Introduction

 

The Institute of Arctic Studies and the Dartmouth Sustainability Office have partnered to develop an annual immersive trip to explore local, and community-led sustainable transitions in Arctic countries. Each experience offers a rich learning environment through the location, resource availability, and cultural development.

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Trip Overview

 

The trip's programming has been co-developed with the Sámi Education Institute in Inari and our partners at the Arctic Center at the University of Lapland, Rovaniemi.

 

Students will travel through Northern Finnish Lapland, above the Arctic Circle, to exchange knowledge and share cultural experiences with local partners– Educators and leaders in the Sámi reindeer herding community, Arctic researchers, Arctic policymakers, natural resource management experts, and more! The immersive nature of the trip will include outdoor activities and cross-country travel in a cold snowy climate. Aspects of the trip will center around Arctic policy, climate science, Indigenous coproduction of knowledge and community-led land-based solutions. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how green transitions affect Arctic communities and why it’s important that these changes are fair and inclusive.
 

The question is: Whose green transition is it, really?

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Eligibility

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• Participants must have previous participation in either the Arctic Innovation Scholars Program or a Sustainability Office Program (Sustainability Action Program, internships, SLC, Organic Farm, etc.) 

• Students must also be able to attend mandatory education sessions on-campus during Winter term 2026. There will be 6 hour-long sessions Tuesday Mornings 9am-10am. 

• Students must have a valid US Passport, or if you are an international student, you must have appropriate visas to travel to Finland- Please check with the OVIS office representatives if you need help determining this. 

• Be aware that travel takes place during spring break.

 

Cost 

 

An estimated $250 covers all travel expenses, programming, housing, and food for the entire duration of the trip. Need-based financial aid is available up to 100%. We work to grant aid in partnership with the Financial Aid Office after acceptance on the trip.

 

Participants should be 

 

• Be curious and self-motivated learners

• Have a demonstrated passion for sustainability or Arctic studies

• Have a sense of adventure

• Be able to cooperate with others

• Be comfortable sharing thoughts and discussing with others

• Be able to adapt to new and sometimes challenging situations that may put you outside of your comfort zone

• Engage with new cultures in a sensitive and open minded way

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*Applications are due by October 8th, 2025 at 11:59pm*