Month: May 2023

“Next to nothing. Close to everything. This is Arctic living.”

This is the slogan that Alta has as a destination. Even though Alta is one of the most remote cities in the Arctic it definitely is one of the prettiest.

The pictures that the students have posted look like they were made in the middle of nowhere but actually, they are made in one of the most beautiful places on earth, in Alta, Norway. This can be seen very well in the picture posted by @clemalta_sm

A very small amount, barely more than nothing at all. This expression uses ‘next to’ in the sense of “almost,” a usage dating from the seventeenth century, as in “She ate next to nothing,” or “I earned next to nothing last year.” Except for the beautiful nature and the many many trees that can be seen, this is what next to nothing and close to everything means in the Arctic according to @claraaaa_inalta.

@evainalta ‘s and @clemalta_sm pictures (again) are ultimately characterized by the definition that was given to the term Arctic living, “adaptation to short growing seasons with long periods of sunlight, and to cold, dark, snow-covered winter conditions.”

If you want to get more insights into the lives of students beyond the Arctic Circle or share your own experience, use the hashtag #arcticstudent

If you have any ideas or inspirations on what to post on our blog, please send a mail to either one of these mail addresses.

aku051@uit.no

atu026@uit.no

Greetings from the Arctic Students! 🙃

In the Arctic, people study a wide variety of professions, but the most popular undergraduate programs for international students are somehow related to the tourism industry.

🌍💚🌿

An important topic to study is the ethical side of the tourism industry. Ethical tourism, ethical travel or ethical tourism behavior is about a sense of responsibility, about sustainability and about the impact on the environment, local communities and cultural heritage. This is about a conscious choice, thanks to which any negative consequences of tourism are minimized.

Ethical tourism includes various principles and practices, including:

• Environmental responsibility
• Respect for local cultures
• Support for local communities
• Preservation of cultural heritage
• Responsible engagement with wildlife
• Awareness and education

For example, @clemalta_sm says: “Everyone has a different opinion for ethical tourism. For me, it means that no animal should be abused, nature must be respected and not overexploited, the cultural norms should not be changed for the tourists.”

“An ethical tourist cares about the consequences of his actions on the environment, the local population and her economy : becoming an ethical tourist is a journey, not a destination” by opinion of @claraaaa_inalta

Other our student @evainalta think: “Ethical tourism is being respectful of the places we visit and their population, it’s also supporting small/local businesses and making sustainable choices in order to minimize our impact on the environment”

In general, ethical tourism involves respect, empathy and responsibility towards the environment, local communities and cultural heritage. If you want to learn more about ethical tourism – apply for tourism study programs at the UiT The Arctic University of Norway! And you will not only learn some fascinating statistics on the subject, but you will also be able to be part of the solution! 🌿

more info by #arcticstudent 

Sharing and giving advice to future tourists based on theirs own experiences for Outdoor Arctic activities

Dog sledding in Northern Norway is one of the main winter activities. It is a great opportunity to explore the winter wonderland with strong and loving dog companions by your side. It is an experience that is both visually and spiritually pleasing. It is also possible to spot some northern lights when riding during the dark. Best time for dog sledding is February March but I recommend March. If you visit Holmen husky during the time of finnmarksløpet you can also go on some part of the Finnmarksløpet trail as they use some parts of the same trail! If you’re lucky you can come across some racers! As an animal lover, my next recommendation is also about dogs! During the summer seasons it is possible on some dog kennels to work or volunteer as a summer job. This is an amazing opportunity to have an active holiday and spend it with fluffy friends! Last recommendation from me is… of course animal related again! Swimming with orcas that is! Valhalla Orca Expeditions allows you to swim with orcas! Who would have imagined! It is an amazingly magical experience that you can never forget

Figur 1 Dog sledding in Arctic narute (source: pinterest)

For those who enjoy the outdoors and want to experience the local culture fully, picking blueberries in Northern Norway during the summer is a delightful experience. The area is well-known for its virgin forests and stunning scenery, making it the ideal location for anyone looking for a tranquil escape. The best time to pick blueberries is during the season, which usually lasts from late July to early September. Visitors may either go on guided excursions or go picking on their own. Visitors may take in the clean air, breathtaking landscape, and the satisfaction of gathering their own food while picking. There are some helpful suggestions that you should keep in mind if you want to have a pleasant blueberry vacation. The best time to pick blueberries is in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not at its strongest. And Bringing the right equipment is useful stuff as a container with a lid, such as a plastic bucket or a Tupperware container, is perfect for collecting blueberries. Importantly, respect the environment and Remember that you’re a guest in nature. Be mindful of your surroundings, avoid littering, and do not damage the plants or the environment. 

Figur 2 Picking blueberry (Source: Pinterest)

Hiking and camping in Northern Norway can be an incredible experience for you! This area is full of stunning landscapes and natural beauties like fjords and towering mountains. 

One of the most popular hiking destinations are Hesten and Skaland in Senja island. Hesten is considered as a quite challenging trail with a moderate climb but I hiked there without preparation in normal shape and I believe you can do so. The trail is a 5.3-km out-and-back. While hiking there you’ll encounter the best viewpoint on a small yet steep mountain Segla and two astonishing fjords: Mefjorden and Ørnfjorden. When to visit: May-September. If you’re planning on going there in May, bring waterproof boots cuz there’s still snow. I’m sure you’re gonna love this. Camping at Riddu Riddu festival (July 12-16, 2023), Olmmáivággi. The program is full of events, you can enjoy the spirit of nature and Indigenous culture on the campsite, it’s for free but bring your own tent. This is an amazing opportunity to get in touch with Sámi culture.

Figur 3 Hiking trip to Senja