Study abroad testimonials

Participating in the Permafrost in Arctic Societies field course in Sisimiut, Greenland, has been an enriching experience both academically and personally. Through fieldwork in Kangerlussuaq and collaboration with students from around the world, I gained hands-on experience studying permafrost thaw and its impacts on Arctic communities. Living in Sisimiut for nearly two months also allowed me to experience Greenlandic culture, local food, outdoor activities, and the surrounding Arctic landscapes. I will always remember this unique experience, made possible through the North2North program!

What would I say to students thinking about going on an exchange is that it may be scary to leave your friends, your family, your hometown, but it is so worth it. What I loved most about my exchange trip was meeting new people, exploring different cultures and learning how different people live life. If I had the chance to do it again I would.

I arrived in Tromsø, Norway, in January 2026. The polar night brought me back to a slower pace, where being outside, sleeping in, and drinking coffee are pretty much the most important thing you can do. My first months here were slow, I was adapting to my new life here. In the blink of an eye, I felt at home, surrounded by similar people (geologists/geographers) who like to be outside at all times. Before I knew it, I was skiing at my highest summits, witnessing the prettiest northern lights and knitting my first sweater. Norwegians really know what matters. I found joy in focusing on school during the week and completely escaping during the weekends! I will come back to Québec with a different set of eyes and many new tricks to implement in my daily routine! Thank you North2North for the support in this adventure!

The exchange to Tromso was wholesome and once in a lifetime. I took a semester exchange in the Nursing program and completed clinical practice at UNN hospital. Being there was a major cultural shock that slowly subsided over the course of the practicum, and the language barrier – loud and visible with colleagues and patients – got easier by the end. I would not change anything about this exchange; it was amazing, rich and rewarding. Thank you to North2north for all the financial support leading up to leaving for my exchange; you made it worthwhile. I advise everyone to apply with an open heart and an open mind because our world is in no way the same in a different corner of the world.

I love that I got the chance to live in another country and really learned and be part of a different culture than the one I was born into. I loved meeting people from all over and even made some friends who I still talk to on a daily basis. I loved Norway and I now miss it almost every day. I wish I had more time there and I hope to go back some day.

I really enjoyed my time in Finland studying at the University of Turku. I found the classes engaging and I learned a lot about the Finnish perspective on environmental issues. I met new friends from many places in Europe and made lasting connections. The University provided opportunities to travel with other exchange students and I was able to visit Lapland and the Finnish Archipeligo. I would encourage anyone who wants to travel and meet new people to join north2north exchange.

This educational journey's provided skills and memories which I will forever cherish. I have gained knowledge and experiences that I did not possess before coming on exchange. With an abundance of gratitude, I will carry these with me for a lifetime. Uncertain of what to expect upon arrival to Norway, I leave well-equipped for a future within the field of Bioscience.

My exchange was everything I could have dreamed of and more! Iceland is such a beautiful country with all these various stunning landscapes that so clearly shapes the culture of the people living there. One of the main highlights of my trip was the six day hike a friend and myself completed in August. We saw orange mountains, multicolored canyons, and over 40 waterfalls. We walked though geothermal areas, old lava fields, and across glaciers. It is the coolest hike and some of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life and n2n was instrumental in making that possible for me. The rest of my time was also filled with amazing experiences. I got to see lava in real life (safely of course), watch the northern lights dance across the night sky, swam in so many hot springs, and made some lifelong friends.

Coming from Canada, studying abroad in Bergen, Norway felt quite different from what I am used to. Bergen is surrounded by 7 mountains and the fjord; the decor is beautiful in all directions. The pace of life is really enjoyable there; nothing is rushed and everything is designed to make nature accessible and enjoyable for all. I really enjoyed hiking, swimming in the fjord, visiting beaches and lakes in the city and taking the train to visit villages in the mountains and fjords. I had never seen more beautiful sights before; it’s impossible to get bored of it. It is also so special to experience both very (very!) short days in the winter and very long days in the summer. So my advice would be to enjoy it as much as possible, to take many pictures and to stop frequently to remind yourself of the luck you have.

Without a doubt, this experience had the greatest impact on me. It allowed me to grow, evolve, and broaden my perspective on the world. Immersing myself in a new culture was incredibly enriching, and taking that leap also boosted my self-confidence. This experience will bring you so much. I can’t think of a single reason not to take the leap and go on an exchange—I promise, you’ll love it!

