Last modified 15.3.2011 at 13:24

Circumpolar Studies widen the perspective

Text: Annika Lamberg

Students of Oulu University of Applied Sciences can get acquainted with northern affairs through the University of the Arctic. Circumpolar Studies are an interesting way to learn about north, Ulrike Nitschke thinks.

Ulrike thinks that everything in Circumpolar Studies is interesting, but the most interesting topic is arctic nature and climate.

Ulrike completed a part of her studies in Oulu UAS and took Circumpolar Studies because of a recommendation of the international co-ordinator of the School of Engineering. Ulrike is from Germany and thinks that it is enlightening to get to know cultures that are so different from Europe or Central Europe.

- I have gained a broader mind about northern areas. I have never even thought of it because it has been so far away, Ulrike tells.

The study programme is available for the students of the universities that are members of the University of the Arctic, like Oulu UAS. The studies can be done virtually or by going on the spot into another member university of UArctic. Ulrike has studied Circumpolar Studies virtually as distance learning.

- I had never before studied through internet and first it was very strange. But the course is well organised so it has worked well. We can ask anything from the teachers and the answer comes really quickly.

Käsivarsi is Finland's most popular wilderness area. There are many reasons for this, the most significant is the unique nature of the area.

Käsivarsi Wilderness Area in the north-west area of Finnish Lapland at the Midsummer time.

Extensively about circumpolar

In Circumpolar Studies you may study matters concerning the countries, people and phenomena of the northern circumpolar area. And special attention is paid to the subjects concerning indigenous people of the northern circumpolar area. The studies prepare for example for the postgraduate studies of the field, management of sustainable development, arctic engineering and tasks related to tourism in the circumpolar world.

Ulrike says that the studies started with a discussion and getting to know what is north.

- We have learnt a lot about the history, people, culture and politics of the circumpolar area. I think the most interesting has been arctic climate and nature.

Students of Oulu University of Applied Sciences can include Circumpolar Studies for example into their optional studies. When separately agreed upon, it is also possible to compensate or replace studies belonging to the curriculum with them. The studies are free of charge for the students of the member universities of the UArctic.

Useful cultural knowledge

Ulrike studies Industrial and Business Systems in Germany. She thinks that even if there is not a direct connection between technical studies and Circumpolar Studies, it is an advantage for her to have studied them.

- When doing business it is always an advantage to understand other cultures. If a company sends you abroad, you need to adapt to the culture of the country. Knowing circumpolar area is something special and definitely an advantage when applying for a job, Ulrike assures.