is saying to deeply understand the story. Yue Han asked if it was allowed to take down notes so they could easily remember the facts of the story. The answer was a definite yes. Sara Poikonen and Minna Sorri also shared the stress in listening while thinking about what kind of story they had to tell but handled the stress well after letting themselves listen carefully to the story. In addition, Päivi Iikkanen, Sanna Riuttanen, and Erja Kilpeläinen mentioned the importance of listening and not talking at the same time. They affirmed that it was a good exercise for listening for understanding. Another topic that emerged from the discussion was the definition of “different” and how every individual is indeed unique.

Picture 2. From the left: Rehna Sotto, Sanna Riuttanen, Erja Kilpeläinen, Robin Chouleur, Sara Poikonen, Lotta Leinamo, Minna Sorri, Yue Han, Mahnaz Shirdel Sarkarizi

Between joint activities as described above, the bootcamp provided an excellent opportunity to complete unfinished tasks or concentrate on reading and writing. The silent coworking sessions were an effective way to stay focused, as it felt motivating to work in a shared space alongside others. During breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we had plenty of time to get to know each other and chat about research, university, and life in general. On Monday evening, we relaxed in the sauna and cooled off in the freezing lake water. We also spent time doing crafts and playing board games, which led to lots of laughter and interesting conversations.

Picture 3. Sauna and lake pier

This kind of bootcamp offers support and fresh ideas for researchers as well as moments of relaxation and joy. It’s a great place to ask “simple questions”, since doctoral researchers are at different stages of their work, making it an ideal environment for sharing experiences. Such events make it easier to connect with peers and other PhD researchers at the University of Jyväskylä, build friendships, and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.

Picture 4. Playing board game

Picture 5. Participants’ suggestions for the upcoming Spring School of Language and Communication Studies 2026

A few quotes from the participants:

“I really enjoyed getting to know new people and having relaxing and peaceful moments at the end of the hard-working autumn. Thank you, Language Campus, for supporting this kind of meaningful event!” (Erja Kilpeläinen)

“I felt that in a very short time we already formed a tight group. I hope to continue working together in the future projects.” (Sanna Riuttanen)

“As a first-year doctoral researcher, this was a great opportunity to get to know people and to find a community. Thank you for the great bootcamp experience and the peer support that helped me focus on work (and to go swimming in the freezing cold lake).” (Sara Poikonen)

Here's more information about the activities organized by the Postgrad group. Come and join us!

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Minna Sorri is a doctoral researcher at the Centre for Applied Language Studies (CALS).

Rehna Sotto is a doctoral researcher at the Department of Language and Communication Studies (KIVI).