Great International Interest Towards Summer Studies in Northern Norway 

The summer studies at Nord University in Bodø, Northern Norway, are taking place this week, and students from several continents are now gathering in the North Norwegian town for academic studies, excursions and friendly meetings. 

Nord Summer School has seen enormous growth in recent years. From around 30 students three years ago and 40 people last year, there are as many as 126 registered this year. 

"These are absolutely incredible figures. Interest has been high, with nearly 300 applicants. There are far more applicants than those who were offered a spot," says international coordinator Sandra Wiik from the Nord University Business School. 

Wiik is part of the working group that has planned and coordinated the admission of the international students, who come from a total of 17 countries. 

What lies behind the large increase?

"It is a combination of factors, but we believe some of it is because we are now in our third year, and previous participants have been very satisfied and have shared this with others. In addition, many of the courses are Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs)  within the EU programme Erasmus+. There is additional funding available here, such as grants, which provide extra incentives and financial help to participate," Wiik explains.

Nice with 14 degrees and rain 

How important do you think the Arctic dimension is for the students’ choice? 

"It probably matters quite a bit, and is at least one way we distinguish ourselves from other universities. Much of what we do, both in teaching and research, is shaped by the context of where we live and work; here in Northern Norway, she says," adding: 

"For many, it is also about experiencing something different and something new. With the heatwave in Europe as a backdrop, I think many are also happy to head north to 14 degrees and rain. We have already heard several people say quite clearly that it was nice to come here now."

Wiik is also clear that the Nord Summer School is an opportunity for the university to showcase itself. 

"It is important for us to be present on the international stage and to offer this type of education. We are showing Europe and the rest of the world what we can offer here. For those who come to us, an important aspect is about understanding what is happening in the North. Many of the topics are precisely about how different things affect the High North."

At the same time, she says there is a long-term ambition to show the opportunities that exist in and around Bodø as well.

"For many, this could perhaps be a place where they apply for jobs, live and pursue further education in the future."

From Portugal to the Arctic

At Nord University, High North News meets, among others, student André Torres (21) from Brazil.

Eight years ago, he moved to Portugal and now studies at the University of Algarve. He is currently taking a Master's degree in Taxation. 

"I really want to learn more about the Arctic," says Torres when we ask why he chose to come to Bodø specifically for summer studies. 

"I have always wanted to visit and I saw this as a good opportunity to learn more about how things work here, the university and how the locals live here," he says. 

What are you looking forward to during this week?

"Getting to know people and also to learn about the economics; how it works here. For instance, whether there are any similarities between the tourism here and what we have in Portugal."

Coming back to the Arctic

We also meet student Noelle King (25), who originally comes from Connecticut in the US, but is now studying for a PhD at Mary Immaculate College at the University of Limerick in Ireland.  

She studies blue economy and her research focuses on aquaculture. 

"I heard about the summer studies through one of my supervisors and I wanted to go last year, but couldn't. I heard it was happening again this year and it worked out. I am really interested!" King says. 

"A lot of my research has been very academic. Here I saw that there were opportunities to hear from the industry itself. Getting that aspect is really cool," she adds. 

Was the Arctic dimension important to you in making your choice? 

"Yes, absolutely. I have been to Iceland to do research for my Master's degree. I also attend the Arctic Circle conference in Reykjavik almost every year."

"Any chance I get to go to the Arctic and learn more is really interesting to me," she says.

Learning more

Ella Welander (23) from Stockholm also says that the Arctic aspect was what particularly drew her northwards to the course in Bodø. 

For the past three years, she has studied marine science with a specialisation in chemistry at the University of Gothenburg. The summer course she is taking in Bodø provides an opportunity to broaden her horizons and understand the ocean in a wider perspective, she says. 

"One of the main reasons I wanted to come here was to experience the Arctic areas, and not least to explore our neighbouring country Norway. The scenery here is absolutely fantastic. The train journey here from Trondheim was incredible," Welander adds with a smile. 

During the week in Bodø, she is looking forward to getting to know the other students and seeing the Bodø surroundings.

"It is exciting that everyone comes from so many different places," she emphasises. 

Living in the north

Although the three students have not had time to see much of the city so far, we ask whether they could imagine living in Bodø or the High North. 

"I am used to slightly bigger places, but I would probably find it very pleasant if I were to be here," replies Welander from Sweden.

Andre Torres from Brazil suspects that it might perhaps get a little too cold. 

Noelle King from the US says she could very well imagine living up here. 

"If I could, it would be really cool. I might need a few short trips to more southern places in the winter. At the same time, I really liked what they talked about in the presentation this morning about the concept of “cosy time” during winter, she says, and continues: 

"I think if I could figure out how to do that, this would be the perfect place to live." 

"In addition, I think the size of the city is perfect. I landed at the airport and actually walked to the hotel and just hopped on a bus. It was so connected and easy."

"The whole package"

Welander, King and Torres are all participants in the summer course Sustainable Blue Growth in the High North, which is led by Associate Professor Olga Nicole Ermann and Adviser Elena Sæther from the High North Center at the Nord University Business School.

What will you be covering this week? 

"We will be talking about blue growth and the blue economy, how we can take care of ocean resources so that the next generation can have the same opportunities as well, for instance when it comes to aquaculture," explains Ermann. 

"We will also be visiting companies in the maritime industry, including within aquaculture who can talk about developments in Nordland county. This is, after all, a large and important industry here in this county," she points out. 

What do you think is the most important thing about this course and the Nord Summer School?

"I think this puts us on the map. We see that several of the students who take these shorter courses come back, for example to do a full semester. Many enjoy this week so much that they want to experience the whole package afterwards."

"The theme we are running is also highly relevant. Norway has so much experience that must be shared with the rest of the world, and that is exactly what we are trying to do," Ermann concludes. 

High North News is an independent newspaper published by the High North Center at the Nord University.