Vivostudier

Vivostudier is a neologism used in educational discourse to denote an approach to learning that treats life experience as an integral part of study. The term does not have an established formal definition in major dictionaries or in mainstream pedagogy, but it appears in blogs, course descriptions, and discussion forums as a way to describe practices that combine living with learning.

Etymology and usage: The word is commonly interpreted as a portmanteau drawing from life-related roots such as vivo/vivre and study-related roots such as estudiar/étudier or study, signaling a synthesis of living and studying. It is sometimes framed as an invitation to pursue knowledge through real-world engagement rather than through isolated coursework.

In practice, vivostudier may refer to curricula or learning approaches that integrate project work, internships, community involvement, travel, or personal inquiry with formal study. Proponents argue that it supports lifelong learning, promotes interdisciplinarity, and fosters reflective, self-directed inquiry.

Critics note that because the term lacks a standardized definition, its meaning can vary by context and may overlap with established concepts such as experiential learning, problem-based learning, or autodidacticism.

See also: lifelong learning, experiential learning, self-directed learning, autodidacticism, informal learning.