EXPERIENCED THE ENVIRONMENT: Students engaged in both theoretical programs and field trips during the summer course «Sustainable Blue Growth in the High North». Here in front of the Saltstraumen bridge. From left: John Natcher (Canada), Karla Vuković (Croatia), Jonas Felix Stolte (Germany) and Adil Mehmood (Pakistan). Photo: Markus Johnsen Thonhaugen.
This article is more than one year old.
The course, part of Nord Summer School 2024, focuses on sustainable value creation and resource utilization in the Arctic.
It combines theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, including visits to local businesses and natural wonders like the Svartisen glacier.
The course just received funding, securing it will run for at least two more years.
But how did it go? Meet some of the students who participated in the course this week! Watch the video and read the text version that follows right after:
From Skeptic to Enthusiast: Karla's Journey
Karla Vuković, a medical lab diagnosis student from Croatia, initially doubted the course's relevance to her field.
– I was skeptical at first because I don't know anything about economy, she admits.
However, her perspective quickly changed.
– Yeah, it's really good. It's really interesting!
Karla's experience highlights the course's broad appeal.
– I learned how to think outside of the box and I learned something new about how to grow a salmon. It's interesting!
German Student Sees Global Relevance
Jonas Felix Stolte, a German student of politics and sociology, signed up to broaden his horizons.
– I think it's quite interesting how people are developing economics with sustainability in the north, he notes.
Jonas sees the course's wider implications:
– Sustainability is important in every subject so therefore I think it really helped me to see how people are developing here.
Canadian in Norway: John's Political Science Perspective
John Natcher, a Canadian undergraduate in political science and international relations, found the course eye-opening.
– It's been amazing. We've got to see the country a lot so far. We've got to meet some really cool people and receive some amazing lectures.
John's experience has even influenced his future plans:
– I'm hoping to pursue higher education in political science or international relations and hopefully do it somewhat here in Norway.
Pakistan to Norway: Adil's Arctic Adventure
Adil Mehmood, a chemical engineering master's student from Pakistan studying in Finland, joined the course to explore Norway's natural beauty.
– I decided to join the course in order to visit Norway for the first time and also see the sustainable blue growth in High North, he explains.
His takeaway?
– Nature is very beautiful in Norway and they have done a lot to improve it and they have done a lot to conserve it. So it's really amazing.
Diverse backgrounds
The diverse backgrounds of these students - from healthcare to chemical engineering to political science - demonstrate the course's broad appeal.
– As they explore melting glaciers and salmon industry, these international students are not just learning about Arctic sustainability; they're discovering its relevance to their varied fields and future careers, associate professor Olga Iermolenko says.
With its blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences, the High North Center’s course “Sustainable Blue Growth in the High North” is proving that Arctic studies can offer something for everyone, regardless of academic background.
Want to apply next year? Eligible applicants are:
- Qualified applicants are those with active student rights at a college or university in Norway – or who have active student rights at one of the SEA-EU universities.
- SEA-EU is a European university alliance for cooperation in education and research in Europe. Members are: University of Cadiz, University of Bretagne Occidentale, Kiel University, University of Gdańsk, University of Split, University of Malta, Parthenope University of Naples, University of Algarve.
- Students with active student rights at a university in the USA, Canada, or EU/EEA with which Nord University has an exchange agreement can also apply.
Want to apply next year? Eligible applicants are:
- Qualified applicants are those with active student rights at a college or university in Norway – or who have active student rights at one of the SEA-EU universities.
- SEA-EU is a European university alliance for cooperation in education and research in Europe. Members are: University of Cadiz, University of Bretagne Occidentale, Kiel University, University of Gdańsk, University of Split, University of Malta, Parthenope University of Naples, University of Algarve.
- Students with active student rights at a university in the USA, Canada, or EU/EEA with which Nord University has an exchange agreement can also apply.
