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World’s biggest sauna becomes university

Spa center Cape East in Haparanda will now be converted into a university campus.

Students from developing countries will get both the coolest and hottest University campus when Cape East in Haparanda now transfers to education.

Location

Akelius Foundation grants SEK 200 million (€22 million) to establish a university center for students from developing countries at the formerly spa facility just on the border between Sweden’s northeastern corner and Finland.

The spa facility, famous for having the world’s largest sauna, was closed down after a fire in the hotel section in 2012, but will now revival as phoenix. The plan stipulates for starting the first university courses in the autumn 2015, reports Dagens Industri.

The deal between the Swedish business man Roger Akelius and Luleå Technical University offers a Master of Public Administration, believed to attract some 60 students the first year. 

“By educating individuals from developing countries, the aim is to simplify publish systems in those countries and by that reduce corruption,” says Roger Akelius to Dagens Industri, explaining the concept to be established at the luxurious spa facility now turning into a campus.

He says students do not want small digs, but rather a spa hotel with sport.

Headmaster of Luleå Technical University, Johan Sterte, says to Norrbottens Socialdemokraten that this is a unique effort aimed at serving humanity instead of earning money. Students will be recruited with assistance by SOS Children’s Villages.

Cape East will in addition to facilitate for a student campus, continue to be open for tourists attracted by the large sauna and spa facilities.