Last winter I was able to participate in a week long exchange to northern Finland and Norway with 13 other students and staff from other universities/colleges from Canada. This was my first and furthest time away from home. The experience was amazing as we visited other northern institutions in Finland/Norway and got to experience, learn about other northern communities who share similarities when it comes to living in northern isolated areas. Many communities we visited were so welcoming and willing to share their knowledge with us, such as the Sami communities we were very honored to visit. The experience to travel with a group of people was also amazing, as I had not travelled so far from home before. It gave me the confidence to know travel and getting myself out there more is not so scary. As well as creating meaningful, caring relationships by the end of the trip.

We met wonderful people of individuals, from students to educators and locals. Each interaction enriched my understanding of Greenlandic culture and the warmth of its people. Eating local food was very interesting us well and ate many different Greenlandic food. Seeing Greenlandic Culture was so beautiful, the rich culture of Greenland from traditional music and art to local customs. The deep connection between the people and their land was manifest and left a lasting impression on me. The landscape is very similar to (Nunavut) and it’s breathtaking natural beauty of Ilulissat especially the Ice Fiord was unforgettable. The majestic icebergs was awe-inspiring. Overall, my trip was a wonderful blend of education, cultural exchange, and stunning scenery that I will cherish forever!

I participated in a n2n Student Exchange and spent five months in Stockholm, Sweden. There I studied early childhood education and travelled around Europe and more; in total I went to eight countries. I was very forunate to have been the first person in my program to do a n2n exchange. Along the way, I made some really great friends from all over the world, whom I was able to visit in Mexico recently. And of course, I learned about the early learning system in Sweden which was inspirational and motivational. We were able to go on study visits to different preschools in Stockholm.

I had an amazing time doing my third year preceptorship in Norway. It was incredible to see another country and culture’s approach to health and healing and to have the opportunity to be a part of it.

Taking a nursing clinical semester abroad was challenging yet rewarding. Being in a new country where the main language is not English brought me out of my comfort zone. However, I appreciate the experience because it improved my intercultural communication and adaptability skills. I spent time on speciality units regarding the heart and lung, which helped me understand the Norwegian health care system and the roles of the nurse. I had the opportunity to hike, try new foods, meet some great people, and visit some extraordinary places. It was overall an amazing, once in a lifetime experience I will never forget!

As an Inuvialuk student who attended the Indigenous Governance Degree program at Yukon University online for three years, my participation in the North-to-North student exchange program was one of the few in person learning experiences I was able to have, so I am very grateful that with the support of my family, and the coordination between the Environmental Impact Screening Committee, Yukon University faculty, and my sponsor Trojer in Norway, I was able to plan and coordinate this on short notice. Being a student from the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, I was seeking an educational and cultural learning experience that could benefit both myself and my region, as we are now active reindeer managers. Even though I participated in a student exchange outside of the regular in-take period and for a shorter time than usual, I was still able to meet all the learning objectives I had. I travelled to Tromsø, Norway from my home in Inuvik, Northwest Territories to study and immerse myself in reindeer husbandry education and the programs offered by UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. My goal was to make connections with the staff and students, to study their literature, and to see if the creation of future education and training program opportunities and exchanges were possible between the Saami and Inuvialuit. During my visit, I was able to meet and have lunch with faculty members to discuss current programming and opportunities, explore reindeer literature in both an internal office archive and the university’s public library, and explore around the beautiful areas of Tromsø with my sponsor Trojer. Overall, this experience has taught me that there are many parallels between Saami and Inuvialuit culture, and there is a strong possibility for Inuvialuit students and reindeer herders to study here, and vice-versa, since the herd we have in the western arctic came directly from this area of Norway, so there is a historical connection that can be built upon if both sides want to pursue this type of cross-cultural learning in the future.

For almost a decade, I have been liaising and instructing international nursing student exchanges. Specifically, each year two Bachelor of Science in Nursing students from Aurora College go to Tromsø, Norway and shortly thereafter, two Bachelor of Nursing students from the Arctic University of Norway (UiT) come to Yellowknife for practice courses. The opportunity to do a site visit at UiT May 2023 supported in part by north2north was an invaluable experience for me; being in-person in real time for a whole week provided a wonderful opportunity to support the existing partnership. There was networking and relationship building as well as future planning including collaborative research projects. Moreover, my own “toolkit” of knowledge not only as an international coordinator and instructor for students whilst abroad, but also as a nurse and researcher were enhanced with my UiT visit; I continue to reflect on how the things I learned can/will be integrated into my work in a good way. I am grateful to north2north and my employer – the GNWT – for supporting my trip.

