Arctic Exposure is a new summer programme organised in cooperation by the University of Lapland and the University of Oulu. The aim of the programme is to familiarise the participants with the Arctic environment and cultures, and the changes taking place in the environment, humans and societal dialogue.

Both universities are members of the University of the Arctic (UArctic) network and have strategic focus on Arctic issues, making cooperation natural for them. The idea of the summer programme came about when Director of International Relations of the University of Lapland Outi Snellman and Rector of the University of Oulu Jouko Niinimäki were visiting the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which is famous for supporting sustainable projects focusing on climate change, for example.

“It is important to create ways to allow young people in southern latitudes to be exposed to the issues related to Europe’s far north. These are homelands with people whose lives are often defined by decisions taken elsewhere. Collaboration among universities to combine their expertise is a perfect way to create such opportunities for exposure,” comments Outi Snellman, who is also the head of the UArctic International Secretariat at the University of Lapland.

The Arctic Exposure Summer Programme takes place in three different locations: Oulu, Rovaniemi and Inari. Parallel curricula take place in Oulu and Rovaniemi for a six-day study period, after which the groups get together for a five-day excursion to the town of Inari. During the two and a half weeks, participants engage in lectures, visits to interesting locations and workshops, and finally produce a change-making final project.

The Faculty of Humanities organises the curriculum in the University of Oulu. In the University of Lapland curriculum, Arctic in change is addressed through art, intercultural communication, Arctic studies and science communication, with contributions from the Faculty of Art and Design, and the university’s Language Centre and Arctic Centre.

The multidisciplinary summer programme teaches students to see the Arctic from different perspectives and as a case of global processes. Students also learn about intercultural communication. They learn to examine critically their assumptions about other people and cultures, and learn to develop their dialogue skills. Finally, students will learn how to transform understanding into action and how to make an impact.

The application period for the summer programme is now open and runs until April 30, 2018. The programme itself will take place between August 16-31, 2018.

More information on the programme can be found from the summer programme website

and further from the University of Oulu website

Contact:

Jaana Severidt
Director of Internationalisation Services
jaana.severidt (at) ulapland.fi, p. 040 772 6510