BUS 340: Special Topics in Business (3 credits)

A Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) Institute Vacationland Course hosted by UMFK during Winter Break, open to students from any of Maine’s public universities

Three students stand in a sporting goods store wearing winter hats and coats, one student wearing ski goggles holding a sweatshirt
A group of people cross country skiing on a forest trail

Go on a winter adventure in Northern Maine! Experience ice fishing on one of Maine’s northernmost remote lakes, explore miles of Nordic ski trails and learn the basics of Olympic sport biathlon, dip your spoon into moose stew, learn what it’s like to run a dog sledding operation, and more – all while earning three credits towards your degree! No prerequisites required.

Through the Winter Recreation/Hospitality Business in Northern Maine course, students will develop a deeper understanding of this unique region in Maine, particularly in regards to its: business environment, seasonal recreation opportunities (especially during winter), hospitality and lodging infrastructure, and supply of other tourist attractions.

The course will be facilitated through a mix of online learning modules and in-person experiential learning in Fort Kent and the surrounding area. During the in-person portion, students will be visiting local businesses and actually participating in winter recreation activities including: ice fishing, dog sledding, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, and snow shoeing.*

*All activities are weather dependent, itinerary subject to change.

Students of all activity and comfort levels regarding winter recreation are invited to participate. Beginners are welcome!

Dates

January 12-16, 2026 (in-person, experiential learning component in Fort Kent) Online learning modules will be introduced earlier in January. Students should plan to arrive in Fort Kent on January 11.

Lodging and Transportation

During the in-person portion of the course, students will be housed in single rooms in Powell Hall at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. During the program, transportation will be provided for students to travel between campus and the various activities and site visits. Note: Students will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements to get to and from Fort Kent.

Faculty

Dr. Michael J. Curran, Associate Professor of Business, University of Maine at Fort Kent

michael.curran1@maine.edu

Cost

We are excited to be offering this course at minimal cost to students! All enrolled students will receive scholarship funding from the Governor’s Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan which will cover the cost of the activities, accommodations, as well as a tuition scholarship of ~$750.

Students should be prepared to cover the cost of their meals during the course, personal expenses, and also costs related to arranging their own transportation to and from Fort Kent.

How to Enroll

All students interested in enrolling in the course should complete this brief application form here.

The priority deadline is November 10. There are limited spaces available so we encourage all students to submit an application prior to the priority deadline. Students should expect to hear back by Thursday, November 14 regarding confirmation of enrollment.

Additional Questions?

If you have questions about this opportunity, you can reach out to the faculty leader, Dr. Michael Curran at michael.curran1@maine.edu or the Program Manager of the THOR Institute, Emily Zider at emily.zider@maine.edu

FAQs

Students will have access to a grocery store and a few local food establishments. More information forthcoming.

By car, Fort Kent is approximately a five hour drive from Portland, four and a half from Augusta, and three and a half from Bangor. If students are attending the course from similar areas, we can try to help coordinate carpooling.

If you are interested in taking the course but are having trouble figuring out a way to get to and from Fort Kent, please let us know! We can help problem solve to try to make sure this isn’t a barrier.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is in northern Maine, very near to the Canadian border. Fort Kent, Maine is located along the St. John River in Aroostock County.

To learn more about this area, you can visit Aroostook County – Maine Tourism Association

To learn more about the University of Maine Fort Kent, you can visit University of Maine at Fort Kent – UMFK

This area is also preparing to host a major sporting event in Winter 2024 with Northern Maine to host first national collegiate championship in biathlon | Maine Public

Students will want to bring the following items: warm winter jacket, snow/ski pants (or at least heavy-duty pants and long underwear), warm mittens/gloves, winter hat, neckwarmer/scarf, sweater/fleece layers.