I participated in a N2N Faculty Exchange and traveled to Umeå, Sweden to take part in the Living in Landscape (LiLa) Summer School: an intensive summer school organized collectively between the University of Lapland, Umeå University, Nord University, and UHI Shetland. There were about twenty PhD and Master’s students in attendance. Much of the program focussed on students and faculty getting to know Umeå and the High Coast of Sweden. We visited the studio spaces of the Faculty of Arts Education in Umea University, and the Västerbotten Museum in Umea before we carpooled to the Swedish High Coast. Each day of the summer school was programmed with a hike, a walk, or a tour of one of the region’s many artist-run-centres, art studios, or folk art museums. In the evenings a team of students representing their home countries cooked national dishes for the entire group, this was certainly a highlight of the experience! Upon our return to Umeå, I was able to attend the graduation exhibition for Umeå University’s undergraduate architecture program and the MFA graduation exhibition opening hosted by the Bildmuseet contemporary art museum.

I had an excellent time at the Stockholm Resilience Centre! It was a great experience to see work practices in another institution and make connections with those working on similar research projects. I hope to be able to collaborate with them on a comparative research project in the future! A highlight was getting to participate in the "speed talks" held at their all staff meetings on Mondays - they've built a vibrant research community and culture of sharing.

My experience in Tromso, Norway was amazing! I can only say good things about the country and people who live there. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best and outdoor activities would get cancelled, but the University has so many opportunities to meet international students and are supportive. My highlight during my stay in Norway would be getting to know my roommates at the dorm I stayed in and completing my clinical placement at the hospital. It was an amazing experience at the hospital which I will never forget.

While hesitant to leave my hometown and country, I am immensely grateful I took the opportunity to study in Rovaniemi, Finland. Studying abroad gave me insight into the Finnish way of life, Sami People's history, reindeer herding and of course, sauna culture. You learn so much about yourself and where you come from when you experience a new culture. Studying abroad is stepping outside of your comfort zone. Once you do that, the possibilities are endless. You will eat amazing foreign food, go to places you never knew existed, and build relationships that will last a lifetime. I cannot stress enough how pivotal this opportunity was not only for my academic career but for my personal growth and development. I highly encourage anyone considering it, to take the leap and study abroad!

It was a fantastic experience overall. Meeting international students from all over the world enriched the semester even more. Learning about other cultures was mind-opening. It was a healthy lifestyle, and access to Nature was very close of access. The teachers there were top quality. They knew what they had to teach, and it was interactive. We did a lot of outdoor activities, which is part of Frilustliv (A Norwegian way of living). I really recommend it.

The experiences I have gained from participating in the North2North program will forever be in my heart. I have met so many amazing people from all other world, and have proved to myself how capable I am. This was a leap of faith for me, to say the least. I am proud of myself for having the courage to move to a different country, without speaking their language, and have come out a better person. The knowledge I have gained from Norway can never be taken away, and for that, I am extremely grateful. I had the best time, and as one of my amazing Norwegian instructors always said, to do things with a smile on my face.

Getting to see the stuff that I had not found, in my hours of research. And I will say being at a place is very different from reading about it. Some of the highlights that played in loop in my head from this time period were learning more about the Sami people, the staple architecture of Sweden and trying Glogg. As well as that, this was the time I was introduced to a variety of different people who gave me even more perspectives on Sweden. Moreover, I had the incredible luck of having my exchange overlap with the announcements and celebrations of the nobel prize awards. The memory of walking the city art exhibition in tribute to the winners with my friends is a memory I feel I will hold on to for a prolonged period of time. I would definitely recommend the north2north to anyone reading this testimonial. I had so many great experiences and a lot of time for my own character building.

