First study abroad circumpolar exchanges are a success

WHITEHORSE, YT—Three students and one faculty member from Yukon University have spent several months in Norway and Sweden this year thanks to the north2north mobility program through the University of the Arctic.  

Bachelor of Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences student Pearl Carpina spent four months immersed in Swedish culture as she studied at Stockholm University. Carpina grew to love the daily ritual of fika—sharing coffee and some food with friends and colleagues—as well as delicacies like semla, a sweet bun filled with almond paste and cream. 

“This experience was transformational. I’m so grateful. The highlights for me were all the amazing people I met, the new friends I made along the way and learning from their perspectives,” said Carpina. “On top of exploring Sweden, I also visited Greece and Romania during Easter break and then as the exchange wrapped up, took a Eurail pass to see Spain, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Crete—so many places I’ve dreamed of seeing.” 

Indigenous Governance chair and faculty developer Hillarie Zimmermann spent a month visiting UIT the Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø and University of Umeå in Sweden to learn from their approaches towards faculty development and support.  

“Alongside building connections with peers at both universities, I picked up several innovative approaches to incorporating multimedia resources into teaching as well as ways to implement more supports for faculty research including communities of practice and mentorship,” said Zimmermann. 

The next deadline for north2north applications is September 16. Visit the Study Abroad webpage to learn more or email studyabroad@yukonu.ca with any questions.  

Photo credit: Elina Nomade, Stockholm, Sweden.

Domestic students, staff and faculty at Yukon University, Aurora College and Nunavut Arctic College have opportunities to learn firsthand about life in another northern region through the University of the Arctic’s north2north program.  

Successful applicants receive a scholarship to support to study and share knowledge at north2north member Institutions throughout Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, the United States, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. This opportunity is made possible by funding through Global Affairs Canada.