Students Reflect on the High North Dialogue Academy: 'A Truly Enriching Experience'

The High North Dialogue Academy is a unique educational initiative organized by the High North Center for Business and Governance at Nord university in Bodø.

It is designed to bring together young people from around the world to discuss and explore contemporary and future issues in the Arctic.

This year, the Academy was a part of the Arctic Congress Bodø 2024. The Academy's focus on scenario planning, coupled with its emphasis on cultural understanding and practical exposure, was highly appreciated by the participants.

Here, three participants reflect on their experience:

Wen Xibei, China

A two-time visitor, Wen Xibei holds master's degrees from both China and Nord University in Bodø. Specializing in global management and international governance, Wen found the academy to be an excellent platform for dialogue.

– It's a very good platform for people who are interested in the Arctic, Wen remarked.

I think it's really a good platform for all of us.

She particularly appreciated the opportunity to gain a more comprehensive view of the region, noting how her perspective on places like Mo i Rana has evolved through her participation.

– I didn't like it [Mo i Rana], to be honest. But now, I started to love it because I noticed the story behind it, she explained.

This transformation came through exposure to music, culture, and the real-life stories of industrial workers as well as increased knowledge about the Sámi people.

Frida Omø Leth Bak, Denmark

Frida, currently pursuing a master's in peace and conflict transformation in Tromsø, praised the academy's diversity.

– They've tried really hard to mix a lot of different nationalities, but also different backgrounds, she observed.

This variety, from politics students to reindeer experts, created a rich learning environment.

I think it's been very good.

The program's blend of theoretical learning and practical experiences stood out to Frida.

– We've had a task of building scenarios for the Arctic, but then also a lot of visits and like actually going out and seeing, meeting people from the area, she explained.

Lily Payton, United States

Hailing from Washington D.C., Lily's journey to Arctic studies began in Montreal and led her to a career in city innovation.

She valued the academy's mix of perspectives, from Arctic natives to newcomers like herself.

Lily found the scenario planning exercise particularly challenging and rewarding this year.

– I think it's really fun to push yourself, and get out of your mindset.

Lily expressed excitement about the intersection of academic perspectives and practical applications of the Arctic Congress.

– Seeing the merge of academic perspectives.

The Academy has been really great.

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Read more stories from the High North Center:

• Student's Skepticism Turned to Enthusiasm in Bodø: – It’s really good!
• This Year’s ‘High North Hero’ Envisions a Peaceful Future for the Arctic
• Students Won Award: These worms could solve a global problem

Also - check out the official Arctic Congress Bodø 2024 Aftermovie:

Disclaimer: This article's first draft was created using AI tools and the editor's own notes, with oversight ensuring accuracy and quality. Contact editor.