I was not sure what to expect from my exchange, I had a lot of contact with the hosts in the two Universities that I was to attend but you never know what you are in for. Now that I am back, I couldn't have had a better experience or better hosts. You could get a lot of the information from Google but there is nothing more enriching than emerging yourself in another culture, meeting people that are doing similar jobs to you and getting the nuances of an institution. Not only did I get to discuss the similar programs that we offer, services for students but similar issues that we face, a world away from one another. Going into the exchange without a true knowledge of what I was in for I would say that it couldn't have been more successful. The people I met with were so knowledgeable, kind and welcoming. I feel like I have come away with so much enthusiasm for what is ahead. There are so many students and staff that are interested in perusing an exchange and I only have excitement for these prospects.

I would highly recommend a N2N staff exchange to my colleagues throughout the UArctic Network, as the opportunity enabled a rich and meaningful exchange with the host institution. Aurora College staff prioritized my visit, made time for me in their schedules, provided a very warm, inclusive welcome and ensured my goals for the exchange were met. The learning outcomes were invaluable and could not have been achieved had we only had the chance to connect via Teams rather than in person.

Early Learning and Childcare studies on study aboard program University of Umeå , Sweden I’m truly grateful for the amazing people; friends, Educators, and everyone that put so much effort into making this whole experience an amazing one. Going on this trip has expanded my knowledge on how the early education system works in the Scandinavian countries. I have learnt many practices that I have brought back to my instructors and institute. I am truly honored to have been able to visit, learn about their Indigenous Sami culture and the challenges they have overcome in revitalizing their languages. Thanks to the North2North program and my home institute Aurora College located in Yellowknife I was able to have an experience of a lifetime. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful opportunity.

The opportunity this exchange gave myself and my family was both life-affirming and challenging. As a youth I wanted to participate in a student exchange, but finances were a significant barrier. As an adult and single parent, I considered my opportunity to experience education overseas had passed. On a whim I attended an information session for the north2north exchange and learned about the ‘non-traditional exchange participants’ as a factor in the selection criteria. After many questions which my exchange coordinator Faye Canty patiently answered, I decided to apply and was both pleasantly shocked and slightly overwhelmed when I was chosen to be a participant, as the experience would also include my children. This exchange experience has redirected the goals for both me and my family. We were immersed in another culture that also shared a northern experience of life, but witnessed and experienced how those challenges were met in unique and different ways. This has altered the way I see my own future as a social worker and advocate in my home community and the Yukon. For example, I gained knowledge and experience with how well the Swedish culture nurtured creativity and safe spaces for youth. I was also able to contribute new perspectives at my exchange university/community and often challenged the views, not only of my fellow classmates but also instructors, on their own experiences, and biases, especially regarding Indigenous land rights and environmental concerns with sustainable tourism. For my children, the challenge of living and learning in a new environment was stressful at first but has helped them grow in patience and even given direction for my eldest who now plans to attend Yukon University and apply for her own exchange experience. I cannot stress enough that this opportunity, to consider exchange applicants outside of the usual demographic, is such an opportunity for not only the participants, but for the northern communities from which they come from. As an adult student, with my previous experiences in life, work, and education, I feel I have the drive and ambition to take this new knowledge and implement these ideas in ways that traditional exchange students (often with years of education and learning the ropes of government/career and work culture still ahead of them) may not consider. That this particular exchange included my family was almost a 3 for 1 deal in educational opportunities, as this experience has also altered the way my children view the northern world and their place in it.

I can’t even pinpoint where to start but my feeling of gratitude is overflowing, and I think it always will be. I’m truly grateful for the amazing people; friends I met and made along the way, this whole student exchange wouldn’t have been the same if I didn’t meet all of them. I’m grateful for the lessons learned, solitude enjoyed, and stories shared. I feel beyond blessed to have gotten the chance to meet more parts of myself, I didn’t even know existed. Up until now, it still feels like a dream that I’ve gotten the opportunity to study in Stockholm and that I visited other countries in Europe that I’ve always wanted to see! Words cannot describe this beautiful journey that I was in, more so of my own growth. I’ll forever bring these sweet Swedish memories and embarked adventures in Europe, wherever I go. From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank north2north and my home university (Yukon University), for this wonderful opportunity. It truly was an adventure of a lifetime!

Going on this exchange broadened my understanding of how a learning institution could provide academic and student supports. It was especially inspiring to visit the Sami University and see how their institution was empowering and strengthening their Indigenous culture. I'm very grateful to have had this opportunity and have been applying some of these progressive teachings to my University.

I had an incredibly warm welcome by all the faculty and staff at UiT. I developed connection and contacts for future collaborations in northern health teaching and research.